Aims of the study
The study is aimed at investigating hand gesture used by American and Vietnamese people in nonverbal communication Therefore, the following objectives need fulfilling The study is to:
-identify common hand gestures used by American and Vietnamese people in communication
-figure out the meanings of hand gesture in the implication of teaching English at HPU
-find out the challenges that HPU students encounter when using hand gestures in non-verbal communication.
The research questions
-What are the common hand gestures used by American and Vietnamese people
-What is the difference in using hand gestures in Vietnam and America? -What challenges do HPU students encounter when using hand gestures in non-verbal communication.
Scope of the study
Due to the limit of time and ability, the study is focused on six common hand gestures but it cannot cover all the hand gestures used by American and
Vietnamese people Moreover, the study is restricted its application to teaching English at HPU.
Method of study
This graduation paper employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze hand gestures among American and Vietnamese individuals The quantitative approach involves statistical analysis to identify common hand gestures and assess their frequency in communication among HPU students, highlighting their significance A survey questionnaire is utilized to gather insights into HPU students' habits and attitudes towards hand gesture usage Conversely, the qualitative method aims to emphasize the overall importance of hand gestures in communication, particularly for HPU students.
Design of study
The study is divided into four main parts:
This study explores the selected topic due to its relevance and significance in the current context, aiming to address key research questions The scope encompasses a thorough examination of the subject matter, utilizing various research methods to ensure comprehensive analysis and insights.
The second part of the article focuses on development and is divided into three chapters The first chapter offers a theoretical background, equipping readers with essential knowledge about nonverbal communication, particularly emphasizing the significance of hand gestures in everyday life.
The following chapter examines the similarities and differences in common hand gestures between Vietnam and the United States Additionally, it explores and analyzes the use and understanding of hand gestures among HPU students.
The third chapter explores the significance of hand gestures in English language instruction, highlighting their role in enhancing communication and engagement The conclusion synthesizes the findings from earlier sections, providing a comprehensive summary of the study's insights and implications for effective teaching practices.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Nonverbal Communication
According to Knapp (1972) non-verbal communication just demonstratesactions and expressions without using words, these meaningful things areshown Therefore, non-verbal communication describes
Non-verbal communication encompasses all forms of interaction that go beyond spoken or written language, but it is not fully defined by this description alone Various authors offer differing perspectives on the nature and significance of non-verbal communication.
Non-verbal communication, often referred to as the "silent language," encompasses gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and conversational distance, as noted by Levine and Adelman (1993) While body language and certain aspects of environmental cues are highlighted, they alone do not provide a comprehensive understanding of non-verbal communication.
One more general viewed by Dwyer (2000) is that non-verbal communicationcovers all parts of a message that are not encoded by words; for example:voice, presence or gesture and motion
Nonverbal communication is the process of conveying messages without the use of spoken or written words It encompasses various elements such as voice pitch, speed, tone, and volume, along with gestures, facial expressions, body posture, stance, proximity to the listener, eye movements, contact, and overall dress and appearance.
According to fundamental information, nonverbal communication can be identified with the following categories: gesture, posture, eyes contact, paralaguage, facial expression, touching and space
Gestures can enhance verbal communication and also convey meaning in the absence of speech, utilizing movements of the face, arms, legs, and feet (McNeil, 1992).
In "Nonverbal Communication Across Cultures," Nguyen Quang defines gestures as movements of the arms, legs, and body that enhance or substitute verbal communication, helping to emphasize points, convey emotions, and express thoughts.
Gestures are powerful body actions that can convey meaning as effectively, if not more so, than verbal communication They play a crucial role in capturing the listener's attention and enriching interactions Without gestures, our communication would be static and lacking in vibrancy.
Looking up the definition of posture in the Oxford Dictionary, we finds:
Posture refers to the alignment and positioning of a person's body while standing or sitting While dictionary definitions provide a basic understanding, they often lack insight into the complex mechanisms that govern posture.
Posture serves as a mirror of the various systems within our body, shaped by limited functional patterns, as noted by Ron Hruska Jr., MPA, PT (2000) These patterns significantly influence our capacity to breathe, rotate, and maintain symmetry during rest.
However, in this paper, posture is defined roughly as body language and stance Posture can provide a significant amount of important information on nonverbal communication and emotional cues
We can describe different posture as formal, relaxed, rigid, defendsive, agressive, suggestive, sexy, slouched and awkard
Bad posture, such as slouching, jaw thrusting, and crossing arms, can reveal negative feelings and attitudes toward others In contrast, good posture, characterized by standing erect and leaning forward, signals approachability, receptiveness, and friendliness.
