Final answer:
Body language refers to gestures, mannerisms, and postures used for communication and includes elements like facial expressions and gestures that may convey emotions and intentions beyond words. Cultural context is important for interpreting body language as meanings can vary widely across different societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gestures, mannerisms, and postures by which a person communicates with others are known as body language. This form of non-verbal communication complements verbal interaction and includes various elements from facial expressions to gestural indicators. Body language can convey a wide range of emotions and intentions, providing a deeper understanding of the speaker's message beyond spoken words.
Body language encompasses different aspects, such as paralanguage, which involves the tone, language, and accent used during speech, and kinesics, referring to body movements and gestures like smiles, frowns, or handshakes. Cultural norms significantly influence the interpretation of these nonverbal cues, as the same gesture can have different meanings across various cultures. A thumbs-up may serve as positive reinforcement in some regions, while it could be considered rude or even offensive in others.
It's important to understand that certain body language signals are nearly universal, like smiling for joy or crying for sadness, but a comprehensive understanding requires cultural context. For instance, from a difference in culture, what may appear to be an argument based on physicality could simply be an animated conversation without any hard feelings involved.