Question

Imagine you are visiting a remote part of Southeast Asia, where you do not speak the language and are unfamiliar with the local customs. Which emotion are you likely able to determine just by facial expression when interacting with locals?

a) Happiness
b) Surprise
c) Fear
d) Anger

Answer 1

Despite cultural and language barriers, certain emotions like happiness, surprise, fear, and anger are universally recognizable through facial expressions due to the innate nature of seven universal emotions with distinct expressions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Amid cultural differences and language barriers in a remote part of Southeast Asia, you are still likely able to determine certain emotions through facial expressions. Emotions such as happiness, surprise, fear, and anger are recognized universally across different societies.

This is because, as established through the research of scientists like Paul Ekman and the findings from studies such as those conducted in preliterate cultures or with congenitally blind individuals, there are seven universal emotions with distinct facial expressions that are understood worldwide. These expressions are innate and not learned from visual cues in our environment, making emotion recognition cross-culturally accessible despite the absence of language or prior exposure to a particular culture.