Final answer:
Facial expressions are a type of non-manual behavior that is universal, instinctively conveying emotions like joy, sadness, and anger across different cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Non-Verbal Communication and Universal Expressions
One type of non-manual behavior that is universal is facial expressions. Facial expressions serve as a global language for emotions such as joy, sadness, anger, and surprise. Renowned psychologist Paul Ekman's research highlighted the universality of facial expressions, demonstrating that people from vastly different cultures could recognize emotional expressions consistently. In fact, even individuals who are congenitally blind display the same facial expressions of emotion, suggesting a biologically innate foundation to this aspect of nonverbal communication.
While some nonverbal behaviors, like hand gestures or specific body postures, may hold different meanings across cultures, facial expressions tend to be universally understood, transcending cultural barriers. Emotions such as happiness, surprise, and disgust are often conveyed through instinctive facial expressions that do not require verbal communication for interpretation.