NCJ Number
164672
Journal
Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1996) Pages: 64-66
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Cultural differences in nonverbal behavior are examined, with emphasis on implications for teachers working in multicultural correctional classrooms.
Abstract
Nonverbal behavior varies from culture to culture. Misinterpretations of nonverbal messages can significantly affect all teacher-student interactions. Nonverbal behavior includes eye contact, facial expressions, head nods, personal space, body orientation, and touch. Similar expressions or gestures vary greatly in meaning from one culture to another. Correctional educators need knowledge and understanding of nonverbal differences to avoid nonverbal ethnocentrism. They also need to be sensitive in reading their students' nonverbal behavior, to notice their students' learning and communication styles, display pictures and posters that reflect cultural diversity, and take part in workshops on multicultural nonverbal communication patterns. 13 references