http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/25092009/63/adebayor-won-t-change-goal-celebration.html
(Above picture adapted from http://worldsport.blogs.cnn.com/category/world-sport-blog/football/ (left) and http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/incoming/article158515.ece/BINARY/gallery-large/Arsenal+fans+react+to+Emmanuel+Adebayor%27s+celebration.jpg (right))
This has to be the most relevant piece of news that encompasses what was taught in COM101 this week – Nonverbal communication.
In Brief:
The soccer player featured above is Adebayor, a former Arsenal player. He recently joined another club, Manchester City, and left behind a bitter resentment amongst the Arsenal fans that felt betrayed by his departure. The picture shown above was taken a few weeks back during a football match (Arsenal VS Manhester City), where he taunted the Arsenal fans after he scored a goal against his former club. As one can well guess, it sparked an outrage as the Arsenal fans yelled and jeered at him. One fan even threw a chair at him (I’m not making this up. The picture above shows).
COM101 Logic:
Well now, let’s scrutinize this incident with COM101 principles shall we? In the news article (Link’s above), Adebayor emphasised how his goal celebration was an ‘emotional’ one. He is, in fact, very much right. One major aspect of nonverbal communication is that it communicates emotions very well. What Adebayor didn’t figure out perhaps, was that nonverbal communication is receiver-oriented. That means, even though he might have had good intentions, what mattered was how the Arsenal fans deemed it to be. To the fans, it was a rude, taunting gesture, stoked more so since Adebayor ran the whole pitch just to provoke them.
There are different types of nonverbal communication too. In Adebayor’s case, he was mostly using kinesics, which is body language. With his arms opened wide, and a gleeful smile on his face, you could suppose he was communicating to the Arsenal fans: “Look! I’m terrific! It’s your loss I’m no longer in Arsenal!”
The other type is chronemics, which is the context in regards to time. This gesture Adebayor made was right after he scored the goal against Arsenal which, in context, probably indicated he had a personal feud with Arsenal.
So there! A careful examination of Adebayor done. However, there are other types of nonverbal communication, 6 more, to be exact. They are:
(1) Paralinguistics (The vocal things that aren’t words. e.g. crying, silences, pauses)
(2) Objects/Artifects (Objects that conveys message. e.g. tissue pack that ’chops’ seats, tattoos)
(3) Oculesics (Your eyes. e.g. ‘rolling’ of eyes)
(4) Haptics (Touch. e.g. placing your hand on someone’s back as a friendly gesture)
(5) Proxemics (Space & distance. e.g. when you shun someone, you distance yourself from him)
(6) Physical appearance (e.g dress, hairstlye)
So what do you think of Adebayor’s diplay of emotion? And while your nonverbal communication may not be as drastic as his, what forms/types of nonverbal communication do you display most often? You may be surprised, even sitting cross-legged may mean something! (e.g. tense). So please share, especially the funny/weird ones!
This is definitely a good example of nonverbal communication. I (being an Arsenal fan.) was really annoyed. Words does not convey as much meaning as actions. Like they always say – Action speaks louder than words.
You must’ve been angry! Actually, not only Manchester City is guilty of this; many clubs are taunting the audience. It seems Manchester United has taken a step into taunting the camera, which are to us viewers at home. How fustrating!
Then again, non-verbal communication may also be subject to miscommunication or misunderstanding as well. I’m not a football fan, so neither an Arsenal or Man City supporter. Just by looking at Adebayor’s celebratory body language, I thought he might just be indicating a sign of triumph for scoring a goal, and it’s one of those standard postures that all players take when they score a goal, isn’t it? But the fact that there’s bad blood between him and his Arsenal fans(for having deserting them for Manchester City), his body language may now be construed by his ex-club supporters as a sign of provocation…
As we all learn about effective communication, verbal communication may still be a better means of communication if one has a choice as it allows feedback and clarification in the event that there’s any misunderstanding, or wrong perception
thanks party tart
You’re very much right there. However, we must remember nonverbal communication pairs with verbal to make the whole communication. They are not isolated cases.
i think Adebayor knew exactly what he was doing when he paraded in front of the arsenal fans. i am a fan of neither soccer clubs but i think it is worth noting that he immediately ‘celebrated’ in front of the arsenal fans – which is unusual.
non verbal communications are usually subjective in nature but in this case, i think both parties understood its meaning perfectly.
well said man. There was a mutual understanding from both parties in deciphering the message.
Firstly, thanks for commenting on my blog regularly and the recap of our concepts! The essence about non verbal communication is the subjectiveness of it’s interpretation. Having said that, from the first picture I thought he was welcoming the cheers and from the second I thought they were cheering from him! Then after reading your explanation, it was otherwise! I guess.. in an individualist state in the West, they are less rooted in their loyalties and whichever offers a better cut, will be the side they go over to. I’m sure its their nature and nurture, so why are the people so hard on him
Wow thanks for replying this least-commented-post! You’re right, and your opinion is very valuable cause I guess you’re not a football fan?
And the point you made about individualist culture is very apt. The characteristic of Hedonism is apparent in football, as players tend to go to clubs that offer them higher wages.
Its amazing how soccer fans can get so emotional about football!! I mean, if one player wants to join another club can’t fans just let him and respect his wishes? Anyway great analysis of the non verbal communication aspects in the above pictures! Adebayor should definitely bear in mind that his actions are receiver oriented, nomatter what his intentions are. He should maybe celebrate only after all his ex-fans have disappeared from the stadium. I think it is unfortunate, though, that sometimes one cannot truly express himself just because he has to worry about other’s reactions to him.
haha thanks Rachel for your comment. As we are social beings, we are inevitably subscribed to societal perceptions of our reactions. So yes, he should’ve celebrated long after the fans left.
Hey there.
The display of non verbal cues by Adebayor certainly incurred the wrath of many as he will be seen as arrogant and disrespectful. However, this brings out the importance of non verbal communication which is usually neglected as people tend to focus more on your language. In our daily lives, common non verbal cues like waving can have different meanings. Personally. I think that nonverbal communication should be coupled with verbal communication in order to bring one’s message across effectively.
haha do you expect Adebayor to shout as he motions himself? The crowd would not be able to hear! Anyway you are right that verbal and nonverbal should be paired in communication to express oneself clearer. However, we must be mindful that that too is subjected to cultural context (high/low).
I was never a football fan! haha! I think everything is just so superficial. Like how other teams would pay a huge amount to buy another team’s player. And then, if another team offers a higher amount, he would then switch team, again. I just feel that it is all in the name of money. Of course, I do acknowledge not all players will do that. But the news is always reporting about who going to which team. I shall not mention names in case people get offended!
Why are you so afraid of offending people? That wouldn’t happen silly! Anyway I guess you are quite right. Football these days seem to be marred by obscene amounts of money. It’s almost disgusting.
There’s objectics in here too. The chair! If that doesn’t say “I hate you!” then I don’t know what does.
Yeah, Adebayor’s behaviour was highly offensive to Arsenal. Players in their first match against their former team, should they score, are usually quite respectful and sportsmanly about it. This is outright cocky.
Hey Russell good spot with the chair! Well done.