Non-Verbal communication of An Asperger Syndrome Child in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Movie

ABSTRACT

Communication is generally defined as has having both a verbal and non- verbal component. Whereas verbal communication often refers to the words we use in communication, non-verbal communication refers to communication that is produced by some means other than words (eye contact, body language, or vocal cues, for example) (Knapp & Hall, 2002).

This study is designed by using descriptive qualitative method as it concerns with analyzing the types and the function of non-verbal communication used by the main character. The data of this study were taken from the pictures of scenes in the movie. The researcher analyzed the data by using Knapp and Hall’s theory of non-verbal communication. The researcher analyzed the data by classifying, discussion and drawing conclusion.The research finds that there are six types of non-verbal communication, those are kinesics or body movements, occulics or eye communication, proxemics or space communication, artifactual communication, paralanguage, and chronemics or time communication. Haptics or touch communication are not found in this study. The result shows that kinesics or body movements turned out to be the most frequent category of non-verbal communication. It is that there are 11 data about kinesics.

The second result is the functions of non-verbal communication used by the main character in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close movie. They are complementing verbal messages. Gestures, tone of voice, facial expressions, and other non-verbal behaviors can clarify, reinforce, accent, or add to the meaning of verbal messages. Another function of using a non-verbal message is in the place of a verbal message.

In accordance with the significance of the study and the result of the study, There are some points that could be recommended. For the students who investigate about non-verbal communication analysis are suggested to have a good comprehension on the contexts and understanding of the pictures which is presented. It is able to help them avoid having wrong interpretation.

The researcher also recommends to the next researcher not to limit the discussion just as the previous researcher does it before, but also expands deeply the analysis about non-verbal communication, for example, non-verbal communication of the animal. In addition, the researcher also suggests that the next researchers conduct similar topic of the study with more complete data and discussion.