Reading Body Language

Chapter 2: Looking Closer at Non-verbal Gestures
Studying the behaviour patterns of apes and monkeys, de Waal concludes
that gestures used as specific signals are a more recent addition to the communication
chain, coming after vocalisations and facial expressions. Apes
(which are genetically closer to humans than monkeys are) use specific gestures
but monkeys don’t.
Although humans’ ability to communicate effectively has evolved with the
development of speech, body language continues to be the most reliable
source for conveying attitude, feelings, and emotions.
The Nuts and Bolts of Body Language
The primary purpose of the spoken word is to convey information, facts, and
data whereas body language is designed to relay attitudes, feelings, thoughts,
and emotions. You may argue that words also relay attitudes, feelings,
thoughts, and emotions, and you’d be right. Sometimes. Think back to those
occasions when you said words like, ‘I’m fine; there’s no problem; I think
you’re great; I couldn’t be happier’ when you really meant, ‘I’m annoyed;
there’s a huge problem; I think you’re hideous; I couldn’t be more miserable.’
If the person you were speaking to was a careful observer he would have
noticed that while your words were giving one message, the way you delivered
them signalled a conflicting meaning.
Context clues: Studying gestures
in chimps and bonobos
Studying humans’ closest primate relatives –
chimpanzees and the black-faced bonobo chimpanzees
– research conducted by Amy Pollick
and Frans de Waal concluded that the meaning
of a gesture depends on the context in which it’s
made, as well as other gestures that are occurring
at the same time. Observing a captive test
group of chimps and bonobos, the researchers
identified 31 gestures – defined as any movement
of the forearm, hand, wrist, or fingers, used
solely for the purpose of communication. In
addition, they identified 18 facial or vocal signals
and recorded them in the context in which
they were made. The facial and vocal signals
had practically the same meaning in the two
species. The gestures had different meanings.
The common signal for fear in chimps is a ‘baredtooth
scream’. The ‘up and out’ gesture of reaching
with the palm facing upward has different
meanings. Depending on the context, it can be
interpreted as begging for food or money as
street beggars do, or begging for a friend’s support.
The open-handed gesture can frequently be
seen after a fight where reconciliation is sought.
This versatility demonstrates the necessity for
context to be taken into consideration before
interpreting the meaning of a gesture.
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