27 Jul 2022

189

The Different Types of Gestures and Their Meanings

Format: APA

Academic level: College

Paper type: Research Paper

Words: 668

Pages: 3

Downloads: 0

Humans have the capability to communicate using both verbal and nonverbal communication to send signals that other can interpret to a clear understanding. Kinesics refers to the way the body movements and gestures serves as a tool for nonverbal communication. There are different classes of gesture with each gesture having its own uniqueness. 

Emblems 

This is culturally based used of specific body movement and signs to communicate given information; it is close to a sign language, however, it is used to substitute the use of words. Every cultural group may interpret the same emblem gesture different thus when using such gestures, it is important that one understands the cultural implications when they are in the foreign cultures. However, there are some emblematic symbols that cut across many world cultures such the sign of peace formed by holding up the hand with all fingers closed in except the index and second finger, which are spread apart. 

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Iconic gestures 

Iconic gestures are used to illustrate physical and concrete items, and it best applies when accompanying speech or discussion, its usage is both deliberate and unconscious as the speaker may prepare their usage before the speech in the case of unconscious actions and deliberately using them in the process of communication. The usage of this gesture is quite often as it helps in improving the communication between the two parties as it aids in the creation of the mental image f what the speaker will be conveying. Furthermore, it serves as a tool for explaining the viewpoint of the first or the second the viewpoint that the speaker is talking about. 

Metaphorical gestures 

Metaphorical gestures are among the generalized gestures that are less specific and cultural but more of symbolic. This kind of gesture does convey emotions charge and at times, it is considered to be dramatic. It is very common and is deliberately used by the people, of most used metaphorical gesture is waving of arms in the air to describe something complex. 

Affect gestures 

This kind of gesture does convey emotion desires and feeling though very unconsciously. Most of them are usually universal and their interpretations are based on context and environment as well as the person pulling the gesture. They are very commonly used such as a child rubbing her eyes when tired or some kind of grooming such as one stroking their hair as a signal of wanting to be liked. 

Beat Gestures 

This is a gesture arising from a rhythmic beating of a finger, hand or arm. It’s used is based on the kind of information that the speaker may be intending thus it can be single beat or multiple. This type of gesture is not very common as it requires some degree of professionalism as it creates emphasis and grabs attention, therefore, it is mostly required in formal meeting and professional speakers with its knowledge are likely to grab the attention of the audience easily. 

Regulators 

This used to some control such as in a conversation in terms of turn taking. It is usually done once after every communication to signal the end, its usage is very often and most of the time very unconscious. The common one is the dropping one’s arm at the end of what they are saying. 

Adaptors 

This is a non-verbal gesture that occurs in full awareness of the person and it involves doing out some gestures to help one in understanding or coping with certain specific communication situation. This gesture is popular, however, varies from one person to another depending on factors such as the topic and context. 

Negative gestures 

These are gestures used to display the negative feeling person towards other or a topic, usually; they are both deliberate and unconscious and their use is very often. Popular cases include A slumped posture can demonstrate a lack of confidence or boredom and forestalling eye contacts to mean discomfort or insincerity. 

Positive gestures 

Like negative gesture, the positive gesture is also based on the full awareness of the person using them. It is used in the day to day affair by almost everyone to show positive reaction such as interest and enthusiasm. 

Involuntary gestures 

This occurs without the awareness of the does, it is triggered by the internal stimuli, they, in most cases symbolize symptom of a disease, and they include tremor, shivering or restlessness. 

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StudyBounty. (2023, September 16). The Different Types of Gestures and Their Meanings.
https://studybounty.com/the-different-types-of-gestures-and-their-meanings-research-paper

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