CHAPTER ONE : INTRODUCTION

Non-Verbal Communication:
The nonverbal communication involves those nonverbal stimuli in a communication setting that are
generated by both the source [speaker] and his or her use of the environment and that have potential
message value for the source or receiver (listener) Basically it is sending and receiving messages in a
variety of ways without the use of verbal codes (words). It is both intentional and unintentional. Most
speakers / listeners are not conscious of this. It includes but is not limited to:

touch

glance

eye contact (gaze)

volume

vocal nuance

proximity

gestures

facial expression

Silence

intonation

Broadly speaking, there are two basic categories of non-verbal language:

nonverbal messages produced by the body;

nonverbal messages produced by the broad setting (time, space, silence)

Importance of non-verbal communication:

Basically, it is one of the key aspects of communication (and especially important in a high-context
culture). It has multiple functions:

Used to repeat the verbal message (e.g. point in a direction while stating directions).

Often used to accent a verbal message. (e.g. verbal tone indicates the actual meaning of the
specific words).

Often complement the verbal message but also may contradict. E.g.: a nod reinforces a positive
message (among Americans); a wink may contradict a stated positive message.

Regulate interactions (non-verbal cues covey when the other person should speak or not speak).

May substitute for the verbal message (especially if it is blocked by noise, interruption, etc) i.e.
gestures (finger to lips to indicate need for quiet), facial expressions (i.e. a nod instead of a yes).

Note the implications of the proverb: Actions speak louder than words. In essence, this underscores the
importance of non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication is especially significant in
intercultural situations.

Objectives:
The aim and objectives of this paper is to study the cultural differences prevailing in different cultures
most between Arab and Non Arabs (Western Culture) in non verbal communication modes.

CHAPTER TWO : LITERATURE REVIEW

Analysis Between Saudi & Non Saudi Touch Culture:
Saudi Arabia is a high context culture, which coincides with the collectivist
characteristics of the country. The Kingdoms use of high context communication
means that the current environment and body language are depended upon more
to convey information than actual spoken words. Ones opinion is not only verbally
expressed, but rather indirectly implied through eye contact, vocal tone, facial
expressions, and other nonverbal cues. In such an environment, even silence is
frequently used to communicate ideas and feelings. Arabic is not necessarily
acquired to understand some communications in Saudi Arabia. It has been said that
To tie an Arabs hands while he is speaking is tantamount to tying his tongue. If
we simply observes Saudis when they talk among themselves or to others, a Saudi
will many times use non-verbal communications unconsciously through various
hand gestures. Saudis may use with their hands but I will say that I have
consistently seen Saudis use certain gestures.
1. To illustrate be patient a Saudi will gesture with his or her thumb, fore finger
and middle finger closed together and in the direction of the person directed
to wait or be patient.
2. Another non-verbal mannerism of many Saudi men is to stroke their chin
when asking a favor and wishing to express please.
3. The gesture of placing the right hand or its forefinger on the tip of the nose,
on the right lower eyelid, on top of the head, on the mustache or beard has
the meaning of its in front of me, I see it or its on my head to accomplish.
Another meaning is its my obligation.
4. Right hand out, palm down, with fingers brought toward oneself repeatedly in
a clawing motion, is the sign for calling someone to come.
5. Placing the palm of the right hand on the chest immediately after shaking
hands with another man shows respect or thanks. A very slight bow of the
head may also be added.
6. Touching the tips of the right fingertips to the forehead while bowing the head
slightly, or kissing the back of a dignitarys hand also connotes Respect.
7. Grasping the chin with the thumb side of the right fist is a sign of wisdom or
maturity. By holding the fingers in a pear shaped configuration with the tips
pointing up at about waist level and moving the hand slightly up and down
signals wait a little bit or be careful. This gesture can be observed
extensively when driving in the crowded streets of the Arab cities.
8. Hitting the side of ones face with the palm of one hand, head slightly tilted,
and eyes wide open, is meant as an expression of surprise.

