The picture is to prove my point,I doubt the that anybody took the time to teach the baby how to strike a post with different facial expressions.(*thinks to self*"This baby might be a potential model when he/she grows up.)
ScienceDaily (Dec. 30, 2008) — Facial expressions of emotion are hardwired into our genes, according to a new study. The research suggests that facial expressions of emotion are innate rather than a product of cultural learning. The study is the first of its kind to demonstrate that sighted and blind individuals use the same facial expressions, producing the same facial muscle movements in response to specific emotional stimuli.(oops,i am going off course here)
Back on track,Culture is the key to interpreting emotions.Over here I am not contradicting myself due to the above statement.The above statements means that specifically certain emotions,for example when one is fearful,he does not exactly look very serene or at peace.He is also very unlikely to grin.This can be proven through watching a baby.
Anyway,Research has uncovered that culture is a determining factor when interpreting facial emotions. The study reveals that in cultures where emotional control is the standard, such as Japan, focus is placed on the eyes to interpret emotions. Whereas in cultures where emotion is openly expressed, such as the United States, the focus is on the mouth to interpret emotion.
The line"your eyes are the windows to your soul" can be used in this context.
"It is quite interesting and appropriate that a culture that tends to masks its emotions(admittedly asians are not very expressive) such as Japan, would focus on a person's eyes when determining emotion, as eyes tend to be quite subtle.
In the United States, where overt emotion is quite common, it makes sense to focus on the mouth, which is the most expressive feature on a person's face."
The following are some terms about facial expression:
Illustrators:Nonverbal movements that accompany /reinforce verbal message.
eg:You nod your head when you say yes.
Regulators:Nonverbal movements that control the flow or pace of communication
eg:You yawn when you are bored
I suppose the baby's expression is a statement itself; expressions come naturally. The best thing about babies are their expressions are never hidden. Try doing something funny and stupid to someone our age, or perhaps older. They might not say anything but their body language says a whole lot.
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