A.
Amount of touching
Social touching differs from one culture to another. Each
culture has unspoken rules about which touches are considered socially
acceptable. Some cultures have strict rules about who can touch whom where.
Patting a child on the head is considered an affectionate
gesture in many Western countries, but in some Asian countries such as
Thailand, it’s considered offensive since the head is seen as the seat of the
soul.
Two men holding hands would be seen as a sign of friendly
affection in countries such as Saudi Arabia, India, Egypt, or Morocco, while in
other countries, they would be seen as gay lovers.
In high-contact countries such as France, people might
greet each other by kisses on the cheek, while in low-contact country, it would
be considered presumptuous.
Frequency of touch also varies between cultures.
Burton & Dimbleby (2006) observed people in a coffee
house. During one hour, Puerto Ricans touched 180 times, French 110, Americans
two times, and English people didn’t touch at all.
This is a big no-no. It may look okay, but you could be
fooled. For example, did you know that in some sects of Judaism, the only woman
that a man will touch in his lifetime is the woman he is married to? In Japan,
Scandinavia, and England, touching is less frequent. In Latino cultures,
touching is encouraged.This may not have a place in this article, but still
interesting: NEVER touch a person’s head. This can be religiously offensive.
Really, when you are out networking, just DON’T touch – except to shake hands.
If you are comfortable, let the other person guide what is appropriate to them.
USA — handshake is common (even for strangers), hugs,
kisses for those of opposite gender or of family (usually) on an
increasingly more intimate basis. Note differences between
African-Americans and Anglos in USA. Most African Americans touch on
greeting but are annoyed if touched on the head (good boy, good girl
overtones).
Islamic and Hindu: typically don’t touch with the
left hand. To do so is a social insult. Left hand is for toilet
functions. Mannerly in India to break your bread only with your right
hand (sometimes difficult for non-Indians)
Islamic cultures generally don’t approve of any touching
between genders (even hand shakes). But consider such touching (including
hand holding, hugs) between same-sex to be appropriate.
Many Asians don’t touch the head (Head houses the soul
and a touch puts it in jeopardy).
In my handshake article Networking 101: You Better Get A Grip and Read This, I talked
about the handshake in Western cultures. Between cultures, however, there are
differences that could throw you off! For example, in parts of Northern Europe
a quick firm “one-pump” handshake is the norm. In parts of Southern Europe,
Central and South America, a handshake is longer and warmer – meaning the left
hand usually touches the clasped hands, the elbow, or even the lapel of the
shakee.Beware that in Turkey, a firm handshake is considered rude and aggressive.
In certain African countries, a limp handshake is the standard. Men in Islamic
countries never shake the hands of women outside the family.
B. Kind of
eye contact
What does eye contact mean in the United States? Here, if
you have good eye contact with a person, it generally signifies that you are interested
in the person you are looking at and in what that person is saying. If you look
down or away from a person rather than meeting his or her gaze, you are
considered to be distracted or uninterested in him or her. Also, if you neglect
to make eye contact with a person, you may be thought to lack self-confidence. On
the other hand, a person who makes eye contact with another person is thought
to be confident and bold (and boldness is considered a good trait!) So, in
summary, making eye contact is generally considered a good thing in the United
States.
On the one hand, the
European customs of eye contact—especially in such countries as Spain, France
and Germany—tends to be similar to that in the United States. It is considered
proper and polite to maintain almost constant eye contact with another person
during a business exchange or a conversation. Yet eye contact also has more
flirtatious aspects than it does in the U.S. In the U.S., people often avoid
eye contact in crowded impersonal public situations—such as while walking
through a busy downtown or riding public transportation. In a country like
France, however, a stranger may feel quite free to look at someone he is
interested in and try to acknowledge his interest by making eye contact.
Therefore, it is important for a visitor to understand the full implications of
what he or she may be implying by returning the eye contact initiated by
someone else.
Although all Middle Eastern cultures cannot be grouped
into one class, they do have similarities in their rules for the
appropriateness of eye culture. Eye contact is much less common and considered
less appropriate in many of these cultures than it is considered in the United
States. Middle Eastern cultures, largely Muslim, have strict rules regarding
eye contact between the sexes; these rules are connected to religious laws
about appropriateness. Only a brief moment of eye contact would be permitted
between a man and a woman, if at all. However, western women traveling in
Muslim areas should not expect that no man will attempt to make eye contact
with them. As a matter of fact, their “differentness” may draw attention to
them, and men may try to make eye contact with them. They should be aware,
however, that returning eye contact will be considered the same as saying,
“Yes, I’m interested!” So when in the Middle East, care should be taken in
making eye contact with anyone of the opposite gender. On the other hand, in
many Middle Eastern cultures, intense eye contact between those of the same
gender—especially between men—can mean “I am telling you the truth! I am
genuine in what I say!” Try to observe the eye contact between those of the same
gender to see if it is important to meet someone’s gaze when you want to tell
them, “Trust me! I’m sincere!”