9. Flicking the right thumbnail on front teeth can be translated to mean I have
no money or I have only a little. Biting the right forefinger, which has been
placed sideways in the mouth, may be a threat or an expression of regret. In
Western culture the OK sign is a positive gesture. However in the Arab
world, if the gesture is shaken at another person it symbolizes the sign of the
evil eye. An Arab may use the sign in conjunction with verbal curses.
10.
Hitting the right fist into the open palm of the left hand indicates
obscenity or contempt.
11.
Placing the tips of the left fingers and thumb together so that the hand
faces right, then placing the tip of the right forefinger directly on the left
fingertips indicates an obscenity or insult directed at ones birth or parentage.
Specifically You have five fathers.
12.
Placing the palm of the right hand on the chest, bowing the head a little
and closing ones eyes connotates Thank You (in the name of Allah).
13.
Touching noses together three times when greeting is a Bedouin
gesture of friendship and respect.
14.
Two men kissing each other quickly on the lips when greeting is an
expression of friendship.
15.
A quick snap of the head upwards with an accompanying click of the
tongue connotates: No, perhaps, or What you say is false.
16.
By joining the tips of the right thumb, forefinger, and middle finger and
then moving the configuration rapidly in front of the body, an Arab will add
emphasis to his speech. Patting another persons shoulder with the right hand
is a conciliatory gesture. Before serving coffee, a bit of it may be poured onto
the ground. This is a Bedouin gesture of sacrifice.
17.
During the Hajj (pilgrimage), people may kiss only on the shoulders as a
gesture of friendship and greeting.
18.
Flipping the hand near the mouth and simultaneously making a clicking
sound with the tongue and teeth is used to indicate that a person is not to
worry.
19.
By holding the right hand in front of the face with the back facing
forward and then flipping the hand so that the palm is up, the Arab will
indicate that the person asked for is not present.
20.
If an Arab rubs his earlobe with the tips of his right forefinger and
thumb, he may be asking, Do you want me to answer the question for you?
21.
Placing a half closed hand in front of the stomach, and then turning it
slightly connotes that the person to whom the gesture is made is a liar.
22.
By first touching the tip of the right forefinger on the tongue and then
placing it on the tip of the nose, an Arab gives a sign for a person to hurry.
23.
Pointing your finger or a pencil at anyone while speaking, or beckon
anyone with your finger. It is considered a threat, and only animals are
treated in this manner.
Cultural Differences Between Saudi & Non Saudis:
General Appearance and Dress : All cultures are concerned for how they look
and make judgments based on looks and dress. Americans, for instance, appear
almost obsessed with dress and personal attractiveness. Consider differing cultural
standards on what is attractive in dress and on what constitutes modesty. Note
ways dress is used as a sign of status?
Body Movement : We send information on attitude toward person (facing or
leaning towards another), emotional statue (tapping fingers, jiggling coins), and
desire to control the environment (moving towards or away from a person). More

than 700,000 possible motions we can make so impossible to categorize them

all! But just need to be aware the body movement and position is a key ingredient
in
sending
messages.
Posture : Consider the following actions and note cultural differences:
Bowing (not done, criticized, or affected in US; shows rank in Japan)
Slouching (rude in most Northern European areas)
Hands in pocket (disrespectful in Turkey)
Sitting with legs crossed (offensive in Ghana, Turkey)
Showing soles of feet. (Offensive in Thailand, Saudi Arabia)
Even in US, there is a gender difference on acceptable posture?
Gestures: Impossible to catalog them all. But need to recognize: 1) incredible
possibility and variety and 2) that an acceptable in ones own culture may be
offensive in another. In addition, amount of gesturing varies from culture to
culture. Some cultures are animated; other restrained. Restrained cultures often
feel animated cultures lack manners and overall restraint. Animated cultures often
feel restrained cultures lack emotion or interest.
Even simple things like using hands to point and count differ.
Pointing : US with index finger; Germany with little finger; Japanese with entire
hand (in fact most Asians consider pointing with index finger to be rude)
Counting: Thumb = 1 in Germany, 5 in Japan, middle finger for 1 in Indonesia.
Facial Expressions: While some say that facial expressions are identical, meaning
attached to them differs. Majority opinion is that these do have similar meanings
world-wide with respect to smiling, crying, or showing anger, sorrow, or disgust.
However, the intensity varies from culture to culture.
Many Asian cultures suppress facial expression as much as possible.
Many Mediterranean (Latino / Arabic) cultures exaggerate grief or sadness
while most American men hide grief or sorrow.
Some see animated expressions as a sign of a lack of control.
Too much smiling is viewed in as a sign of shallowness.
Women smile more than men.
Eye Contact and Gaze : In USA, eye contact indicates: degree of attention or
interest, influences attitude change or persuasion, regulates interaction,
communicates emotion, defines power and status, and has a central role in
managing impressions of others.
Western cultures see direct eye to eye contact as positive (advise children to look
a person in the eyes). But within USA, African-Americans use more eye contact
when talking and less when listening with reverse true for Arabic cultures make
prolonged eye-contact. believe it shows interest and helps them understand
truthfulness of the other person. (A person who doesnt reciprocate is seen as
untrustworthy)
Japan, Africa, Latin American, Caribbean avoid eye contact to show respect.
Touch : Question: Why do we touch, where do we touch, and what meanings do we
assign when someone else touches us?
Touch is culturally determined! But each culture has a clear concept of what parts
of the body one may not touch. Basic message of touch is to affect or control
protect, support, disapprove (i.e. hug, kiss, hit, kick).
USA handshake is common (even for strangers), hugs, kisses for those of
opposite gender or of family (usually) on an increasingly more intimate basis. Note
differences between African-Americans and Anglos in USA. Most African Americans
touch on greeting but are annoyed if touched on the head (good boy, good girl
overtones).

