The Globally Recognized Snarl
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A new study from the National Academy of Sciences indicates that negative emotions tend to be understood across cultures, while positive emotions are typically culture specific, reports the BBC. Researchers compared the semi-nomadic Himba people of southern African to Westerners. People from each group were told an emotional story, and then played two different emotional sounds.
The so called "basic" emotions of anger, sadness, fear, disgust and surprise were most identifiable.
Happiness was divided up into achievement or triumph, relief, amusement and sensual pleasure. Only amusement, signified by laughter, translated well. ...
The scientists believe that positive emotions may not travel as well because they are used in more culture-specific ways to manage social bonds. Cheering for example was not recognised.
"If someone tastes something and pulls a disgusted face and goes 'eeeurgh' that's forming quite a different role. It's not to do with group cohesion. It's got a much more basic role saying 'stay away from that'," said Professor [Sophie Scott, a member of the research team].
(Photo from Flickr by xrrr; C.C. 2.0)
