Week 7

Chapter 7 discusses verbal and non-verbal communications.

The United States and Germany (at least, Erfurt) interact very differently when it comes to verbal and non-verbal communication styles. The thing that I notice the most is that Germans tend to stare quite often, whether I am alone, or in a group.  I have wondered if it is my appearance, but then I realized that they even stare at their own citizens just as often.  I think when Germans are curious or just interested in a person, it is not considered rude to directly look at them.  However, in the United States, it's considered extremely impolite to stare at someone, even if they are doing something way out of the ordinary.  Americans are also much louder than the Germans seem to be.  We are always laughing loud, talking loud, and etc.  It may not seem loud to us, but then we realize the entire restaurant will be full of people talking softly, even in their large groups. 

     I have also noticed that many Germans tend to be very honest and straight to the point if there is a situation. The book calls this a "direct style".  I have seen this quite often, such as when I was sitting in the wrong chair, a German came up and said "you are in my chair", when I (and most Americans, I think) would be more likely to say 'I'm sorry, but would you mind letting me sit in my chair please" all while smiling.  Americans, in my opinion, are very indirect, meaning we do not like to be straight forward and be honest with someone even when there is an issue because we do not want conflict to emerge. 




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