Most of dictionaries showed that eyes contact occurs when two people look at each other's eyes at the same time
According to the author of Evenesis Blogs, eye contact plays a crucial role in communication, serving as an essential aspect of body language Beyond verbal communication, our body language conveys significant messages, often accounting for a larger portion of our overall communication skills Consequently, our eyes express a wealth of information about us and our interactions with others.
In this graduation paper, we explore how eye contact serves as a vital form of nonverbal communication, significantly shaped by social behavior The eyes convey the attitudes and emotions of communication partners, highlighting their importance in interpersonal interactions.
People often avoid making direct eye contact when they have something to hide, which is a behavior that law enforcement uses to assess truthfulness Conversely, maintaining eye contact can indicate interest and attentiveness, especially towards someone we like.
Facial expressions consist of various movements and positions of facial muscles that communicate an individual's emotional state to others As a key form of nonverbal communication, facial expressions play a crucial role in conveying social information among humans and are also observed in many mammals and other animal species.
Human faces are highly expressive, using features like the eyes, eyebrows, and mouth to convey a wide range of emotions Feelings such as anger, happiness, hurt, disgust, confusion, and boredom can all be effectively communicated through facial movements.
Touch is a crucial form of nonverbal communication, particularly in infancy and early childhood Research, including Harry Harlow's groundbreaking monkey study, highlights that a lack of touch and contact can severely hinder development Baby monkeys raised by wire mothers showed lasting deficits in behavior and social skills Through touch, individuals can convey emotions such as affection, familiarity, and sympathy, underscoring its importance in human interaction.
Common hand gestures used by Vietnamese and American people
Non-verbal communication is crucial in both Vietnamese and American cultures, serving to complement and enhance verbal language, as well as occasionally replacing spoken words entirely.
A survey conducted among students from the English Department at Hai Phong Private University revealed several common hand gestures used in both Vietnam and America These gestures include the handshake, thumbs up, thumbs down, V sign, pointing finger, crossed fingers, and finger snapping.
However, with the own cultures in different countries, we may find both similarities and differences in the meaning of hand gestures used by Vietnamese and American people
The handshake, a gesture that has been practiced for thousands of years, likely originated as a means to demonstrate peaceful intentions between strangers By extending their empty right hands, individuals could signify that they were unarmed and held no malice Some theories suggest that the up-and-down motion of the handshake aimed to dislodge any concealed weapons, while others view it as a symbol of good faith in making oaths or promises Historian Walter Burkert noted that while agreements can be verbally expressed, they gain significance through the ritual of a handshake, where open, weaponless hands grasp each other, solidifying a sacred bond.
Source:https://www.morganmckinley.com.au/article/all-important-first- handshake
A handshake is a universally recognized greeting or farewell gesture where two individuals clasp each other's hands, typically involving a brief up-and-down motion.
In Western cultures, particularly in the United States, a handshake serves as a universal greeting in both social and business contexts It is viewed as an effective way to connect with strangers and establish mutual understanding Additionally, handshakes symbolize unity; in business and politics, leaders often engage in firm handshakes to convey welcome and trust in their professional relationships.
In Vietnam, traditional greetings involve joining hands and bowing slightly, though in urban areas, some men have adopted the Western custom of shaking hands Vietnamese women typically do not shake hands with each other or with men from the Vietnam War, but it is acceptable for them to shake hands with non-Vietnamese men Additionally, it is common for Vietnamese people to avoid shaking hands with seniors or those of higher rank In modern urban settings, young men and women often greet each other with a handshake When parting ways, it is customary to either shake hands or bow slightly, and when greeting someone in authority, both hands should be clasped.
We have some different type of hand shake such as: the dead fish, the bone-crusher, the two handed-shake and the right handshake
The "sloppy dishcloth" handshake, often referred to as the dead fish handshake, is perceived as a sign of weak character, coldness, insincerity, and a lack of commitment In Vietnam, this type of handshake may be common, but in America, it can be considered disrespectful and even offensive, especially if accompanied by sweaty hands.
Source photo: https://www.director.co.uk/7497-news-what-your-handshake- says-28-june-2015/
The bone-crusher handshake, characterized by one person squeezing the other's hand firmly enough to cause discomfort, is often perceived as an intimidating gesture While not intentionally meant to test strength, this type of handshake commonly occurs between men in Vietnam, signaling dominance or aggression in social interactions.
Source photo: http://profimpressions.com/blog/5-worst-business-handshakes- business-etiquette/
The two-handed handshake involves grasping one hand of the other person and placing the other hand on top, creating a comforting enclosure Commonly used among politicians, this handshake conveys warmth, friendliness, honesty, and trustworthiness However, it is advisable to avoid this gesture in business settings unless you are certain that the other person understands its meaning.
