Instructor Resource
Neuliep, Intercultural Communication, 8e
SAGE Publishing, 2021
Discussion Questions
Chapter 8: The Nonverbal Code
1. When you observe the nonverbal behavior of others, what do you notice first?
2. Does your style of dress identify you as a member of a particular culture?
3. What types of gestures have you used today to communicate without words?
4. How do you communicate intimacy nonverbally?
5. Without using words, how do you communicate to someone that you do not understand what
they are saying?
ETHICS AND THE NONVERBAL CODE
Below are some situations for your students to consider that take into account concepts from
Chapter Eight.
1. Recently, Professor Neuliep had a female international student enrolled in his class. At one of
their first meetings, the professor extended his hand to her as a greeting. She refused to shake his
2. Recently, Professor Neuliep had several international students enrolled in his class. Oftentimes
Instructor Resource
Neuliep, Intercultural Communication, 8e
SAGE Publishing, 2021
3. A student recently complained that their roommate, who is an international exchange student,
bathes only occasionally and smells bad. What do you think? Should the student say something
to their roommate? Perhaps the roommate is comfortable with the natural scent of the human
body.
4. A professor was interacting with a student from South Korea who refused to make direct eye
contact with him. The student explained that in his country making direct eye contact with his