CTEL 3 Culture and Inclusion Practice Test 2025 - Free Culture and Inclusion Practice Questions and Study Guide

In more reserved cultures, individuals often adhere to specific social norms regarding personal space, body language, and nonverbal communication. In these contexts, more expressive or expansive arm movements can be interpreted as lacking self-control. Such movements can be seen as overwhelming or disruptive to social harmony, which is typically valued in these societies. Individuals in reserved cultures may prioritize subtlety and restraint in their expressions, so overt or exaggerated gestures could lead others to perceive the person as being unable to modulate their behavior appropriately.

Conversely, welcoming gestures, confidence, or excitement might be appreciated in different cultural settings where expressiveness is more normative. Thus, in contrast to cultures that embrace body language as a form of connection, a reserved country may view large, unrestrained arm movements as a deviation from expected behavior, aligning with the perception of lacking self-control.