Body language is an action which has communicative meaning used in the verbal(言语的)

Body language is an action which has communicative meaning used in the verbal(言语的) or non-verbal communication. It can be used to express one’s intention(意图) and feelings. However, the meaning of body language is different from culture to culture.

A smile can show friendliness in one culture, embarrassment(尴尬)in another, and impatience in a third. Even silence means different things in different places. Though it feels like nothing in communication, silence can be meaningful in different cultures. In Western cultures, especially North America and the UK, silence is uncomfortable. It is often thought as a sign of inattentiveness(分心) or disinterest. In other cultures, however, silence is not considered a bad situation. In China, silence can be used to show agreement and receptiveness. In many aboriginal(土著的) cultures, a question will be answered only after a period of silence. In Japan, silence from women can be considered an expression of femininity（女人味）.

Even nodding ’yes’ or sharking one ’ s head ‘no’ can be misunderstood abroad . The yes-no gestures are reversed(相反) in countries like Bulgaria and Albania. In Turkey, “no” is gestured by nodding one ’s head up and back.

Some countries, like Italy and Spain, are known for talking with their hands. In parts of East Asia, gesturing is considered impolite behavior in a formal situation.

(  )1 .What can we do if we want to express embarrassment?

A. Smile     B. Cry       C. Keep silent    D .Shake our heads.

(  )2.Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

  A. The same body language has the same meaning in different countries.

  B. In China ,silence means disinterest.

  C. Nodding always means ‘yes’ in the world.

  D. Italians like using their hands when they are speaking.

(  )3.What’s the best title for the passage?

A. Body language in different cultures

B. The meaning of body language

C. The development of body language

D. Ways of learning about body language

(  )4. We can probably read the passage in a ______.

A .textbook           B. book about body language

C. sports magazine     D. daily newspaper

1A 2D 3A 4B