1) The document provides a guide for Chinese international students at the University of Texas at Austin on nonverbal communication differences between Chinese and American culture. 2) It discusses three key cultural dimensions - contact, association, and context - and how they differ, such as Americans being more comfortable with physical contact and Chinese valuing implicit meanings more. 3) The guide encourages Chinese students to engage with both Chinese and American cultures to have the most successful experience, and to understand that cultural differences are not about right and wrong but about different perspectives.

1. LONGHORN NONVERBAL !1
!
!
!
Longhorn Nonverbal Communication
A Guide for the Chinese International Student
!
"Gou Dian Tie!" Translation: Hook'em Horns!
!
Ruth A. Pifer
University of Texas at Austin

2. LONGHORN NONVERBAL !2
Longhorn Nonverbal Guide
Chinese Students Get Hooked
Introduction
In 2012-2013, the University of Texas
at Austin will host over 1,300 international
students and scholars from the Peoples
Republic of China, comprising the largest
international student body on campus, (ISSS,
UTA, 2012 ). With so many Chinese
students, it would seem logical to not bother
acclimating to life in Texas and remain within
your own subculture. However, research has
shown that Chinese international students are more successful and experience
positive acclimation when they pursue a strategy of integration; and, that strategies
of separation and marginalization are the least successful, (Berliner & Yan, 2011).
A recent study of over 500 Chinese international students found that the most well-
adjusted group was distinguished by having a relatively balanced array of social
support, having both Chinese and American friends, (Wang, Heppner, Fu, Zhao, Li
& Chuang, 2012). Furthermore, engaging cultures different than your own provides
opportunity for learning, self-development, and your own personal growth, (Sun &
Chen, 1999).
I am a Texan and have had the pleasure of living in China for almost eight
years. My opportunity to live abroad became most rewarding when I was able to
engage my host culture and come to understand and appreciate our differences. It
is my hope that this guide to nonverbal communication will provide you, my fellow
Longhorn, with information and encouragement that will help you to make the
most of your time at UT Austin and give you a sense of belonging and
appreciation for Texas similar to what I have acquired for your homeland, China.

3. LONGHORN NONVERBAL !3
Background
Researchers have found that cultural awareness was the greatest difficulty
that Chinese international students encountered, (Sun & Chen, 1999). The major
cultural differences between Chinese and Americans relate to three dimensions:
contact, association, and context. When my husband was in the military, he was
told that if he understood the ‘why,' then the 'how' would be learned much easier.
If you can become aware of these three dimensions of cultural differences, and
understand 'why' they occur, then you will be able to know 'how' to interpret the
meaning of communication behaviors that are different from your own. And, you
will know why your own communication behavior may be misunderstood.
Contact
Over the years, Americans have increasingly become a high-contact culture,
especially in Texas, where there is a strong influence from Latino culture. A recent
study on a U.S. campus found that Latino couples were far more likely to walk with
arms around one another than their Asian counterparts, (Regan, Jerry, Narvaez, &
Johnson, 1999.) I am a Latina and am very comfortable with touching other people
of either gender. However, I realized very quickly while in China that, although
close friends of the same gender hold hands, walk arm-in-arm, and keep a close
distance, most Chinese will seldom touch, and will keep a distance from everyone
except their closest friends and family.
In 1999, when my family arrived in China, we were met at the airport by my
husband's Foreign Affairs Officer. In genuine, Texas-friendly fashion, my husband
greeted her with a firm handshake and a shoulder hug.
He later said that he felt like he had hugged a stack of
bricks. Because the officer was so alarmed at the
physical contact, she stood stiff and still. She
misinterpreted his nonverbal communication to mean
that my husband was a rude or aggressive person. My
husband misinterpreted her reaction to mean that she
didn't like him or that he wasn't welcome. Neither
perception was accurate.
!
⼊入
乡
随
俗
Chinese
Proverb:
"Ru Xiang Sui
Su" meaning
"When in
Rome, Do as
the Romans
Do."

