Answer :
Final answer:
Facial expressions corresponding to basic emotions are universal, while gestures and other forms of nonverbal communication like body language are often culture-specific.
Explanation:
The correct answer to the question is A. Facial expressions are universal; gestures, culture-specific. The research by Paul Ekman has shown that certain facial expressions are universally associated with specific emotions, such as happiness, surprise, sadness, anger, and disgust. These expressions are consistent even among those who have never seen them performed by others, including individuals who are congenitally blind. Conversely, gestures tend to be highly variable and culture-specific. A thumbs-up may be seen as positive in some cultures but offensive in others. Body language too can differ significantly across cultural contexts.
The accurate answer to the question is indeed A. Facial expressions are universal; gestures are culture-specific. Paul Ekman's research has demonstrated the universality of certain facial expressions associated with specific emotions like happiness, surprise, sadness, anger, and disgust. These expressions remain consistent across diverse cultures, even among individuals who have never observed them, including those who are congenitally blind.
In contrast, gestures are highly variable and culture-specific. For instance, a thumbs-up gesture may convey positivity in some cultures but be perceived as offensive in others. The cultural specificity of gestures underscores the importance of considering diverse non-verbal cues within their cultural context. Additionally, body language can exhibit significant cultural variations, reinforcing the idea that while facial expressions have universal elements, gestures and body language are nuanced and shaped by cultural norms and interpretations.
