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Body Movin'
What does our body language really say about us?
By Brant Stacy, Jayplay writer
There's definitely a reason why people say a picture is worth a thousand words. You can learn so much about people by the way they sit, stand or cross their arms. There's even a possibility that you can figure out their personality just by looking at their gestures and body carriage. Body language, or non-verbal communication, can convey anything from comfort level to personality. Nancy Baym, associate professor of communication studies and specialist in interpersonal communication, says body language might include appearance, posture, movements, gestures, facial expressions or use of space. However, she emphasizes that a non-verbal cue can be interpreted in a variety of ways. "For example, tears of joy versus tears of sorrow. They can be interpreted as two completely different non-verbal cues."
To further understand what body language really says about us, photos were taken of people interacting with one another around Lawrence. These photos were then taken to Baym, who helped interpret them. While some photos explore intimacy, others look at gender differences. Baym says that overall these photos represent not only their owners, but how we as a society organize ourselves. So, take a look and see how much you own up to these actions.
— Brant Stacy can be reached at bstacy@kansan.com.
photos: Jeff Brandsted
The Intellectuals:
(Shana Hughes, Wichita graduate student/Hume Feldman, associate professor of physics and astronomy) No romance here. Just friends. While he's making a point, she is listening. The woman here is taking up less space. Her legs are crossed, while his hang over each side of the bench. He is talking with his hands, which are called batons. His pose is more open, while hers is more closed. Their dress might signify they are teachers or faculty. Because they are within 3 inches to 4 feet from each other, they are in close conversation.
Chillin':
(Tabatha Kane, Smyrna, Tenn., sophomore/Andrew Birotte, Joplin, Mo., sophomore) Just friends. This photo shows the girl is more protective of her body space, because her knees are tightly knit together and her book bag is between her legs. The man on the other hand has his legs spread and his book bag set to the side. This signifies he is more open. These behaviors are gendered behaviors. Women usually take up less space than men. The steps represent familiarity. They allow a person to be comfortable when engaging in a casual conversation.
Merc Shoppers:
(Andrew Roberts, Lawrence junior/Aelexis Friskel, Frontenac sophomore) These two are likely a couple. They have similar facial expressions and similar features. We call this the "matching hypothesis." The matching hypothesis says we seek romantic partners who are similar in physical appearance to ourselves. Both have soft, friendly and rounded features. They are both wearing Birkenstocks and have long hair. You might suspect they are off To The Merc to do a little shopping.
Feel the Love:
(Jessica Virtue, Lawrence junior/Chris Veit, Overland Park senior) Distance in this picture is important. Because this couple is extremely close, 0 to 2 inches, they are in the intimate zone. She is touching him in a very safe place. Hands, arms and shoulders are the first things to touch in a relationship. People must hold hands before they make love.
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Jayplay 4.29.04