INDONESIA VS GERMANY NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Dian Riza Pratiwi

1105111478

REPORT

INDONESIA VS GERMANY

NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Non-Verbal Communication: Speaking Without Words

Non-verbal communication or “silent” communication including the use of gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, touch, the use of space and time, and conversational distance. Non-verbal communication is often to communicate words with more meaning than just the spoken words. In cross cultural field, if we don’t know more about non-verbal communications, it can easily make misunderstanding and sometimes cause insulting for each other in different culture. So, we should know more about characteristics or etiquette non-verbal communication from each country with its own culture. 

As we know, there are so many countries that have their own way to communicate each other such as verbal and nonverbal communication. In cross culture, the foreigner should learn the way of communication in the country where they want to stay for a long time. In this case, I want to show the discussion about types of nonverbal communication in Germany. And I will compare it with types of non verbal communication in Indonesia. We will see what are differences and similarities that Germany and Indonesia has. Based on the observation in some sources, this case will focus with some aspects, such as: gesture, eye contact and facial expression, and use of time.

 

Nonverbal communication- Indonesia vs Germany

 

Differences and similarities

 

No	Aspects of nonverbal communication	Differences		Similarities
		Indonesia	Germany	Indonesia and Germany
1.	Hand Gesture	· Indonesia uses their index finger to point something and also using it to start numbering as number “one.” · To say goodbye, Indonesians usage differs way from German, they raise their hand upward with their palm out and wave their hands.  And it also uses to say “No.” · Indonesian is shacking hand in the beginning and ending the meeting. And also do it when the job doing well (give congratulation).	· In gestures, German usage differs from the common in Indonesia. German used their little finger to point something. · Germans usually starts numbering their “thumb” as number “one.” This is can cause confusion for foreigners when ordering drinks in German bar, when in many countries including Indonesia that usual to use the index finger. · To say goodbye, Germans raise their hand upward, with their palm out and wave their fingers up and down. But, they didn’t waggle their hand back and forth, because it means “No.” ·  In business condition, shaking hands is important at the beginning and ending of a meeting. Shaking a woman’s hands first, but waits for her to extend her hand before he does. · If Germany people unable to shake everyone’s hand, they will rape his knuckles lightly on the table to signal his or her greeting to everyone.	· Generally, Both Indonesia and German are impolite to shake someone's hand with our other hand in our pocket. And a handshake may be accompanied with a slight bow and a good eye contact.
2.	Body language and facial expression	· Indonesians are normally smile to others including foreigner to express politeness and friendlily. It is not just with close friend or family.	· Germans do not normally smile to express politeness as is common in Indonesian. Smiles are used for close friends and family only.	· In Indonesia also Germany, after shaking hands, they slightly bow, then keep eye contact with the partner. Lack of eye contact is rude. · Germans value direct eye contact especially during face-to-face conversations, seeing it as a sign of honesty and interest in the discussion, including Indonesian. A person who does not look using the eye is like as untrustworthy and have weak character. · Germany can’t sit before invited. It seems similar with Indonesian culture.
3.	The use of time	· Indonesian can’t be punctual (on time).	· Being punctual. They respect time so much.