Language Learning and Teaching: Nonverbal Communication Matters

Abstract

Nowadays, language competences have a strategic role both to establish social relations and favour mental processes and logical/cognitive capacities, but they are not sufficient to determine the complete acquisition of a language because other dimensions need to be considered, such as the socio-cultural context. So, a specific communicative competence is necessary. In the process of language learning, especially in educational settings, verbal communication is the main and only focus because language itself has several cultural, communal and societal functions and through it people communicate their own experiences, thoughts, meanings, intentions, and identity. However, the communication process depends largely on non-verbal elements many of which tend to be ignored because they are unknown. Nonverbal communication refers to communication that occurs through means other than words, such as body language, gestures, and silence. Therefore, the unsaid is important in the communicative event and the development of intercultural competences should be seen as necessary and essential in language learning. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to shed light on this field of study and encourage the consideration of nonverbal communication clues into a language learning process.