cate the lack of understanding of a person's language, mode of communication, or vocabulary level. In an obvious example, one can look at a person who speaks one language and is placed in a situation where another language is being spoken. As might be expected, the person who does not understand the spoken language is uncomfortable, and may turn off his or her listening process. In this sense, the barrier
2 See, for instance, E.J. Baesler and J.K. Burgoon, "Measurement and Reliability of Nonverbal Behavior," Journal of Nonverbal Behavior 1 (Winter 1987): 20533.
3 R. Boice and P.M. Monti, "Specifications of Nonverbal Behaviors for Clinical Assessment," Journal of Nonverbal Behavior 7 (1982): 7994; M.A.K. Halliday, Explorations in the Functions of Language, (New York: Elsevier, 1973). reflects not only an intellectual and emotional response, but a cultural one as well.4
Nevertheless, even if language barriers are initially forthcoming, it is also interesting to note that people are usually able to pick up several cogent and usable clues from the nonverbal aspect of communication. In situations in which language or vocabulary is a problem, it is true that many of the specifics are often lost, but the general meaning can often be ascertained through signs, body language, facial expressions, and other modes of nonverbal behavior.5
In the same vein, if language is seen in the broad social context of a communication situation, any time there is distraction, disinterest, or boredom with what is being communicated, it is likely that barriers will arise. This has been demonstrated using "linguistic deception" so that whenever a certain type of behavior is exhibited in the speaker, the listener's response may be monitored. In almost every case, certain barriers were erected when the listener faced uncertain social or intellectual attributes. In
4 J.K. Burgoon, "The Relationship of Verbal and Nonverbal Codes," in B. Dervi...