PRACTICE 10 B

Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication, or body language, is used everywhere in the world, because it is a very powerful means of communication, and communicates much more than spoken words.

One example of nonverbal communication is what occurs between parents and child. When parents smile at their child, they communicate love, acceptable, and reassurance. The child feels comfortable and safe because the smile signifies approval; as the result, he is happy and well adjusted.

Another example of nonverbal communication is the image a person shows in public. While a woman is walking alone on an unfamiliar and possibly dangerous, she wants to appear confident and walks quickly. Although she may be tired, she walks with her shoulders, head held high and eyes are focused straight ahead. While someone is looking at her, she returns the glance without hesitation. In contrast, a nervous woman appears afraid, and walks slowly with her shoulder and eyes down.

Indeed, body language can express more than spoken language; for example, merely by raising an eyebrow, clenching a jaw, or softening the eyes, a person can express disapproval, anger, or love, so it is a very strong method of communication.

PRACTICE 10 A

Equal Rights for Woman

Russian women started to gain equality earlier than women in the United States. In the former Soviet Union, men and women had access to equal education and job opportunities because that reflected the Soviet philosophy. The 1937 Soviet constitution declared that women and men had equal rights and responsibilities after women joined the workforce. Since millions of Russian men were away in the military during World War II, so Russian women filled their places at work. Although Soviet women worked full time at their jobs, they also had the primary responsibility for taking care of the family. When they finished their work, they had to shop, cook the evening meal, and perhaps wash, iron, or mend the family’s clothes. As soon as U.S women started to demonstrate that, they could do their work of men during World War II.