Physical touch ranges from functional to intimate depending on cultural norms. In the US, friendly and polite touching is usually acceptable but intimate contact requires consent. Paralanguage includes vocal tones and qualities like laughter which can have different meanings cross-culturally. Proxemics examines people's use of space which communicates approachability and is influenced by demographics and culture, with closer distances generally indicating easier communication. How cultures approach time and environments also varies as some prefer focusing on one task at a time while others can handle multiple activities simultaneously.

1. Chapter 12, part 3 Communicating Nonverbally Interculturally

2. Physical Touch The most basic form of communication Functions of touch: Functional / professional Social / polite Friendship / warmth Love / intimacy Sexual arousal What are some cultural differences surrounding touch? What, in your opinion, is ok in the US?

3. Paralanguage Vocal characteristics Vocal qualifiers Vocal segregates What are some of the different meanings of the above? What are some of the different meanings of laughter? What are the cultural implications?

4. Space Proxemics The way we use space is often determined by age, sex, status, or culture (p 231) Distance gives the impression of how easy it would be to communicate with someone Intimate, personal, social, public distance

5. Time and Environment Monochronic vs polychronic cultures The environment in which communication takes place can change the type or flow of the communication