4. LONGHORN NONVERBAL !4
Be aware that you now live in a higher contact culture than you are used to.
Be careful that you don't misunderstand someone's touch to mean that a person is
aggressive towards you, or that they mean something personal. You should also be
aware that your lack of touching others may be misunderstood as meaning that
you are not interested in friendship with them. If you are uncomfortable with
touching others, you should communicate with them in other ways that say you
want to be their friend, like smiling, eye contact and asking questions that show you
are interested in them.
An important consideration for high-contact cultures is odor. Americans are
very offended by bad smelling breath or body odor. In addition to showering and
brushing your teeth daily, carry some breath freshener or mints with you just in
case, and never ever forget to use deodorant. On the other hand, don't be overly
self-conscious and use too much cologne or perfume either. To an American, too
much of a smell is bad, whether it reeks or it’s rosy.
Association
An American will identify himself in terms of being associated with ideals
and interests. For example, when my American friend describes himself, he will
emphasize his values, abilities, personality and past experiences, emphasizing his
individuality. However, a Chinese will identify herself with being associated with a
person or group. For example, when my closest Chinese friend describes herself,
she will emphasize being a daughter, a wife, a mother, an alumnus, and other group
memberships, emphasizing her connectivity. These two dimensions are termed
Individualism and Collectivism; and, recent research has found this difference to
have the greatest impact on adjustment for Chinese
international students, (Yuan, 2011).
When my husband and I were teachers in China, we
were very flattered that students paid so much respect to
their teachers; however, we were also very disappointed
that the students weren't more informed about their
course of study and weren't more active in their
education. We frequently asked for feedback about the
哪裡哪裡 "nali, nali"
means, "not really" and
is the Chinese way to
reply to a compliment.
Simply saying "thank
you" is individualistic,
and is used by Americans.

5. LONGHORN NONVERBAL !5
course or whether there were any questions of the class, only to stand in silence
without a single response. In the States, Chinese international students were found
to be surprised at how informed and active American students were. They were
surprised to be given a unique syllabus for each class and that they were expected
to stay informed of its content. They were equally amazed at how often students
spoke out during class, not only answering questions, but asking them as well,
(Zhang & Xu, 2007).
In order to succeed in the American education
system, you must be ready to play an active role in and
out of the classroom. Follow each syllabus carefully and
prepare ahead for each class. In American education,
exams aren't the only way to earn a grade. Homework
and other projects and assignments are just as important
to getting a good grade. In smaller classrooms,
instructors will make eye contact with you and will call
on you to answer a questions or give your opinion. Even
in large lectures, students will raise their hands to
interrupt the instructor to ask a question or make a comment. Another feature of
American education is group work. Watch your classmates carefully and observe
how they manage in small group dialogues by their gesturing and eye contact. Try
some of these signals in later dialogues so you will be able to participate and benefit
from this kind of learning experience.
An area of American individuality that may provide a lot of enjoyment for
you is clothing. Americans enjoy expressing their uniqueness in how they dress.
Unlike China, it can actually be embarrassing for an American to be found
wearing the same outfit as someone else. Take the opportunity of living in the
States by trying different styles and fashions for yourself. Also, the color you wear is
not tied to a symbolic meaning or purpose as it might be in China, so enjoy
wearing any color clothing or accessories that you like.
A final and most significant difference between American Individualism and
Chinese Collectivism is privacy. In China, unless the door is closed AND locked,
then privacy is not assumed. In the States, even a letter laying in the open, if it is
师傅领进门，
修⾏行在个⼈人
"Shifu ling jin men, xiu xing
zai ge ren." Chinese Proverb
meaning, Teachers open the
door. You enter by yourself.

6. LONGHORN NONVERBAL !6
not addressed to you, is considered private. Take care to not look too carefully at
other's belongings, especially mail, emails or letters. Also, realize that sometimes
when your American friends don't ask for details about you, it doesn't mean that
they don't want to be your friend, it means that they are respecting your privacy.
Americans will often take a mobile phone call by leaving the room. They do this to
be respectful, not to hide something from you. It would be good for you to do the
same if you get a mobile phone call. Also, it is customary, when not alone, to talk in
a quiet voice on the phone to respect the privacy of those around you.
Context
I have often referred to Americans as WYSIWYG.
This computing acronym stands for What You See Is
What You Get, and was introduced to the public by
Apple computer to explain that the text on their
computer screen looks the very same as it will when
printed, (WYSIWYG, 2012). This direct relationship
between screen and printed page shows that computer
users value certainty and dislike vagueness. If
something or someone seems vague to an American, it
can make them feel insecure. Likewise, they don't want
others to perceive them as vague, so they are as clear and direct as they can be
when communicating. They can do this nonverbally by looking someone straight in
the eye, using a confident tone in their voice, and making a lot of gestures to clarify
meaning and emphasize what is spoken. Hall describes this preference for direct
and explicit communication, where verbal communication is more highly regarded,
as a low-context culture, (1976).
Conversely, Chinese value implicit meaning and are more comfortable with
ambiguity. Their sense of security in a relationship is improved by the fact that they
don't have to come right out and directly say what they think, or especially what
they feel. The fact that they value you as a business associate is not always in what
they say, but can be shown by using two hands to give you their business card. The
fact that they are grateful to you for the gift that you give them is not shown by
不 - (meaning "not - ")
In Chinese, there isn't a
word for "no" as it
would be far too blunt
and direct; however,
Americans use "no"
freely and see no
offense in it.

