CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION: COMPARING THE MEANING OF HUNGARIAN-RUSSIANAMERICAN NONVERBAL SIGNS

Abstract

The aim of my research was to conduct a comparative analysis of nonverbal communication cues between Hungarian, Russian and American cultures, with a focus on the cultural specificities and overlaps of nonverbal cues used to express different emotions and states, such as aggressiveness, uncertainty and interest. The study involved an extensive literature review and a questionnaire survey with participants from different cultures to understand how these nonverbal signals are interpreted and perceived in different cultural contexts. In the analysis, I paid particular attention to the different interpretations of body language, facial expressions, gestures and touch, and spatial relations cues. The results of the research have highlighted that although there are some common forms of nonverbal communication, there are also a number of significant cultural differences that fundamentally influence the encoding and decoding of messages. For example, while in American culture direct eye contact and open posture can be signs of sincerity and confidence, in Hungarian and Russian cultures these signals can have different contexts and intensities. The meaning and acceptability of touch also varies; what is seen as a friendly gesture in one culture may suggest excessive closeness and inappropriateness in another. The research also highlighted the intercultural communication difficulties and misunderstandings that can arise from different interpretations of nonverbal signals. This underlines the need to better understand and respect the communication customs and norms of different cultures in order to communicate effectively and efficiently. At the end of my research, I have formulated recommendations for those involved in cross-cultural communication, whether in business, educational or personal contexts. I have stressed the importance of cultural sensitivity, avoiding prejudices and active listening, which can be key to successful and meaningful intercultural dialogues.