Final answer:
Nonverbal communication or metacommunication includes behaviors like hand gestures and eye contact, which are culture-dependent and convey messages about how verbal communication should be interpreted. Verbal and written language are not examples of nonverbal communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nonverbal communication plays a critical role in how we convey and interpret messages beyond the literal meaning of words. This form of communication, often referred to as metacommunication, includes a range of behaviors that communicate information about how verbal information should be interpreted. Examples of metacommunication would therefore not include verbal language (option c) or written communication (option d), as they are verbal in nature, but rather are as follows:
- Hand gestures: These can imply things like 'stop', 'come here', or could even be cultural symbols with specific meanings. For instance, the thumbs-up gesture may be a positive sign in one culture but offensive in another.
- Eye contact: Sustained eye contact can imply sincerity or intensity, whereas a lack of it may suggest discomfort or avoidance.
Cultural understanding is imperative in interpreting these nonverbal cues correctly, as they vary greatly across different societies. For example, a nod might usually signify agreement but can mean the opposite in some cultures. Therefore, knowledge of the context and the individuals involved is crucial for accurate interpretation of nonverbal communication.