What does kinesics study in the context of communication?

Kinesics is the study of body language and nonverbal cues in communication. It examines how various physical movements, gestures, facial expressions, and posture contribute to the communication process and convey messages that may not be expressed verbally. Understanding kinesics is essential for interpreting social interactions, as it provides context and insight into a person's emotional state, attitudes, and intentions beyond the spoken word. This field emphasizes that communication is not solely dependent on words; rather, a significant portion of human interaction is communicated through nonverbal means, making it a critical aspect of effective communication.