You might think two people who speak the same language would have no trouble understanding each other. After all, language is used to organize and interpret experiences and perceptions. However, communication is not simply a matter of words. Gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, body posture, and symbols all convey information. These cues may carry multiple meanings. Or their meanings may be specific to a culture or group. Face-to-face communication is often the best way to avoid misunderstanding. When participants observe each other, they pick up clues. These may provide important context for the words being spoken. This is especially true when the people speaking share a common culture. In intercultural communication, that may differ. Even when people possess good Knowledge of a shared language, there is significant potential for misunderstanding. Culture has a powerful influence on how people communicate. That is why it is important to understand how people of different cultures think and act. Cultural awareness is essential to effective intercultural communication. It is, of course, nearly impossible for an outsider to learn all the rules of behavior governing cultures and subgroups. However, knowledge of common barriers to communication will help prevent misunderstandings. The first impediment to understanding involves nonverbal communication cues.These are especially dependent on culture for their meaning. Body movements, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact are all aspects of kinesics, a form of nonverbal communication. In Japan, students often avoid making eye contact with their professors as a sign of respect. In the United States, professors expect eye contact from their students as a sign that they are paving attention.