Question

Classify the following forms of communication as verbal or nonverbal:$$ \begin{aligned} &\begin{array}{|l|l|l|} \hline \text { - American Sign Language } & \text { Verbal } & \text { Nonverbal } \\ \hline \text { - Turning your body away from another person } & \text { Verbal } & \text { Nonverbal } \\ \hline \text { - Text messages } & \text { Verbal } & \text { Nonverbal } \\ \hline \text { - Giving a "high five" } & \text { Verbal } & \text { Nonverbal } \\ \hline \end{array}\\\ &\text { - Frowning }\\\ &\begin{array}{|l|l|} \text { Verbal } & \text { Nonverbal } \\ \hline \end{array} \end{aligned} $$

Short answer

ASL: Verbal, Turn body: Nonverbal, Text messages: Verbal, High five: Nonverbal, Frowning: Nonverbal.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Categories

Determine what qualifies as verbal and nonverbal communication. Verbal communication involves the use of words either spoken or written, while nonverbal communication includes gestures, body language, facial expressions, and other forms of conveying messages without words.

Classify American Sign Language

American Sign Language (ASL) is a form of communication using signs and gestures, but it is a complete language with its own grammar and syntax. Therefore, ASL should be classified as verbal communication.

Classify Turning Your Body Away

Turning your body away from another person is a form of body language that conveys a message nonverbally. Thus, it should be classified as nonverbal communication.

Classify Text Messages

Text messages involve the written form of words to communicate a message. Therefore, text messages should be classified as verbal communication.

Classify Giving a 'High Five'

A 'high five' is a gesture used to convey congratulations, celebration, or a greeting nonverbally. Hence, it should be classified as nonverbal communication.

Classify Frowning

Frowning is a facial expression that communicates emotions or reactions without words. Therefore, it should be classified as nonverbal communication.

Key concepts

Verbal Communication

Verbal communication is any form of communication that uses spoken or written words. It involves the exchange of information through articulate sounds and symbols. Verbal communication can be both oral and written.

Here are examples:

• Conversations
• Phone calls
• Text messages
• Emails

Each of these methods involves the use of words to convey a message, making them forms of verbal communication. Clarity, tone, and choice of words all play key roles in effective verbal communication.

Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication involves conveying a message without the use of words. This type of communication includes body language, gestures, facial expressions, and more.

Nonverbal cues can often reveal true feelings and intentions more accurately than words. Here are some examples:

• Nodding or shaking your head
• Smiling or frowning
• Giving a 'high five'
• Turning your body away

Nonverbal communication can add depth to verbal interactions or stand alone to express emotions and reactions.

American Sign Language

American Sign Language (ASL) is a rich, complex language that uses hand signs, facial expressions, and body language to communicate. Despite relying on gestures, ASL has its own grammar and syntax, similar to spoken languages, making it a form of verbal communication.

ASL provides an essential means of communication for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

• It enables complete conversations using signs.
• The language differs based on regional and national variations.

Understanding ASL requires mastering a broad vocabulary of signs and an understanding of the motion, expression, and positioning nuances.

Body Language

Body language is a crucial component of nonverbal communication. It involves using physical behaviors to convey messages, often subconciously. Body language can include:

• Posture
• Gestures
• Eye contact
• Facial expressions

For example, turning your body away from someone can indicate discomfort or disinterest. Conversely, maintaining eye contact can show confidence and engagement. Decoding body language accurately can enhance interpersonal communication and understanding.

Text Messaging

Text messaging is a modern form of verbal communication that uses written words exchanged via electronic devices. It allows for fast and convenient communication. Here are some aspects about text messaging:

• It's ideal for quick updates and short conversations.
• Emojis and abbreviations can add emotion or context.
• Text messaging can sometimes lead to misinterpretation due to lack of tone and body language.

Despite these limitations, text messaging remains a highly popular means of communication in our digital age.