Body language is communication by means of facial expressions, gestures, postures, and other wordless signals. Body language also includes grooming habits, hair and clothing styles, and such practices as tattooing and body piercing. Body language communicates unspoken information about people’s identity, relationships, and thoughts, as well as moods, motivation, and attitudes. It plays an essential role in all interpersonal relationships, such as child care, politics, teaching, and public speaking. The scientific study of body language is called kinesics (see Kinesics ).
Body language signals can be inborn, learned, or a mixture of the two. Blinking the eyes, clearing the throat, and facial flushing are innate (inborn) signals. These signals are often involuntary. Facial expressions of happiness, surprise, anger, disgust, and other basic emotions are understood by people in all cultures. Laughing, crying, and shrugging the shoulders are examples of mixed signals. They may originate as innate actions, but cultural rules shape their timing and use. Gestures, such as a wink of the eye, a thumbs up, or a military salute, are learned signals. The meanings of such gestures vary among different cultures.
Body language provides evidence about how the human mind processes information. Discoveries in neuroscience have shown that nonverbal signs are produced and processed differently from words. Spoken language is processed in the cerebral cortex, a more developed area of the brain that is unique to human beings. In contrast, nonverbal cues—such as smiling, staring, and clenched fists—are processed in lower, more primitive areas such as the limbic system. People often produce and receive nonverbal cues without conscious awareness of doing so. The messages, however, can give a look and feel to a conversation remembered long after spoken words fade away.
Body language can also reveal lies or feelings that a person may wish to hide. For example, lips pressed together may indicate disagreement or doubt, even if the person’s verbal statements convey agreement. When verbal statements and body language conflict, listeners will more likely believe the nonverbal messages than what is spoken.
