Smell

§  USA — fear of offensive natural smells (billion dollar industry to mask objectionable odors with what is perceived to be pleasant ) — again connected with “attractiveness” concept.

§  Many other cultures consider natural body odors as normal (Arabic).

§  Asian cultures (Filipino, Malay, Indonesian, Thai, Indian) stress frequent bathing — and often criticize USA of not bathing often enough.

   

   Paralanguage

§  vocal characterizers (laugh, cry, yell, moan, whine, belch, yawn). 

§  These send different messages in different cultures (Japan — giggling indicates embarrassment; India – belch indicates satisfaction)

§  vocal qualifiers   Gender based as well: women tend to speak higher and more softly than men.

§  vocal segregates (un-huh, shh, uh, ooh, mmmh, humm, eh, mah, lah).  Segregates indicate formality, acceptance, assent, uncertainty.