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Separated by a Common Language

Nonverbal Accents and Cultural Stereotypes About Americans and Australians

Harvard University

Hillary Anger Elfenbein

University of California, Berkeley

Nalini Ambady

Tufts University

The expression of nonverbal cues may differ systematically across cultures. Common cues used in distinct ways cross-culturally may be termed nonverbal accents. The data in this study indicate that nonverbal accents can help perceivers to distinguish the nationality of expressers. In Study 1, American participants could determine the nationality of Australian and American adults with above-chance accuracy when viewing their emotional expressions but not neutral expressions. In Study 2, American participants could also determine the nationality of Australians and Americans seen walking or waving in greeting. The accuracy of nationality judgments was also correlated with the extent to which Australian targets were perceived to conform to stereotypes about Australians. It is argued that nonverbal accents may be a mechanism that perceivers can use to apply group stereotypes.

Key Words: nonverbal behavior • facial expressions • culture • stereotyping • emotion

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