Yang, P. (2007). Nonverbal affiliative phenomena in Mandarin conversation. Journal of Intercultural Communication, 7(3), 1-36. https://doi.org/10.36923/jicc.v7i3.448

Based on naturally occurring audio-video data collected from university campus settings, this study has identified four nonverbal actions zhùshì (gaze), diantóu (head nods), weixiao (gentle smile), and shouchù (hand touch) employed by Mandarin Chinese speakers in their interpersonal communication. Detailed data analysis and discussion reveal how Mandarin Chinese speakers manage their affiliation and attachment nonverbally with the co-participants in conversations. Finally, the significance of the study is discussed.