Gesticulation occupies an extremely important place in human communication. To understand how significant it is, it is enough to try to communicate with someone without gestures, using only words. This task seems simple only at first glance. In fact, it is almost impossible to keep from moving your hands and fingers.
What are gestures?
Indicating, like all others, is a non-verbal way of communication, that is, body language that complements and explains the words spoken by a person. The movements of the fingers, hands, shrugging of the shoulders and all the rest are a way by which people from ancient times give emotionality, the right shade of meaning, expressiveness to their own speech.
Gesticulation appeared much earlier than meaningful speech was formed. Often, nodding your head or making a slight movement with your hand is much easier than choosing the right words. Moreover, gestures are sometimes more intelligible than speech. For this reason, in some situations they are able to completely replace verbal communication ordetermine its semantic connotation.
When are nonverbal instructions used?
What do pointing gestures mean? As a rule, they clarify, give concreteness to what the person says. For example, if chairs are placed along the wall, of which one, specific one is required, then, asking to bring it, a person will definitely point to the right one. In the event that such a request is not accompanied by a non-verbal addition, the person to whom it is addressed will certainly ask a clarifying question.
Another example of how pointing gestures are used can be encountered on the street asking a passerby for directions. Explaining the way, a person will definitely begin to gesticulate, clearly showing the necessary direction of movement.
What are gestures? Are pointing movements always appropriate?
Non-verbal communication means, i.e. gestures, are classified according to the following features:
- characteristic, semantic load;
- functionality;
- intended purpose.
Accordingly, gestures are divided into several basic types:
- symbolic;
- indicative;
- emotional;
- pictorial;
- rhythmic;
- mechanical.
Each of the types of gesticulation is used by people in everyday communication. However, most often they resort to pointing movements.
Under certain circumstances, they mayturn out to be indecent, give out the lack of education of the one who uses them. For example, you should not address a person, demanding something from him, and at the same time point your finger. Of course, it is unacceptable to point in a public place at someone who is different from the rest or has problems with appearance. For example, soiled, torn or not quite neat clothes.
