The Use of Body Language in English Teaching

司 鑫

Abstract: As one primary part of nonverbal language, body language plays a great role in communication. This paper mainly discusses the body language in English teaching. Body language is divided into four parts, which are gesture, expression, posture, appearance and other. In the paper, the characters and functions of body language are being further discussed, and some problems are pointed out in using body language in English teaching. It is clear that if we make good use of body language actively, we can make not only have our classes more interesting, but also stimulate the students' motivation and affection in English study.

Key Words:language body language English teaching communication

I. Introduction

Body language is an essential component communication in the teaching process.In the communication theory, body language has several functions: repeating what has already been expressed verbally; replacing the verbal communication; opposing the verbal communication; affectionate (instinctive)support of the spoken word; information about the mutual relation; emphasizing the verbal communication and so on. Obviously, body language is closely related with teaching, especially English teaching.

II. What's the body language?

2.1. The definition of body language

People can not live without each other, because we are social beings. As soon as we are in contact with the others, we are communicating. For this, we can make use of two ways: verbal and nonverbal communication. The former is more important, which refers to both spoken and written language. In this way we can make the content of a message clear to each other. However, we can also communicate without words, because words are only part of communication, and the other kind of communication tells us something about the relationship between people.

2.2. The role of body language

As one primary part of nonverbal language, body language plays a great role in communication.

2.2.1. A part of communication

Experts say that communication is composed of different methods: words, voice, tone and nonverbal clues. Of these, some are more effective in delivering a message than others. According to research, in a conversation or verbal exchange: words are 7% effective, tone of voice is 43% effective and nonverbal clues are 50% effective.

2.2.2. The function of body language within our daily contacts

Body language is an easier way of feeling expressions than spoken language. For example, we don't say to someone easily that we do not like him or her, but through body language you can show them clearly. Spoken and body language go mostly hand in hand. When someone says something, information is conveyed through body language at the same time. This extra nonverbal information can support the context of the message or may contradict it.

III. The body language in English teaching

Body language plays a great role not only in communication and daily contacts, but also in English teaching. The body language using in English teaching is necessary. And body language in English teaching has its classification.

3.1. The necessity and importance of using body language in English teaching

According to all the above examples, we basically understand the intension and extension about body language. Meanwhile, we generally acquaint the role of it. However, what's the relationship between body language and English teaching?

3.1.1. The awareness of cross-culture

The purpose of English teaching not only should impart knowledge to the students, but also should focus on training their ability of communication about language and culture. ESL teaching is a process of idea and emotion exchange in cross-culture. How do we make it more unobstructed and more effective? Body language is bound to play a big role in English teaching. So the ESL teacher should observe and study the behavior and manner about body language of people in English countries. Then they make good use of body language to the language teaching so as to enliven the atmosphere of classroom,producing more vivid and interesting teaching effect.

3.1.2. The effective teaching method

English teaching is a key part of the school education. With the reform of English teaching approaches, more and more English teachers have organized the English classes completely in English, which means that the teachers explain something basically in English, and the students are also required to use English in class too. Contemporarily, the students, especially in middle school, can't speak very well: neither can they understand why they should use different tones in different time or situations; their vocabulary and expressive ability are too limited, which made it difficult to realize the communication English in classes. From the above we can learn, the use of body language in English teaching is necessary and practical.

3.2. The function of body language in English teaching

3.2.1. Repeating

In English class, the teacher often uses nonverbal message to repeat a point he or she is tying to make. For instance, after the students are requested to read the text loudly for a moment, the teacher might hold up his or her hand in the gesture that signifies the students to stop, at the same time he or she actually means the word "stop".

3.2.2. Complementing and substituting

Closely related to repeating is complementing. We use substitution in nonverbal communication when we perform some action instead of speaking. For example, when a group of students are noisy, the teacher might place his index finger to his lips as an alternative to saying "Please calm down so that I can speak." This just is "Silence is superior to the words."

3.2.3. Regulating

We often regulate and manage communication by using some forms of nonverbal behavior: we remain silent for a moment and let the silence send the message that we are ready to begin our speech. Don't forget though that no reaction is also a reaction. It is said that "to organize the classroom teaching, the first-class teacher use eye; the second-classteacher uses language; but the third-class one uses punishment." In short, our body language helps us controll the situation.