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The human verbal code evolved from a system of nonlinguistic (nonverbal) communication. To be sure, language and communication are not the same. As humans we possess a host of nonlinguistic ways to communicate with each other through the use of their hands, arms, face, and personal space. When we combine verbal and nonverbal language, we create an intricate communication system through which humans come to know and understand each other. All animals interact nonlinguistically—that is, nonverbally—through sight, sound, smell, or touch. Moths, for example, communicate by smell and color. Through smell, some species of male moths can detect female moths miles away. Elephants communicate with low frequency sound waves undetectable by humans. Felines are well known for rubbing their scent on (marking) people and objects to communicate their ownership of such property. This kind of animal or nonlinguistic communication is probably innate and invariant within a particular species. Most scholars also recognize that a significant portion of our nonverbal behavior, such as the facial expression of certain emotions, is innate and varies little across cultures. Like verbal language, however, much of our nonverbal communication is learned and varies across cultures.

1. Audio Link: How Different Cultures Handle Personal Space

Description: In Chapter Eight (and also in Chapter Four), personal space is discussed and how culture influences our perception and use of personal space. In the National Public Radio broadcast, National Public Radio Reporters Leila Fadel and Lourdes Garcia-Navarro discuss their recent trips to Cairo, Egypt and Sao Paulo, Brazil and how these two different cultures treat personal space.

2. Video Link: You Can Touch My Hair, a Short Film

Description: In Chapter Eight, Physical Appearance and Haptics are discussed. How people present themselves physically and how much touch is allowed (high versus low contact) varies considerably across cultures. In the video, titled You Can Touch My Hair, African-American women discuss their personal experiences with how people react to their hair.

3. Web Link: Exploring Nonverbal Communication

Description: After reading Chapter Eight, how much have you learned about nonverbal communication? At the UCSC website, you can take several online quizzes that will test your knowledge about nonverbal communication.