ANALYSIS THE ROLE VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION IN

THAILAND and INDONESIA

MINI RESEARCH
CROSS CULTURE UNDERSTANDING
VERBAL AND NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

Lecturer : Mam Rita Hartati, S.S., M.Hum

Arranged by :
1. Theresia Juwivera Pangaribuan (2203220029)
2. Wildina Theressa (2202620001)

English Literature 20 C

ENGLISH LITERATURE PROGRAM

ENGLISH AND LITERATURE DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF LANGUAGE AND ART
STATE UNIVERSITY OF MEDAN
2020

1
 PREFACE

First of all, thanks to God because of the God help, writter can finished writing the
paper "Mini Research" right in the calculated time. Thanks too to our Lecture Mam Rita
Hartati, S.S., M.Hum for the guidance and then the writer can finished this paper.

The purpose in writing this paper is to fulfill the assignment that given by Mam Rita
Hartati, S.S., M.Hum as lecturer in Cross Culture Understanding. In arranging this paper, the
writer trully get lots challenges and obstructions but with help of many indiviuals, those
obstructions could passed. Writer also realized there are still many mistakes in process of
writing this paper. Because of that, the writer says thank you to all individuals who helps in
the process of writing this paper. Hopefully God replies all helps and bless you all.

The writer realized that this paper still imperfect in arrangment and the content.  Then
the writer hope the criticism from the readers can help the writer in perfecting the next paper.

Medan, November 8th 2020

Writer

2
 TABLE OF CONTENT

Preface.....................................................................................................................2
Table of Contents...................................................................................................3
CHAPTER I............................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................4
1.1 Background of the Study............................................................................4
1.2 Research Question......................................................................................4
1.3 Scope of the Study......................................................................................4
1.4 The Significance of the Study....................................................................5
CHAPTER II..........................................................................................................6
LITERATURE REVIEW.....................................................................................6
2.1 Verbal Communication...............................................................................6
2.2 Nonverbal Communication.........................................................................6
CHAPTER III........................................................................................................8
METHODOLOGY...............................................................................................8
3.1. Research Design........................................................................................8
3.2 Research Subject........................................................................................8
3.3 Research Sample........................................................................................8
3.4 Technique of Collecting Data.....................................................................8
CHAPTER IV.........................................................................................................9
RESULT AND DISCUSSION.............................................................................9
4.1 Discussion...................................................................................................9
CHAPTER V........................................................................................................12
CONCLUSION..................................................................................................12
5. 1 Conclusion...............................................................................................12
5.2 Suggestion................................................................................................12
References.............................................................................................................14

3
 CHAPTER I
INTODUCTION

1.1 Background The Study

Cross Cultural Understanding is to understand the relationship among different

countries. It means that Cross Cultural Understanding is the way to understand the different
culture of different country to avoid misunderstanding.

Verbal communication is the use of words to share information with other people. It
can therefore include both spoken and written communication. Non-verbal communication
involves the use of visual or non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, eye or body
movements, gestures, and many more without speaking.

Communication is important thing in human life, because humans can’t build the
relation without communication. In communication there is language, every region and
country has different language and culture. Verbal and nonverbal communication is one of
the culture and linguistic differences that exist in each country.

Based on the explanation above, researchers are interested in examining the verbal
and nonverbal communication in Thailand and Indonesia, like in daily life, culture, and job
life. So, the writer intends to analyze and examine this topic.

1.2 Research Question

 What is Verbal and Nonverbal Communication?

 What is the different between Verbal Communication in Thailand and Indonesia?
 What is the different between Nonverbal Communication in Thailand and Indonesia?

1.3 Scope of the Study

This study will contain the analysis of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication. In this
analysis, this paper will include the scope of the study, as follows:
4
 • The meaning of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
• The type of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication in Thailand and Indonesia

1.4 The Significance of the Study

There are some advantages that we may get from this research. Among them are:

• We know the meaning of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication and what is the use
of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication which usually we used in our daily life.
• We also know in every kind of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication. So, it makes
us be more carefully to find the other messages of the Verbal and Nonverbal
Communication.

5
 CHAPTER II

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Verbal Communication

Verbal communication is the use of words to share information with other people. It
can therefore include both spoken and written communication. However, many people use
the term to describe only spoken communication. The verbal element of communication is
all about the words that you choose, and how they are heard and interpreted.

The effectiveness of the verbal communication depends on the tone of the speaker,
clarity of speech, volume, speed, body language and the quality of words used in the
conversation. In the case of the verbal communication, the feedback is immediate since there
are a simultaneous transmission and receipt of the message by the sender and receiver
respectively.

