How does nonverbal communication reflect cultural values?

Question

How does nonverbal communication reflect cultural values?

Answer 1

Posture, gracefulness of movement, manner of greeting, and fear, or lack of it, all demonstrate habits and values which are shared within a particular culture...

Answer 2

Nonverbal communication basically refers to body language, that is, information transmitted to others by visual contact. Some researchers like K. Lorenz argue that there are body signs that are common to the whole species, thus not dependent on culture (as visualizing blood will help to stop aggressiveness). Still, others like D. Morris have stated that though there is a shared body language, there are other body signs that vary from culture to culture.

Say greeting others can be made by hand shaking as in most western societies but in some it also requires or is substituted by a cheek kiss when one of those concerned is a woman. Still in other societies the kiss is expected even when both parts concerned are male. Then in New Zealand and other pacific Islands only a nose rub will suffice to fulfill the goal, or in Japan a slight bending with hands open and facing each other.

The level of body contact required for greeting someone might reflect how strictly are s*x norms enforced or how much personal space is valued.