About Body Language
Did you know that the distance at which two people stand when having a conversation varies from culture to culture? In some countries, people may stand quite close together, often moving their faces even closer as the conversation progresses. Studies have shown that most Americans feel uncomfortable if they stand too close to others when talking; they feel most comfortable at a distance of about 50 centimeters. In still other countries, people prefer to have even more space than 50 centimeters between them when having a conversation.
Another social custom you will notice is that Americans, like many other people, often express themselves with their hands when talking. They may show friendly feelings by touching another person on the shoulder during a conversation, or they may pat a child’s head to show their affection for the child. According to the customs of some people from other countries, these expressions may be unwelcome, especially if they are made with the left hand. Many Americans are left-handed; there is no special importance given to either the left or right hand in the United States; neither one shows a lack of respect. In all such matters, however, if the use of the hands in social situations make you feel uncomfortable, a slight hesitation on your part will usually be understood by your American friends to indicate your feelings
关于体态语言
你知道两个人谈话，彼此所站的距离随文化不同而异吗？在一些国家里，人们交谈时可能站得很近。谈话下去，两张面孔常常越来越贴近。根据研究所得，美国人谈话时如果跟他人站得太近，就觉得不舒服；他们最合意的距离是五十公分左右。另有一些国家的人，还喜欢站得比五十公分更远一点交谈。
你会注意到美国人的另一个社交习惯，就是他们跟其他许多民族一样，说话时往往做手势。他们聊天之际，可能拍拍对方的肩膀，以示友好。或者轻拍小孩的脑袋，以示亲爱。依照其他国家某些民族风俗来说，这种表达法可能不受欢迎，尤其是用左手来表达。许多美国人都用惯左手；在美国，左右手没轻重之分，不论用左用右，都没有什么不敬。不过，在这一类的小事上，如果对方在社交场合中用双手的用法令你不快的话，你只须略加犹豫，你的美国朋友往往就明白你的意思了。