The success of the verbal communication depends not only on the speaking ability of
an individual but also on the listening skills. How effectively an individual listens to the
subject matter decides the effectiveness of the communication. The verbal communication is
applicable in both the formal and informal kind of situations.

Type of Verbal Communication

1. Intrapersonal Communication, This form of communication is extremely private

and restricted to ourselves.
2. Interpersonal Communication, This form of communication takes place between
two individuals and is thus a one-on-one conversation.
3. Small Group Communication, This type of communication can take place only
when there are more than two people involved.
4. Public Communication, This type of communication takes place when one
individual addresses a large gathering of people.

6
 2.2 Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication is the transfer of information through the use of body

language including eye contact, facial expressions, gestures and more. For example, smiling
when you meet someone conveys friendliness, acceptance and openness. Everyone uses
nonverbal communication all the time whether they know it or not. Nonverbal
communication is dependent on seeing and analyzing physical movements as opposed
to verbal communication, or the use of language to transfer information through written text,
speaking or sign language.

Nonverbal communication is important because it gives us valuable information

about a situation including how a person might be feeling, how someone receives
information and how to approach a person or group of people. Paying attention to and
developing the ability to read nonverbal communications is an invaluable skill you can
leverage at every stage of your career.

Types of Nonverbal Communication

1. Body Language, is the way someone situates their body naturally depending on the
situation, the environment and how they are feeling.
2. Movement, The way you move your arms and legs such as walking quickly or
slowly, standing, sitting or fidgeting, can all convey different messages to onlookers.
3. Posture, The way you sit or stand can also communicate your comfort level,
professionalism and general disposition towards a person or conversation.
4. Gestures, While gestures vary widely across communities, they are generally used
both intentionally and unintentionally to convey information to others.
5. Facial Expresion, Using the eyebrows, mouth, eyes and facial muscles to convey can
be very effective when communicating both emotion and information.
6. Eye Contact, Strategically using eye content (or lack of eye contact) is an extremely
effective way to communicate your attention and interest.

7
 CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design

According to the topic that is discussed, the researcher uses descriptive quantitative method
in this research.

3.2 Research Subject

The Subjects of this research were Indonesian and Thailand, who were students of Alauddin
State Islamic University of Makassar. There were four Thailand students and six Indonesian
students. The subjects of Indonesian students mean Thailand’s close friends who got
interaction each other every time.

3.3 Research Sample

The sampling technique of this research used purposive sampling.

3.3 Thecnique of Collecting Data

The research collected data were interpreted in the observation, documentation, and
questionnaire. The data were analyzed in four stages, identifying the students of Indonesian
and Thailand non-verbal communication in each their interaction, listing according to each
kinds of non-verbal communication (Emblems (Gesture), Eye Contact, Facial Expression,
Haptics (Touch), and Posture), identifying the non-verbal communication through
questionnaire, and analyzing it into percentage technique.

8
 CHAPTER IV
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Discussion

 Verbal Communication In Thailand

1. Indirect Communication: As the concept of 'face' underpins interactions, Thai
people tend to have an indirect communication style and avoid giving flat-out
refusals. In keeping interactions amenable, Thai people will often smile or
nod. This gives their acknowledgement but doesn’t necessarily indicate their
agreement.
2. Honorifics: Thais typically address someone by stating the first name
preceded by ‘Khun’ (e.g., Khun Simon). However, if the people conversing
are close friends or familiar with each other, they will omit khun. Familial
honorifics ‘phi’ (‘older sibling’) and ‘nong’ (‘younger sibling’) are generally
appropriate for people who are close to one another.
3. Humour: It is common for Thais to joke during conversation. Whilst humour
is used in the typical way to make conversations lighthearted, it is also used to
cover emotions of sadness when discussing a tragic or difficult situation.
 Verbal Communication In Indonesia
1. Indirect Communication: Indonesians are generally indirect communicators. They
make less use of words and are more attentive to posture, expression and tone of
voice to draw meaning.
2. Refusals: An Indonesian’s preoccupation with saving face and politeness can
mean that they will be reluctant to give a flat “no” or negative response, even
when they do not agree with you. Therefore, focus on hints of hesitation. Listen
closely to what they say, but also pay careful attention to what they don’t say and
double check understandings to clarify meaning.

9
 3. Soft Voices: When initially meeting a stranger, an Indonesian may speak quite
softly and submissively. However, they usually have no reservations in raising
their voices when they get excited and can be quite loud once you get to know
them. Nevertheless, shouting or expressing anger in one’s voice is generally not
appropriate. More prudish Indonesians can see it to reflect a poor education or
upbringing.

