The present study assessed nonverbal communication in a sample of Chinese and American elementary students. Participants were 412 children ranging in age from 7 years to 11 years (Grades 2 through 4), 241 from mainland China and 171 from the USA. Perception of nonverbal communication was assessed by use of the Diagnostic Analysis of Nonverbal Accuracy which assesses receptive nonverbal communication through facial expression, posture, gestures, and paralanguage (tone of voice). Only facial expression, posture, and gestures were examined, and significant differences between the two groups on gestures and postures were found but not on facial expressions. Teachers were also asked to rate their students using the Social Perception Behavior Rating Scale. Surprisingly, the teachers rated Chinese boys as having more difficulty with social behaviors and lower social perception than Chinese girls or American boys and girls.
