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Are there universal expressions of emotion? - Sophie Zadeh

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25,116 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

The 40 or so muscles in the human face can be activated in different combinations to create thousands of expressions. But do these expressions look the same and communicate the same meaning around the world regardless of culture? Is one person’s smile another’s grimace? Sophie Zadeh investigates.

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Some researchers believe that the expression of ____ could directly improve survival in potentially dangerous situations by letting our eyes absorb more light and our lungs take in more air, preparing us to fight or flee.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Sophie Zadeh
  • Director Antonia Muniz, Ana Bolshaw, Miguel Carvalho
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Producer Antonia Muniz
  • Animator Antonia Muniz, Ana Bolshaw, Miguel Carvalho
  • Editor Antonia Muniz
  • Art Director Antonia Muniz, Ana Bolshaw, Miguel Carvalho
  • Designer Ana Bolshaw, Miguel Carvalho
  • Storyboard Artist Miguel Carvalho
  • Illustrator Miguel Carvalho
  • Composer Renato Badeco
  • Associate Producer Elizabeth Cox, Jessica Ruby
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Narrator Pen-Pen Chen

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