Source photo: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-image- professor/200912/got-handshake-the-silent-communicator
The 'thumbs-up' and 'thumbs-down' gestures, widely recognized today, trace their origins back to the gladiatorial contests of ancient Rome, where the crowd's gestures determined the fate of losing fighters, symbolizing approval and disapproval.
According to Anthony Corbeill, a Latin professor at the University of Virginia and author of a book on ancient Roman gestures, we lack video evidence from antiquity, relying instead on verbal and sculptural references He explains that gestures like "sparing," which involves pressing the thumb to the top of the fist, and "death," represented by a thumbs-up, actually convey meanings contrary to modern interpretations.
The historical ambiguity surrounding the thumb-pressing gesture highlights the challenges in tracing the evolution of body language According to Corbeill, the Latin phrase for this gesture, "pollices premere," translates to "press your thumbs," and was noted by Pliny the Elder as a common expression of good wishes However, the term "premere" in Latin is as ambiguous as the English word "press," as it can refer to a thumb that presses or is pressed, making the gesture's meaning unclear.
The thumbs-up gesture, known as the infestus pollex or hostile thumb in ancient texts, served as a kill signal in antiquity According to Corbeill, the thumb was perceived as a hostile gesture, akin to the middle finger today, representing a threat Historical references include a poem depicting a crowd signaling unfavorably towards a gladiator with an upturned thumb, reinforcing the notion that this gesture symbolized disapproval or hostility.
Historically, the thumbs-up gesture has been primarily associated with Latin, where a thumb extended from the hand was often interpreted as a sign of “disapprobation,” as noted by the Oxford English Dictionary From the 1600s to the early 1900s, the thumbs symbolized a stark dichotomy: a bent thumb indicated death, while an upright thumb represented life.
The thumb raised upwards, with the other fingers curled inwards is universally acknowledged as a gesture indicating "well done" or "things are great"
The thumbs up sign in most American and European cultures meaning things are going according to your plans or something you approve of
In Vietnam, we have same meaning with thumbs up sign We can use it to my friends, my family or anyone who deservedly have a compliment
A thumbs up is a versatile gesture that can express approval or agreement, whether you're complimenting a friend's stylish outfit or endorsing someone's opinion Additionally, this sign can be used to show appreciation for non-human subjects, such as enjoying a delicious meal or watching an excellent movie.
Thus, in Vietnam and America, thumbs up is the approval, the acceptance and the compliment
The thumbs down sign obviously means the opposite of a thumbs up sign
The use of the commnon hand gestures of the student in HPU
A survey was conducted with 60 students from the English Department at HaiPhong Private University, aged 19 to 23, to explore the use of common hand gestures in communication This graduation paper will present the survey results, highlighting the frequency and meanings of various hand gestures utilized by the students.
2.1.1.The importance, frenquency and objects of using hand gesture of students of English Department of HaiPhong Private University
Handshake Pointing finger Finger Snapping V Sign OK Sign Devil Horn Thumbs Up Thums DownCrossed Fingers
Frequency of using common hand gestures of students of English Department of HaiPhong Private
Students of English Department of HPU
HaiPhong Private Universityis the location where a survey is completed
The chart illustrates the attitudes and interest in hand gestures among students in the English Department at HaiPhong Private University It reveals that a majority of students undervalue the significance of hand gestures, primarily relying on verbal communication Most students responded negatively when asked about their understanding of hand gestures, indicating a lack of awareness regarding their meanings and implications in daily conversations and other contexts Their use of hand gestures often stems from mimicking behaviors or symbols observed in movies or on social media.
The second chart illustrates the frequency of hand gestures utilized by students in the English Department of HPU, highlighting that common gestures include thumbs up, thumbs down, crossed fingers, finger snapping, pointing, the V sign, and handshakes in their daily interactions.
In a recent study of non-verbal gestures among students, the thumbs up gesture emerged as the most popular, utilized by 88% of respondents Following closely, finger snapping was favored by 70%, while crossed fingers were used by 67% Other gestures included thumbs down at 48%, pointing finger at 42%, and the V sign at 40% Less frequently used were the handshake at 13%, the OK sign at 10%, and the devil horn, which was only used by 2% of students.
