This is the first article in a series on language and culture. Although more than 400 million people speak English as their first language, they have their own expressions and words unique to their culture.
In fact, communication is more than just speaking. We all learn how to use glances, gestures, changes in our tone of voice and other non-verbal cues to get our message across. Yet how we use them depends on where we live. Let's take a look at some of the differences.
What does it mean when you nod your head? In Britain, it means 'yes', in Japan it means 'I'm listening' and in Bulgaria it means 'no'. A country's unwritten rules of communication can be baffling to an outsider, but being aware of the differences is the first step to understanding them.
Space
Striking up a conversation in a lift might go down well in the US, but it'll arouse suspicion in Britain. Every culture has rules about personal space - the invisible space between you and another person. In Indonesia, it's not uncommon to see men walking arm in arm, while in Britain, only men and women do this. In Greece and Italy, hugs and kisses among friends are expected, but some Chinese and Indians get touchy if you get too close. The key to respecting personal space is to follow the cues: back off if someone backs away.
Body language
The eyes, hands, feet and mouth - our bodies communicate as much as our words do. But people from different cultures don't always see eye to eye on the subject of 'body talk'.