7. LONGHORN NONVERBAL !7
their opening the gift eagerly, followed by outbursts of pleasure while you look on;
but, their appreciation is shown by receiving the gift with both hands, bowing
slightly while smiling and nodding with pleasure, and then putting the gift in a
secure place to be opened later when their full attention can be given to it. Hall
describes this preference for reliance on implicit and indirect messages, where
nonverbal behavior is valued, as a high-context culture, (1976).
The key to getting along in American low-context culture is to not take direct
communication personal. It may seem aggressive or rude because it is so different
than what you are used to, but it is not meant that way. Do not take offense if your
American friend accepts your offer after the first mention, unlike Chinese who wait
until the third offering. Don't be offended if your gift is opened immediately.
Instead, enjoy being able to witness firsthand the expressions on the receivers face,
which is part of the culture of giving gifts in America. Try to get used to eye
contact, which, unless it is an obvious glare, simply means interest and seldom
disrespect, as in China. With any difference you encounter, try not to compare or
judge whether it is right or wrong, instead simply acknowledge that it is different.
Similarities
While these cultural distinctions can seem deeply different, you can take
comfort in the fact that Americans and Chinese share some very important
similarities. Like most other cultures, according to Ekman, when basic emotions
like fear, anger, disgust, sadness, or enjoyment are expressed, you can feel confident
in assuming that whatever the culture, the person indeed feels the emotions that
you are observing, (1993).
West East

8. LONGHORN NONVERBAL !8
During my family's first few months in China, we knew very little Mandarin.
Yet, through facial expressions, and gestures, we managed to make friends with our
neighbors across the hall. They even taught us how to make dumplings and play
Mahjong, a kind of dominoes with rules like Rummy. A smile is the same in any
language.
One other similarity is
punctuality. In the U.S., for official
appointments for school or
business, punctuality is expected.
However, in the States don't be
more than five minutes early. For
social occasions, you may be up to
ten minutes late, but if longer,
phone the person to let them know
you will be delayed. The one major difference when it comes to scheduling is
advanced planning. Americans like to plan ahead, even one year ahead. You may
be delighted, or overwhelmed, at how very informative and well-planned your
school will be. You may be surprised that your friends want to plan a social
occasion days in advance when your Chinese friends are usually spontaneous about
social activities. Rather than be offended that your American friend needs to put
you in his schedule in order to spend time with you, look at it as a compliment that
he found your friendship so important that he put it in his calendar.
Bananas & Eggs
Each of my sons have spent over half of their lives growing up in China.
American born Chinese are said to be bananas, meaning they are yellow on the
outside and white on the inside, because they retain an American worldview. I tell
people that my sons are eggs, white on the outside and yellow on the inside. After
several years of schooling in China, they first attended school in the U.S. at 7 and 8
years old. The older son struggled with rejection from his male friends because he
would put his arm around them; and, my younger son got in trouble with his
teacher because he would take and use whatever school supplies were at hand
without thought that they were someone else's personal property. Because both
EastWest