With less use hand gesture in daily life communication because most of students of English Department of HPU don’t understand the importance and
Do you think hand gesture is important? (%)
The data indicates that nearly all students utilize hand gestures when interacting with peers of similar age or social rank, as they feel more at ease in these communications Conversely, they seldom employ gestures when communicating with family, teachers, or individuals of higher status, likely due to a lack of understanding regarding the significance of these gestures Additionally, Vietnamese culture views the use of gestures without accompanying speech as impolite and disrespectful towards elders and those in higher social positions.
The third chart reveals that the use of hand gestures by students when communicating with foreigners is nearly as common as with Vietnamese individuals Although opportunities to interact with foreigners are not frequent in daily life, students tend to utilize hand gestures more often in these interactions This is largely because foreigners, including foreign teachers, often take the initiative in using hand gestures during communication, which makes students feel more at ease Additionally, when students struggle to find the right English words to express themselves, they resort to hand gestures as an alternative means of communication.
2.2.The way to using hand gesture in communication of students of English
Students from the English Department of HPU often misinterpret the meanings of common hand gestures used in everyday life, highlighting a gap in their understanding of non-verbal communication.
Students from the English Department at HPU frequently utilize handshakes as a vital form of communication This gesture serves as a bridge connecting individuals, playing a crucial role in both everyday interactions and business environments.
Many students overlook the significance of a handshake, often believing it is only appropriate for first-time meetings A handshake serves as a universal greeting that conveys trust and a warm welcome to others Rather than simply smiling, a handshake fosters a sense of openness and sets the stage for building positive relationships.
Many students perceive handshakes as a formal greeting reserved for older individuals or those in higher positions, viewing it as a respectful way to greet bosses or significant partners In contrast, when interacting with friends or younger acquaintances, they prefer casual greetings like saying hello, smiling, or playfully tapping a friend's shoulder to express their close relationship.
Only 12% of students believe that a handshake is an appropriate greeting for any situation or person They view it as the universal gesture of greeting, recognized across cultures worldwide and carrying a singular meaning: to greet someone.
Thumbs up is the most often used hand gestures of students in HPU This gesture is known to have the meaning of the approval, the acceptance and the compliment
Most of students use this hand gesture in daily communication with friends However, the students use thumbs up with similar meaning to the button
On social media platforms like Facebook, users often express their approval or enjoyment by clicking the "like" button on posts, images, or topics At HPU, students commonly use the thumbs-up gesture to convey a similar sentiment For instance, when they resonate with something being discussed or feel pleased, they respond with a thumbs-up to indicate their appreciation.
Many students express compliments through a thumbs up gesture instead of verbal praise For instance, when they admire someone's stylish outfit or a new accessory, they often opt for a thumbs up rather than saying, "Your outfit is very nice" or "You look charming in that suit."
Students often use the thumbs-up hand gesture to express agreement or approval during group discussions and learning activities, clearly indicating their support for someone's idea or opinion.
Unlike the thumbs up gesture, which signifies approval, the thumbs down symbolizes disapproval or negativity It conveys that something or someone has not succeeded or is considered "bad."
IMPLICATION
Difficulities in communication
Through the similar and difference of using hand gestures between Vietnam and America, I realize some difficulities in using hand gestures in communication
With the similar between Vietnam and America in using hand gestures in communication, it can be the advantage that connect people from different culture to closeknit and open relationship
Cultural differences in hand gestures can lead to misunderstandings during conversations, potentially resulting in communication breakdowns and damaged relationships.
The challenges faced by students in the English Department at HaiPhong Private University stem from a lack of understanding regarding the use of hand gestures My survey reveals that many students do not recognize the significance of these gestures in communication Utilizing hand gestures can enhance clarity and facilitate smoother conversations, while a lack of comprehension can lead to passivity and difficulties in communication.
For example, hand shake is one of the most common hand gestures is used in the whole world This gestures is the general greeting that suitable for anyone
In the future, students will have opportunities to work for large and international companies A firm handshake during an interview helps create a comfortable atmosphere, making both the candidate and interviewer feel at ease This gesture conveys confidence, which is often appreciated by interviewers Conversely, passive hand gestures can hinder the interview process and diminish trust Additionally, effective hand gestures serve as a vital connection between colleagues and external partners, fostering stronger relationships within the company and the broader community.
Misunderstandings regarding hand gestures and cultural differences can create challenges in communication English Department students at HPU will have opportunities to engage with foreigners in professional settings or study abroad, which may lead to potential communication issues and even conversation breakdowns.
In the United States, crossing fingers symbolizes good luck, yet a surprising 95% of English Department students at HPU are unaware of this meaning Instead, they associate the gesture with profanity, leading to potential misunderstandings If a foreigner uses this gesture around these students, it could cause offense and disrupt the conversation entirely.
