The Routledge Dictionary of Nonverbal Communication - Clear Reference

In this review of The Routledge Dictionary of Nonverbal Communication, the book is presented as a practical reference for anyone who studies, teaches, or simply notices human behavior. The bottom line: this volume is best for readers who need concise, alphabetized entries that explain a wide range of nonverbal signals and contexts. Compiled like a dictionary, it offers quick definitions and contextual notes that make it easy to look up terms from attractiveness to zeitgeist, and its approach makes it especially useful as a classroom supplement or a desk reference for social scientists, communicators, and curious readers.

Key Features

• Alphabetical entries: The dictionary format groups topics from attractiveness to zeitgeist so readers can find individual concepts quickly and reliably.
• Wide behavioral scope: Entries cover a very wide selection of nonverbal behaviors, actions and signals, giving a broad overview rather than focusing narrowly on one theory.
• Accessible prose: Short, focused definitions and explanatory notes make complex nonverbal phenomena approachable for nonexperts and students.
• Reference-friendly layout: Presented as a series of chapters with alphabetical entries, the structure suits rapid lookup in study or teaching situations.
• Contextual insight: Each entry aims to provide informed insight on everyday environments and interpersonal messages, helping readers interpret real-life signals.

Who It's For

The Routledge Dictionary of Nonverbal Communication is ideal for students of communication, psychology and anthropology who need a compact compendium of terms and phenomena. Instructors can use it as a supporting reference for courses that cover body language, proxemics, gesture, and related concepts, while journalists or writers may find quick definitions useful for background research.

Readers seeking an in-depth theoretical textbook or empirical meta-analysis should look elsewhere, because the dictionary format prioritizes breadth and concise explanation over sustained argument or original research data. Those wanting a highly illustrated or photographic guide to signals may also prefer a different title.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Broad coverage makes it a convenient one-volume reference for many nonverbal topics.
• Alphabetized, chapter-organized layout supports quick lookup during study or lesson planning.
• Written to offer informed, accessible insight, so nonexperts can understand common signals.

Cons

• As a dictionary-style volume, it does not provide deep theoretical treatments or extensive empirical studies for every entry.

Specifications

Title	The Routledge Dictionary of Nonverbal Communication
Authors	John White, David B. Givens
Format	Dictionary-style chapters with alphabetical entries
Coverage	Wide selection of nonverbal behaviors, actions and signals
Entry range	From attractiveness to zeitgeist
Best use	Reference for students, instructors and curious readers

Our Verdict

The Routledge Dictionary of Nonverbal Communication is a practical, well-organized reference that delivers concise explanations across a wide range of nonverbal topics. Ideal for students and teachers who need quick access to definitions and contextual notes, it is good value for anyone who prefers breadth and usability over lengthy theoretical exposition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for beginners?
Yes. The dictionary format and accessible entries make it well suited to readers new to nonverbal communication.

Does it include practical examples?
Entries provide contextual notes and examples to help interpret signals, though the book emphasizes concise definitions over long case studies.

Is this a theoretical textbook?
No. It functions primarily as a reference compendium rather than a deep theoretical or empirical textbook.