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Manner: behaviour and body language A
Manners Courtesy is still important nowadays. [politeness and respect] The teacher said her students were always very courteous. [polite and respectful] She addressed the customer in a very discourteous manner. [impolite and lacking respect] I hope I didn’t appear offhand with her – it’s just that I was in such a hurry. [showing a rude lack of
interest in others]
The boy had an insolent expression on his face which irritated me. [rude and not showing respect
(much stronger than discourteous)]
What’s the etiquette at a traditional Chinese wedding? Do you know? I’ve had an invitation to one.
[set of rules or customs for accepted behaviour in particular social groups or social situations] Here, have a seat. Relax – there’s no need to stand on ceremony. [behave in a formal way] My elderly uncle and aunt are both rather straitlaced. [having old-fashioned and fixed morals] Asking for more food at a formal dinner party is just not the done thing. [what you are expected to do in a social situation]
When taking part in online discussions, always follow netiquette and keep your comments brief. [code of behaviour when using the internet]
Language help Manners, meaning the way we behave with one another socially, is plural, e.g. We need to employ staff with good manners (NOT good manner). Manner (singular) is a more formal alternative to ‘way (of doing something)’, e.g. He greeted everyone in a friendly manner.
B
Body language and non-verbal language Research shows that we communicate more through body language and non-verbal noises than we are aware. Here are some examples of how we indicate emotion through our non-verbal behaviour:
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verb/expression
what it indicates
comment
raise your eyebrows
surprise or shock (either showing or causing)
either a person or behaviour can raise eyebrows
twitch
nervousness
repeated small movements with part of the body
flinch
pain or fear
sudden small movement
squirm
embarrassment or nervousness
move from side to side in an awkward way
smirk
self-satisfaction
smile (negative associations)
beam
happiness
broad smile (positive associations)
sniff at something
disapproval
breathe air in through your nose in a way that makes a noise
snort
disgust or great amusement
make an explosive sound by forcing air quickly up or down your nose
titter
nervousness or embarrassment
small laugh
English Vocabulary in Use Advanced