Using hand gestures incorrectly can lead to misunderstandings in conversations For instance, while finger snapping may signify a demand for payment in some cultures, in Vietnam, it is only appropriate among friends or peers Utilizing this gesture towards someone of higher status or age can be seen as disrespectful and impolite, highlighting the importance of understanding cultural nuances in communication.
In American culture, using a pointing finger to signal "you're cool" serves as a compliment or encouragement, a gesture also adopted by some Vietnamese men, particularly in contexts like celebrating a teammate's goal in football or acknowledging someone's achievement However, this gesture can be considered impolite in other situations, especially when directed at someone older or of higher status, making it a potentially offensive action.
Implication in teaching Hand gestures in HPU
Teachers at HPU should prioritize enhancing their knowledge of hand gestures and their significance in communication Hand gestures play a crucial role in teaching, as they facilitate smoother interactions and help students grasp key concepts quickly Additionally, as English teachers at one of the largest universities in Hai Phong, HPU educators have the opportunity to engage with international visitors Effective use of hand gestures not only enriches conversations but also creates a positive impression of both the teachers and HPU.
Teachers at HaiPhong Private University should educate students about the meanings of common hand gestures and their variations in different cultures, especially as many students from the English Department prepare to study abroad Understanding cultural nuances, including gestures, is crucial to prevent culture shock, which can lead to difficulties and even cause some students to return to Vietnam prematurely By equipping students with knowledge about hand gestures, educators can help facilitate smoother conversations and enhance their ability to integrate into foreign environments effectively.
Teachers at HPU play a crucial role in educating students on the appropriate use of hand gestures in various contexts, ensuring they communicate effectively with the right people at the right time With opportunities to work for foreign companies in Vietnam, students who master hand gestures can foster positive relationships with colleagues and superiors Additionally, understanding the nuances of hand gestures helps prevent misunderstandings and potential offense, ultimately contributing to successful communication in the workplace.
Recapitulation
In conclusion, hand gestures are essential for effective daily communication, transcending language barriers This graduation paper offers valuable insights and data to assist readers in understanding and utilizing positive hand gestures, enhancing their future work interactions.
The graduation paper is structured into three main parts Part I introduces the research, outlining its rationale, aims, research questions, scope, methodology, and study design Part II comprises three chapters: the first chapter provides a theoretical background on non-verbal communication; the second chapter compares the use of hand gestures in Vietnam and America, focusing on English Department students at HaiPhong Private University, and presents survey data that reveals cultural differences and students' understanding of hand gestures; the final chapter analyzes communication difficulties and the implications of teaching hand gestures to enhance students' communication skills Part III offers a comprehensive overview of the entire study.
Reccomendations
In the future, students from the English Department at Hai Phong Private University will have the opportunity to work for foreign companies Utilizing hand gestures can enhance communication with international colleagues, especially for those students who may struggle with English proficiency These gestures can effectively convey their ideas and emotions, bridging language gaps in the workplace.
Students in the English Department of HaiPhong Private University should adopt a serious approach to using hand gestures in communication Additionally, it is essential for students to explore the meanings and cultural differences associated with hand gestures.
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APPENDIX CÂU HỎI KHẢO SÁT Survey Question for student of English Department in HPU
Xin chào quý vị, xin vui lòng dành ít thời gian quý báu để hoàn thiện bảng khảo sát dưới đây Xin lưu ý rằng không có câu trả lời đúng hay sai; tất cả ý kiến đều có giá trị và rất quan trọng Chúng tôi cam kết giữ bí mật tuyệt đối cho các thông tin của quý vị.
Độ tuổi của Anh/ Chị thuộc nhóm nào?
II.CÂU HỎI KHẢO SÁT
1.Do you think hand gestures is important in communication?
2.Do you care about using hand gestures in communication?
3.How often you do use hand gestures in communication?
4.Do you usually use hand gestures to foreign people or Vietnamese people? A.Yes, I do it to foreign people
B.Yes, I do it to Vietnamese people
C.Yes, I do it to both
D.No, I never do it to either of them
5.To whom do you often use hand gestures in communication?
6.What is popular hand gesture in Vietnam and American?
7.What do you think about meaning of V Sign gesture?
8.When do you use handshake?
A.When you meet someone in the firstime
B.When you meet a person who is older or have higher rank
Explain why you choose A, B, C or D
9.What is meaning of crossed fingers in Vietnamese?
Explain why you choose A, B, C or D
10.Should you use “pointing finger” to other people in Vietnamese?
Explain why you choose A or B
11.What is meaning of “finger snapping”?
Explain why you choose A or B
12.“OK sign” is the same in Vietnam and America?