Non-verbal communication

Non-Verbal Communication

There are three major phyletic groupings in Malaysia, the Malays, the Chinese, and the Indians.There are

also a number of other horde and gens of the native race in West and East Malaysia.

There are many types of non-verbal communication which including space and distance, physical contact,

facial expressions, gestures and eye contact. Most of the Malaysians have the most common gestures and

facial expression. They tend to avoid speaking in a loud voice and standing while being introduced to

someone. They will look each other in the eyes while communicating.

For gestures of non-verbal communication, people would tend to make some hand movements that imply

some symbols such as lifting one of the fingers of the opposite hands, place softly or pointing softly and etc.

For personal appearance, people tend to find a way of grooming themselves. The traditional Malay greeting

of 'Salam' resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly

touches his friend's outstretched hands, and then brings his hands to his chest to mean, " I greet you from my

heart". The visitor should requite the "Salam". "Salam" is not practiced by the rest of the community though,

so a normal handshake will do.

Greeting gestures of Malays

These are gestures of non-verbal communication that Malays would do to emphasize the contents for people to understand.

Greeting gestures of Chinese

Greeting gestures of Indians

Furthermore, most of the Malaysians rely on non-verbal communication which tends to be more subtle,

indirect whereas they do making hints or implying at a point instead of making a direct statement. This allows

the person showing demands and maintaining harmony in their relationship.

Click the link below to understand more about Non-verbal communication :


Non-Verbal Communication