9. LONGHORN NONVERBAL !9
boys looked just like all the other American children, they were expected to act like
them; however, they were eggs! They weren't entirely American (although their
passport said they were), and they weren't Chinese (although they learned their
behavior in China). They are Third Culture Kids, (Pollock & Reken, 2009). Their
first culture, being that of their parents, and their
second culture, being that of their environment,
have blended together to become a third culture.
Before we left the States for China, our cross-
cultural training instructor told us to imagine that
Chinese see through yellow lenses and that
Americans see through blue lenses. He challenged
us to not choose between the two, but instead
embrace the best part of both world views and
see through green lenses, mixing blue and yellow
produces green.
The most sincere and best advice I have for you to ensure that you are
successful at living and studying in America is to see green. Don't forsake all that it
means to be Chinese; and, don't shun acquiring some American cultural habits. In
fact, you may find that some English words fit better than Chinese words, or some
American manners are more comfortable than Chinese ways. For my family, we
seldom use the word 'inconvenient,' because it is too inconvenient to pronounce,
instead we use the Chinese word, ‘MaFan’ (⿇麻烦). We also find that eating a salad is
far easier with chopsticks. And, we personally feel that the Chinese way of peeling
a banana from the blossom end is far easier; plus, the stem provides a nice handle.
Researchers have confirmed that Chinese international students who become
socially connected with Americans have the greatest potential for psychosocial
adjustment, (Zhang & Goodson, 2011). Moreover, the experience of being an
international student, and the skills that you will develop in facing cross-cultural
challenges, will make you a very valuable employee in today's global economy.
Forbes explains that, “the world of technology and globalization is changing
everything for business. So, there is a huge need of innovative talents, that can
bridge the differences between radically different cultures,” (Bonzio, 2011). Don't

10. LONGHORN NONVERBAL !10
see your cultural challenges as a burden or a stress, rather see them as
opportunities, and a chance for adventure. If you do, then you will give yourself a
most valuable and highly sought after talent for being able to thrive in two of the
most dynamic and diverse societies in today's world.
!
读万卷书不如⾏行万⾥里路
"Du wan juan shu bu ru xing wan li lu"
Chinese Proverb, translated,
"Reading ten thousand books is not as useful as traveling ten thousand miles."

11. LONGHORN NONVERBAL !11
References
!
Berliner, D., & Yan, K. (2011). An examination of individual level factors in stress
and coping processes: Perspectives of Chinese international students in the
United States. Journal of college student development, 52(5), 523-542.
Bonzio, R. (2011, October 28). Hunting multicultural talents for big revolution in
business. Forbes, Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/
robertobonzio/2011/10/28/hunting-talents-for-big-revolution-in-business/
Ekman, P. (1993). Facial expression and emotion. American Psychologist, 48(4),
384-392. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.48.4.384
Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond culture. Garden City, New York: Anchor Press/Double
Day.
ISSS, UTA. (2012) Academic Year 2012-2013. International Office. Retrieved from
http://world.utexas.edu/isss/contact/statistics/2012-2013
Pollock, D. C., & Reken, R. E. V. (2009). Third culture kids: Growing up among
worlds. (Revised Edition ed.). Boston: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
Regan, P. C., Jerry, D., Narvaez, M., & Johnson, D. (1999). Public displays of
affection among Asian and Latino heterosexual couples. Psychological
Reports, 84(3, Pt 2), 1201-1202. doi:10.2466/PR0.84.3.1201-1202
Sun, W., & Chen, G. (1999). Dimensions of difficulties mainland Chinese students
encounter in the United States. Journal of Intercultural Communication
Studies, 9(1), 19-30.
Wang, K. T., Heppner, P., Fu, C., Zhao, R., Li, F., & Chuang, C. (2012). Profiles of
acculturative adjustment patterns among Chinese international students.
Journal Of Counseling Psychology, 59(3), 424-436. doi:10.1037/a0028532
WYSIWYG. (2012, December 09). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
WYSIWYG

12. LONGHORN NONVERBAL !12
Yuan, W. (2011). Academic and cultural experiences of Chinese students at an
American university: A qualitative study. Journal of Intercultural
Communication Studies, 20(1), 141-157.
Zhang, J., & Goodson, P. (2011). Acculturation and psychosocial adjustment of
Chinese international students: Examining mediation and moderation
effects. International Journal Of Intercultural Relations, 35(5), 614-627. doi:
10.1016/j.ijintrel.2010.11.004
Zhang, Z., & Xu, J. (2007). Chinese graduate students' adaptation to learning in
America: A cultural perspective. Journal of Chinese overseas, 3(1), 147-158.
!
!
!
!