All of us communicate with one another verbally (口头的) as well as non-verbally. Most of the time we are not aware that we"re doing it. We wave a hand, meet someone else"s eyes or look away, shift positions in a chair. We make these movements unconsciously. But researchers have discovered that there is a system to them almost as consistent (一致的) and comprehensible as language.
Every culture has its body language. The way an Englishman crosses his legs is nothing like the way a male American does it. In talking, Americans are likely to end a statement with a lowering of the eyelids (眼皮). They conclude a question with a lift of the hand or a widening of the eyes. With a future-tense verb they often gesture with a forward movement. There are regional idioms too. Your , ethnic (种族的) background, social class and personal style all influence your body language. Nevertheless, you move and gesture within a certain idiom.
Usually, the wordless communication acts to qualify the words. What the non-verbal elements express very often, and very efficiently, is the emotional side of the message. When a person feels liked or disliked, often it"s a case of "not what he said but the way he said it."
Experts in the study of communication through body movement are not prepared to spell out a precise vocabulary of gestures. When an American rubs his nose, it may mean he is disagreeing with someone or rejecting something. But there are other possible interpretations, too. The expert looks for patterns in the context, not for an isolated(孤立的) meaningful gesture. According to researchers, people" s gestures are ______ .