All of uscommunicate with one another nonverbally,as well as with words.Most of the timewe're not aware that we're doing it.We gesture with eyebrows or a hand,meet
someone else's eyesand look away,change positions in a chair.(46)__________.However in recentyears researchers have discovered that there is a system to them almost as
consistent andunderstandable as language.
One important kindof body language is eye behavior.(47)_________.In our normal conversation,eacheye contact lasts only about a second before one or both of us look
away.When twoAmericans look,searchingly into each other's eyes,(48)_________.Therefore,wecarefully avoid this,except in suitable situations.
Researchers(49)________arenot prepared to spell out a precise vocabulary of gestures. When an Americanrubs his nose,it may mean he is disagreeing with someone or
refusing something.But there are other possible interpretations,too.Another examplE.when a studentin conversation with a professor holds the older man's eyes a little longer
than isusual,(50)_________;it can be a challenge to the professor's authority;it canbe something else entirely.The researchers look for patterns in thesituation,not for a
separate meaningfulgesture.
Communicationbetween human beings would be just dull if it were all done with words.
A.it can be a signof respect
B.they become moreintimate
C.We assume theseactions are occasional
D.Americans arecareful about how and when they meet one another's eyes
E.who are engaged inthe study of communication through body movement