Canterbury University researchers believe their work on Maori body language can help break down cultural barriers.
Project leader Jeanette King from the New Zealand Institute of Language says the project is looking at differences in the way Maori and Pakeha communicate. It includes facial expression, posture and body language, as well as oral language.
She says the differences come through in both English and Maori.
Dr King says her research will build on the Joan Metge and Patricia Kinloch book Talking Past Each Other published in 1978, which identified the cross-cultural difference.
