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ERIC Number: ED253640
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1983
Pages: 17
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Hispanic-Anglo Conflicts in Non-Verbal Communication.
Curt, Carmen Judith Nine
The problem of Hispanic-Anglo conflicts in nonverbal communication is approached in this paper from the perspective of a teacher of English and Spanish as second languages, using largely anecdotal and often autobiographical data. Specific cross-cultural differences between Hispanics (Puerto Ricans, Dominicans and Cubans) and Anglos in the area of kinesics are documented: contrasts in moving (dancing and walking); in patterns of gazing and touching; in acceptable spatial distance; and in group bonding. McLuhan's distinction between the Western preference for left hemisphere (of the brain) activities and the Mediterranean and Third World preference for right hemisphere activities is built into the argument. Several nonverbal markers of social class that pose conflicts for Puerto Ricans when they move into the Anglo world are pinpointed: attire; education; voice; and hair. And finally, the integration of nonverbal communication into the author's ESL course and attempts to instill in students an awareness of their Puerto Rican culture are detailed. (RDN)
Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Puerto Rico Univ., Rio Piedras. Coll. of Education.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: In: Albino, Isidora, Ed.; Davila, Sonia, Ed. Perspectivas Pedagogicas. Universidad de Puerto Rico, 1983 (UD 024 083).