Body language says it all
All races have their own particular gestures, some subtle, some very demonstrative. Gestures are movements of the hands or face that are used to give non-verbal messages.
Researchers have estimated that human hands and faces can make hundreds of thousands of different signs and expressions. It is therefore quite understandable that gestures and the meanings of the gestures can vary from culture to culture. Quite often, misunderstandings occur. That is why politicians often employ cross-cultural communication consultants who advise them what gestures are considered polite or impolite and an acceptable form of communication. For example, if a prime minister visited another country, he/she would not kiss the leader of that country. A handshake would be appropriate. However, in some countries, a kiss might be more polite.
Leaders need to know this information beforehand. The rest of us need to understand a few common gestures, particularly if we mix with foreigners or plan to travel abroad. In any case, it's fun to learn the meaning of some of these gestures.
Here is a short list of some of the more common gestures.
1. Raised eyebrow: In Tonga this gesture means yes or I agree.
In Peru it means money or pay me. In Greece and Italy it means you're doubting what you've just heard or have questions.
2. Blink: In Taiwan, blinking at someone is considered impolite.
3. Wink: Winking at women, particularly if you don't know them is considered impolite in most countries. Europeans, however, do it as an art form.
4. Tapping your nose: In Britain it implies secrecy or confidentiality. In Italy, it is a friendly warning.
5. Stroking the cheek: In Greece, Italy and Spain it means attractive. In Yugoslavia, success. Elsewhere, it can mean ill or thin.
6. Kissing fingertips: Kissing your own fingertips is very common throughout Europe, particularly in Latin countries (and in Latin America). You do this when you want to say that something is beautiful such as a woman, a wine, a particular dish or anything else!
7. Finger circle: In most European and some Latin American countries, when you make a circular motion of the finger around the ear you are saying that someone or something is crazy. In the Netherlands, it means someone has a telephone call.
8. Nod of the head: In Bulgaria and Greece this means no. In most other countries it means yes.
9. Thumbs up: In Australia this is considered to be a rude gesture. In most other countries, it simply means okay.
10. Waving: This is considered rude in Greece and Nigeria, especially if the hand is close to another person's face. You should never use this gesture to get a waiter or taxi driver's attention.
Test your cross-cultural communication skills. Name the appropriate gesture for the following situations:
1. You are in Spain in a restaurant and want to compliment the dancer while she's performing.
2. You've been waiting for a taxi in Greece for over an hour. Although empty, they simply drive past you giving you angry looks.
3. You're in the Netherlands and you want to tell your friend that she has a telephone call.
4. You tell your Italian friend that you can't see him tonight because you're busy. He doesn't believe you.
5. You are a tourist in a Bulgarian restaurant. The waiter asks you if you want to order a drink. You make a gesture and get ready to order because you're really thirsty but she walks away.
6. You offend your Australian host by your gesture when he asks you if you like Australia.
Answers: 1. kissing fingertips; 2. waving; 3. finger circle; 4. raised eyebrow; 5. nod of the head; 6. thumbs up
