Aspects of Nonverbal Communication in Mildred Okwo and Rita Dominic’s The Meeting

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Abstract

Since one of the factors that contribute to the success of a film is the ability of the actors and actresses to have a thorough interpretation of the script/story to appear as real as possible, this study aims to describe the aspects of nonverbal communication in the film –The Meeting (2012) by Mildred Okwo and Rita Dominic. This paper analyses the aspects of nonverbal communication in conveying intercultural meaning. It argues that aside the transfer of cultural meanings, nonverbal communication aspects perform specific functions which strengthen and lend greater significance to conveying meaning to other characters. In addition to this, nonverbal communication cues abound in the Nigerian film industry productions, informally called Nollywood. The aim of a film has continued to be how to creatively bring the script/story to life through different communication channels that would elicit viewers’ emotions. The major aspects of nonverbal communication in the film are physical appearance, kinesics, vocal behaviour and cultural sign. The data for this study are some purposively selected sampled scenes in the minister of Lands office which was also a major setting in the film. The scenes were studied and analyzed. The results imply that nonverbal communication in the movie functions as a powerful tool to add depth and authenticity to the story, enabling viewers to relate to the characters more deeply. It should be noted that aspects of nonverba communication can create an air of confusion when the receiver of a message fails to understand it as seen in some scenes in The Meeting.