 Nonverbal Communication in Thailand

1. Physical Contact: Physical contact in Thailand is acceptable amongst people of
the same gender, but is usually minimal.
2. Gestures: Thai people generally do not use their hands to emphasise their point in
conversation. Overly dramatic gestures or frequent and rapid gestures may be
misinterpreted as anger in Thailand. Pointing with a single finger is considered to
be rude and accusatory.
3. Height and Bowing: An important way Thais show respect is through lowering
their head. Looming above someone in Thailand can be considered an aggressive
form of assertion. It is especially disrespectful to position one’s head at a height
higher than the Buddha. If someone needs to intersect another’s gaze to reach a
destination (for example, at a performance), they will typically walk with their
head bowed and their body below the eyeline of the other.
4. Nodding: Thai people often nod to acknowledge what is said. However, this does
not always mean they agree or understand. It is primarily a gesture made out
of politeness.
5. Head: Never touch someone on the top of their head. It is considered to be the
most sacred part of the body.
 Nonverbal Communication in Indonesia
1. Personal Space: Indonesians are generally accustomed to having less personal
space than Australians as public spaces (in the cities especially) can be very
crowded. People commonly sit and stand closer to one another, however what
privacy can be afforded is respected.
2. Physical Contact: Indonesians are generally quite modest with regards to physical
contact. While a pat on the shoulder can signify comfort or approval, physical
affection is usually only shown between close friends and family. Practicing

10
 Muslims may be uncomfortable touching the opposite gender in any way unless
they are a close friend or relative. Indonesian men generally do not touch older
women in public at all aside from a handshake.
3. Pointing: For traditional Javanese people in particular, pointing is done with the
thumb instead of the index finger.
4. The Head: The head is considered the purest part of an Indonesian’s body and
should never be touched. When Indonesians pass people of superior status on the
street, they may lower their head below the height of that person as a sign of
respect.
5. Hands: There is a separation of function of the hands in Indonesia, influenced by
Islamic culture. The left hand is considered unclean and is used for the removal of
dirt and cleaning. Therefore, it is not used for actions such as waving, eating or
offering items.

11
 CHAPTER V
CLOSING

5.1 Conclusion
There are some similarities between Indonesia and Thailand non-verbal behaviors but
different in conveyed meanings. These similarities and differences indentified as inter-
cultural communication. On the other hand, to communicate effectively, both of verbal and
non-verbal communication should be involved. Even, non-verbal communication has great
deal benefit in communication. Non-verbal communication mostly functions as substituting
verbal messages, elaborating verbal messages, transmitting telling, etc. The students’ opinion,
which non-verbal communication has the greatest role in communication between Indonesian
and Thailand students, which is 90% students of Indonesia and Thailand stated gesture. There
are 10% students stated eye contacts. No one of students stated facial expression, haptics
(touch), and posture. It means that the kind of non-verbal communication strategies that most
has a role in communication between Indonesian and Thailand students is gesture.

Based on the conclusion above, the writer suggests as follows: Misunderstanding in

communication can happen when we get interact each other especially in inter-cultural
communication, one of its casual factors is lack of knowledge about inter-cultural
communication strategies as in non-verbal communication. So, by knowing the
communication strategies especially non-verbal communication, we can avoid
misunderstanding in communication especially conveyed meaning in non-verbal
communication. Since this research only indentifies non-verbal communication strategies

12
used by Indonesian and Thailand students’ Interaction, it is suggested for other researchers to
observe inter-cultural verbal communication strategies in Indonesian and Thailand students’
Interaction. Such as what topics are usually conversed, how frequently do they give
compliment, weather they express their idea directly or indirectly. unicate verbally.

5.2 Suggestion
The mini research that we present above contains The role Verbal and Nonverbal

Communication in Thailand and Indonesia. Each of the components we present above is the

result of our livelihoods and research on the issues we raise. Each material that we describe in

this mini research is a combination of many sources and articles that we use to strengthen our

opinion in conveying solutions to problems.

We are fully aware that our research paper is not yet perfect and still needs

improvement and refinement. Therefore, we are also open to input, opinions and suggestions

from readers regarding our mini research. We hope that this paper can be useful for readers

and can be used as a reference or reading regarding issues related to the topics we discussed

13
 REFERENCES

http://www.maefahluang.org/?p=17
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/nonverbal-communication-
skills
https://businessjargons.com/verbal-communication.html
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/thai-culture/thai-culture-communication
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/indonesian-culture/indonesian-culture-communication

14
15