Everyday Nonverbal Communication: A Comparative Study of South and East Asian and the Mid-Atlantic United States Cultures

People communicate not only through spoken and written language but also through facial expressions, gestures, and eye contact. Nonverbal communication is a vital part of everyday life across cultures. Grounded by qualitative interviews and observational analysis, this study explores people’s perceptions and experiences of intercultural nonverbal communication, comparing South and East Asian cultures and those in the mid-Atlantic United States. The goal is to enhance understanding of differences to adapt to foreign cultures and facilitate communication when spoken language is not an option. This study can help mitigate miscommunication and foster cross-cultural connections as the global community becomes more interconnected.