Arabs: typically dont touch with the left hand. To do so is a social insult. Left hand
is for toilet functions. Islamic cultures generally dont approve of any touching
between genders (even handshakes). But consider such touching (including hand
holding, hugs) between same-sex to be appropriate.
Paralanguage: vocal characterizers (laugh, cry, yell, moan, whine, belch, yawn).
These send different messages in different cultures (Japan giggling indicates
embarrassment; India belch indicates satisfaction) vocal qualifiers (volume, pitch,
rhythm, tempo, and tone). Loudness indicates strength in Arabic cultures and
softness indicates weakness.

CHAPTER THREE : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Date Source
Primary
Secondary
Data Collection Procedure
Research Instrument
Sample Size
Sample Area

:
:
:
:
:
:

Through Questionnaires
Through Internet, Journals and etc.,
Survey
Structured Questionnaire.
40
Work done in SBG Head Office Jeddah

Sample procedure

Random sampling.

Data Used
There are mainly two sources of data collection
Primary data:
- Survey method
- Through Questionnaires
- Personal interview with candidates
- In depth conversation with the placement agency
data:
- Study of recruitment policy
- Websites
- Published articles
- Research methodology used
- Study of recruitment and selection at SBG O&M by the manual provided by
the HR department
- Web sites
- Journals
- Magazines
- Books
To pursue these, I would be going through the recruitment policies of the company.
By active participation in the recruitment process, the areas where improvement
can be bought about can be identified. Thus the whole research would be done
under the guidance of external guide. It will also involve recruitment and selection
processes, reading the material provide internally by the organization, information
from the new employees.
Method Of Data Collection
The researcher has chosen the questionnaire methods of data collection due to
limited time in hand. While designing data-collection procedure, adequate
safeguards against bias and unreliability must be ensured. Researcher has
examined the collected data for completeness, comprehensibility, consistently and
reliability.
Researcher has also gathered secondary data which have already been collected
and analyzed by someone else. She has got various information from website,
journals, historical documents, magazines and reports prepared by the other
researchers.
For the present piece of research the investigator has used the following methods:
Questionnaire
Interview
Observation
Sample Size
Here, researcher has taken 30 as the sample size.
About The Questionnaire

In this method a questionnaire is sent to the HR Manager concerned with a request

to answer the questions and return the questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted
of a number of questions printed or typed in a definite order. The HR Manager has
to answer the questions on their own. The researcher has chosen this method of
data collection due to low cost incurred, it is free from bias of the interviewer and
respondent have adequate time.

CHAPTER FOUR : ANALYSIS FROM LITERATURE REVIEW & INTERVIEW

FINDINGS

CHAPTER FIVE : RESULTS

CHAPTER SIX : RECOMMENDATIONS

REFERENCES
http://dpuadweb.depauw.edu/
$1~mkfinney/teaching/Com227/culturalPortfolios/Saudi_Arabia/Communicatio
n.htm
www.google.com.sa
http://americanbedu.com/2010/09/21/saudi-arabia-saudis-and-non-verbalcommunications/
http://www.andrews.edu/~tidwell/bsad560/NonVerbal.html