Developmental Kinesics: Cultural Differences in the Acquisition of Nonverbal Behavior

Abstract

The nonverbal modes of conversational interaction are acquired in a manner quite similar to that for the rules for verbal language. The process is a complex interplay of genetic-biological factors, the maturational curve, environmental influences due to the child's culture, the social class of his parents, the attitudes and manners of his caretaker(s), and his association with his peers. The combination of these factors will determine the child's individual personality traits and learning style. These traits, in turn, will have a considerable impact on the acquisition of the child's verbal and kinesic systems, which are intimately interrelated.