How Communication And Gestures Can Vary In Different Cultures
Whilst all cultures share the same basic emotions, the body language used throughout different cultures of the world vary enormously.
What can mean one thing in one country, can often mean something completely different in another.
For example, in North America and Europe people tend to prefer direct eye contact. But in some Asian countries such as Japan, Korea and Thailand, prolonged eye contact is considered rude.
So when persuading or communicating with people, always be aware of different cultural customs that may exist. This is especially relevant when you are traveling abroad and interacting with people from different countries.
Differences Between Similiar Cultures
However within similar cultures there can still remain differences in communication.
One famous example occurred when George Bush Senior toured Australia in 1992, and flashed a “V” sign for victory from the back of his limousine to the crowd.
What President Bush failed to realize was that the correct way to give this sign (as popularized by Winston Churchill) is with the palm facing outwards.
President Bush gave the sign with the outside of his hand towards the crowd, which in Australia means “up yours mate” or “go fuck yourself”.
So always make sure that what you consider to be a friendly gesture, is not an insult to someone from another country.
Differences In Hand And Other Gestures Throughout The World
Here are some other gestures which have different meanings in different countries.
O.K
The O.K gesture in America and England is given to mean everything is O.K, well or good. In Latin America and France it is considered an insult. Similar to giving someone the middle finger.
Thumbs Up
The thumbs up sign in America and most of Europe means that something is good, or that you approve. This sign is considered rude in many Asian and Islamic countries.
Feet
Putting your feet on the table is generally not considered to be offensive in America and England. However in Thailand it is considered rude to show the soles of your feet.
Curled Finger
Telling someone to come to you by curling your index finger is acceptable in America and England.
This gesture is considered rude in many Asian countries such as Japan. In Singapore this gesture signifies death.
Stop Sign
Raising your hand up means stop in America or England. In some Asian countries this gesture is used when asking for permission to speak.
Hands On Hips
Putting your hands on your hips conveys an open and confident posture in America and England.
In some eastern Asian countries this is considered as a sign of arrogance.
If this same gesture is done with your hands in your pockets, it is considered to be extremely rude in Indonesia.
Nose Picking
In most westernized countries picking your nose is consider to be vulgar, and something which should be done in private.
However in many asian countries such as China, picking your nose in public is perfectly acceptable behavior.
Male - Male Interactions
In most Westernized countries it is considered normal for 2 men to shake hands. In some Asian and Islamic countries it is considered normal for men to kiss each other, either on the cheeks or on the lips.
Some countries also consider men holding hands to be normal. In most westernized countries men kissing or holding hands in public would be viewed as homosexual behavior.
If you would like more information on different cultural gestures throughout the world, see this site on nonverbal communication.
del.icio.us Digg Netscape StumbleUpon Technorati
Email This