latin american culture, as well as some african culture ,such as Nigeria, have longer looking time,but prolongrd eye contact from an individual of lower status is considered disrespectful. in the US, it is considered rude to stare-regardless of who is looking at whom. in contrast, the polite Englishman is taught to pay strict attention to a speaker, to listen carefully, and to blink his eyes to let the speaker know he or she has been understood as well as heard. Americans signal interest and comprehension by bobbing their heads or grunting.