Body Language Across Cultures: What Isn’t Said – Yet Still Speaks

An international conference. One of the participants speaks enthusiastically, lightly touches the arm of her conversation partner, laughs, and reduces the physical distance between them.

Opposite her, another participant maintains precise physical distance, speaks in a steady tone, uses few hand gestures, and keeps a distant gaze.

Do they understand each other?

How does each interpret the body language of the other?

And the essential question: who is "right"?

This is where Erving Goffman comes in. He didn’t specifically write about cultures, but about how we present ourselves to others - in every interaction, as if on a stage.

According to Goffman, every person is an "actor" trying to manage the impression they make, through facial expressions, physical distance, voice, silence, and movement - even without words.

But - and here lies the key - this stage is built differently in every culture.

What is considered warm and sincere in Brazil might be perceived as intrusive in Germany.

And what is considered respectful and measured in Germany may come across as distant or cold in Latin America.

Therefore, body language is not just a matter of individual psychology, but also of cultural code.

Goffman teaches us that the way to understand this code is not by reading lists of "dos and don’ts," but by becoming curious observers. To observe, to notice, and not rush to interpret.

Because sometimes, the words speak less than the body.

And the body speaks many languages.

Dr. Efrat Tzadik

CBT therapist, trauma specialist, certified coach