CCU

“AMERICA VS INDONESIA”
VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Compiled by:
Ika Rachmawati N. F (1501050075)
Marlinda Umirisanti (1501050080)
Hargisati Rilla Y. (1501050096)
Tri Sulistio Rini (1501050099)
Ikfina Hanifatun F. (1501050106)
Fida Nur ‘Afifah (1501050112)

Class 7C
This paper is submitted to fulfill the assignment of CCU.
Guided by Mrs. Listiani, M.Pd.

ENGLISH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION FACULTY
UNIVERSITAS MUHAMMADIYAH PURWOKERTO
2018
 BAB IV

VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

A. DEFINITION
1. VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Verbal communication is when messages or information is

exchanged or communicated through words. Verbal communication may be
two types: written and oral communication. Verbal communication takes
place through face-to-face conversations, group discussions, counseling,
interview, radio, television, calls, memos, letters, reports, notes, email etc.
some definitions of verbal communications are as follows:

According to Bovee and others: Verbal communication is the

expression of information through language which is composed of words
and grammar.”

According to Penrose and others, “Verbal communication consists

of sharing thoughts thought the meaning of words.”

Therefore, verbal communication is the process of exchanged of

information or message between two or more persons through written or
oral words.

2. NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

Non-verbal communication is when messages or information is

exchanged or communicated without using any spoken or written words.
Non-verbal communication (NVC) is usually understood as the process of
communication through sending and receiving wordless messages.

Non-verbal communication is a powerful arsenal in the face-to-face

communication encounters, expressed consciously in the presence of others
and perceived either consciously or unconsciously. Much of non-verbal
communication is unintentional people are not even aware that they are
 sending messages. Non-verbal communication takes place though gestures,
facial expressions, eye contact, physical proximity, touching etc. some
important definitions of non-verbal communication are as follows:
According to L. C. Bove and others, “Non-verbal communication is
communication that takes place through non-verbal cues: through such
form of non-verbal communication as gesture, eye contact, facial
expression, clothing and space; and through the non-verbal vocal
communication known as Para-language.”
According to Himstreet and Baty, “Non-verbal communication
includes any communication occurring without the use of words.”
So, non-verbal communication is the exchanged of information or
message between two or more persons through gestures, facial expressions
eye contact, proximity, touching etc. and without using any spoken or
written word.

B. Differences of Verbal and Non Verbal Communication Between

America and Indonesia
1. Verbal Communication
a. Indonesia
Indonesians are generally indirect communicators. They make
less use of words and are more attentive to posture, expression and tone
of voice to draw meaning. Speech is ambiguous, often understating the
point or corrective remarks to be polite. The purpose of this is to
maintain harmony throughout the conversation and prevent a loss of
face on either end of the exchange. The best way of finding the
underlying meaning is to check for clarification several times using
open-ended questions.
An Indonesian’s preoccupation with saving face and politeness
can mean that they will be reluctant to give a flat “no” or negative
response, even when they do not agree with you. Therefore, focus on
hints of hesitation. Listen closely to what they say, but also pay careful
 attention to what they do not say and double check understandings to
clarify meaning.
When initially meeting a stranger, an Indonesian may speak
quite softly and submissively. However, they usually have no
reservations in raising their voices when they get excited and can be
quite loud once you get to know them. Nevertheless, shouting or
expressing anger in one’s voice is generally not appropriate. More
prudish Indonesians can see it to reflect a poor education or upbringing.

b. America

Americans are very direct communicators. They tend to convey

their entire message verbally, paying less attention to body language.
People are expected to ‘get to the point’. This does not mean courtesy is
disregarded in communication, but it does mean that Americans may
sometimes miss nuances (such as understatement) in conversation or
some types of humor (for example, subtle sarcasm or ironic statements).

Americans are generally quite enthusiastic, assertive and

persuasive in their speech. Americans also are not very modest (by an
Australian standard) as boasting is not cut down by tall poppy syndrome
in their culture. People are expected to speak on their own behalf instead
of waiting for someone to tell of their achievements or success for them.

Not as Indonesians who speak softly when they meet a stranger

Americans may speak at higher volumes in public spaces, however they
generally do not appreciate loud or emotional outbursts.

2. NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
a. Eye contact
1) America

Eye contact should be maintained directly. It demonstrates

warmth, openness, honesty and approachability. If you make eye
 contact with a stranger in passing (on the street, at a shop, in a
hallway, etc.) give a small smile or nod to acknowledge them.
Continuing on your way without doing so means you were simply
staring or unfriendly, and is considered slightly rude.

2) Indonesia
It is expected that one divert their eyes out of respect when
speaking to someone older or of a higher social status. Indonesians
tend to make direct eye contact with their peers, but still break the
gaze quite frequently. They may feel awkward holding prolonged
eye contact and divert their eyes when speaking with Westerners;
however, people from the cities are generally more accustomed to it.
b. Physical contact
1) America

Generally, Americans are not very tactile outside of their

families and close relationships. However, cities that are more
internationally exposed may adopt more physical contact in their
mannerisms. Touching someone of another gender – especially in
the workplace – can be misinterpreted as sexual harassment.

2) Indonesia

Indonesians are generally quite modest with regards to

physical contact. While a pat on the shoulder can signify comfort or
approval, physical affection is usually only shown between close
friends and family. Practicing Muslims may be uncomfortable
touching the opposite gender in any way unless they are a close
friend or relative. Indonesian men generally do not touch older
women in public at all aside from a handshake.

c. Personal space
1) America
 Americans like to be given a fair amount of personal space,
so try not to encroach on it during a conversation. If an American
feels you are ‘in their face’ too much, they will probably not mention
it and simply step back.

2) Indonesia

Indonesians are generally accustomed to having less

personal space than Australians as public spaces (in the cities
especially) can be very crowded. People commonly sit and stand
closer to one another, however what privacy can be afforded is
respected.

d. Silence
1) America

Americans sometimes grow uncomfortable when social chat

is punctuated with long periods of pause or silence and often try to
fill the gap in conversation.

2) Indonesia

Silence is an important and purposeful tool used in Asian

communication. Pausing before giving a response indicates that
someone has applied appropriate thought and consideration to the
question. This signifies politeness and respect.

e. Gestures
1) America
a) Head Toss

A head toss can mean many things. In the United States,

it’s usually a directional cue—what you’re looking for is "over
there." But in some Mediterranean countries and across much of
the Middle East it means “no,” and in India it means “yes.”
b) Nodding

What does nodding mean to you? Most Americans

would say something affirmative like “yes” or “agreement.” But
if you’re in Greece or Bulgaria it means “no.”

c) Horizontal Horns

Held vertically, horns can mean a number of things,

from celebrating Rock ‘n’ Roll to being cheated on. In most of
Europe, if you hold them out horizontally it’s meant to ward off
the evil eye. In Nigeria, a slight variation of this can mean you’re
putting the evil eye on someone.

d) Waving (As a Greeting)

In the United States and a number of other countries,

waving is a form of saying hello and goodbye, but in Greece it
can be an insult.

e) Hand Up

In the United States and Britain, a hand up signals to stop

or settle down, but in some Asian countries people do this to get
others’ attention.

f) Cheek Screw

This may not mean much to you, but in Italy this gesture
is meant to show praise, and in Germany it suggests that
something is “crazy.”

g) Smiling
Many Americans smile when passing strangers on the street as
a simple gesture of goodwill.
2) Indonesia
a) Hands
There is a separation of function of the hands in
Indonesia, influenced by Islamic culture. The left hand is
considered unclean and is used for the removal of dirt and
cleaning. Therefore, it is not used for actions such as waving,
eating or offering items.
b) The Head
The head is considered the purest part of an Indonesian’s
body and should never be touched. When Indonesians pass
people of superior status on the street, they may lower their head
below the height of that person as a sign of respect.
c) Feet
The feet are considered the lowliest part of a person’s
body. Displaying the soles of one’s feet to another person is
considered rude and improper. Similarly, placing one’s feet on
top of the table is not unacceptable.
d) Hands on Hips
Holding one’s hands on one’s hips can signal anger.
e) Pointing
For traditional Javanese people in particular, pointing is done
with the thumb instead of the index finger.
f) Smiling
Many Indonesians smile when passing strangers on the street as
a simple gesture of goodwill.
 REFENCES

https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/american-culture/american-culture-
communication. Retrieved November 12, 2018

https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/indonesian-culture/indonesian-culture-
communication. Retrieved November 12, 2018

http://www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/answeringdifficultquestions/html/app.htm?p=modul
e3_p2.htm. Retrieved November 12, 2018