肢体语言在高中英语教学中的应用(3)
2. Gesture: Gestures are the central part of body languages and are grouped into four categories: the locating gesture wants to indicate the location of some point in space or perhaps in time. Here are some examples: here, there, near, up, down, in; the descriptive gesture, which one is used when we want to create and image such as size, shape, number, emotional state and texture. The whole idea gestures, which are used when there is a high degree of emotion involved, expressing one's entire ideas. Examples: Quiet! Go away! Shame on you! Move! Get up! And the emotional tone gestures which are the sort of body movements and attitudes that are used for dramatic purposes. Namely, if we want to tell something, we convey it through all means.
3. Posture: Posture is the general way of moving one's body, especially the head, shoulders and back when walking, standing squatting, sitting or lying. It is quite necessary to tell the difference between gesture and posture. Generally speaking, gesture limits to the movements of different parts of the body; while posture refers to the position of the entire body. In addition, posture can be controlled consciously in some extent but it is far more difficult to control gestures, such as hand gesture, eye contact, etc. Posture plays an important role in understanding the meaning of nonverbal communication. It gives insight into a culture's deep structure.
4. Touching: How we touch students and where we touch them is sometimes the most misunderstood aspect of nonverbal communication. To some students, touching means a very personal or intimate register, while others a tensile or uncomfortable one. Knowing the limits and conventions is important for clear and unambiguous communication. People touch in different manners, in different places and for different reasons. Touch can show many things, such as affection, understanding, aggression, sympathy, etc. In short, touching is an efficient way of breaking down obstacles in communication.