The UK, USA, Australia and Western Europe all have fairly
similar social expectations of when and where eye contact is appropriate… which
is most of the time! Eye contact is expected in Western culture, it is a basic
essential to a social interaction which shows a person’s interest and
engagement with your conversation. In Western cultures eyes are considered to
show the central point of a person’s focus. So if
somebody doesn’t give any eye contact during a conversation, it may
be considered insulting. Many people would take this to mean that
they weren’t interested, and take their wandering eyes as a sign of
their distraction. In other, more formal, circumstances in Western cultures a
lack of eye contact can be seen in another way. For example, in an interview situation,
strong eye contact by the interviewee is seen as a sign of self-belief, whereas
a lack of eye contact is seen as a lack of confidence.
Asian cultures place great importance on respect.
Hierarchies are much more visible in their society than in Western cultures,
and their social behaviors mirror this. In countries such as China
and Japan, eye contact is not considered an essential to social interaction,
instead it is often considered inappropriate. In such an authoritarian culture,
it is believed that subordinates shouldn’t make steady eye contact
with their superiors. For example, students are discouraged from making eye
contact with their professors, as it can be interpreted as a sign of
disrespect. Similarly a daughter will point her eyes downwards when her father
is speaking to her, as a sign of politeness and respect.
Many African and Latin American cultures, while unique in
many ways, remain strong hierarchical societies. In many
circumstances intense eye contact is seen as aggressive, confrontational and
extremely disrespectful.
Eye contact is so subtly ingrained into every
culture that it is something which is rarely even considered before travelling abroad.
Westerner’s use of eye contact could be deemed
inappropriate, and even disrespectful, in many other cultures – so make sure
you learn the use of eye contact and body language before you jet off!
C. Distance
between people
Different countries also have different rules about
social distances. The overcrowded nature of some Asian countries means that
they are accustomed to talking to others from a very close distance.
Watch a Japanese person talking at a party with a person
from the Western countryside. The Japanese will step in and the Westerner will
step back. Speeded up it is like a dance around the room.
It is also important to note that the level of personal
distance that individuals need to feel comfortable can vary from culture to
culture. One oft-cited example is the different between people from Latin
cultures and those from North America. People from Latin countries tend to feel
more comfortable standing closer to one another as they interact, while those
from North America need more personal distance.
I get freaked out when someone gets too close to me – and
I immediately try to end the conversation. However, in some cultures it is
normal to be “in the bubble.” In China, if someone is doing business, it is
widely accepted to have NO personal space at all. Strangers regularly touch
when standing near each other. On the other hand, some cultures require much
more space than in America. Keep in mind, that personal space will differ for
everyone based on their upbringing. The advice that I would give, is that if
you are unsure, start with your comfort zone, and let the other person move to
where they are comfortable.
D.
Type of facial expression
You may think of a smile as the universal signal of happiness, but a new study
finds that the way different countries around the world perceive facial
expressions isn’t so black and white.
In the study, 15 people of Chinese descent and 15
Caucasians living in Glasgow, London, were shown computer-generated faces that
were altered to suggest expression. Participants were asked to label each face
as happy, sad, surprised, fearful, disgusted or angry.
Surprisingly, the answers varied. While Chinese
participants looked to the eyes to decipher expression, Western Caucasians
focused on the eyebrows and mouth. Difference in interpretation was seen
throughout the facial expressions, but the perception of fear and disgust
especially differed between the two groups.
E.
Amount of gesturing
Thumbs Up
The thumbs up sign in most American and European cultures meaning things are going according to your plans or something you approve of. However, the going good sign translates into a rude and offensive gesture in Islamic and Asian countries. In Australia, it means OK, but if you move it up and down, it is considered as a grave insult.
The thumbs up sign in most American and European cultures meaning things are going according to your plans or something you approve of. However, the going good sign translates into a rude and offensive gesture in Islamic and Asian countries. In Australia, it means OK, but if you move it up and down, it is considered as a grave insult.
Thumbs Down
The thumbs down sign obviously means the opposite of a thumbs up sign. It is an indication of something that is bad or something that you do not approve of. It also indicates that something or someone has failed. The thumbs down sign is not used as often as the thumbs up sign. This is a rude hand gesture and an arrogant way to indicate failure.
The thumbs down sign obviously means the opposite of a thumbs up sign. It is an indication of something that is bad or something that you do not approve of. It also indicates that something or someone has failed. The thumbs down sign is not used as often as the thumbs up sign. This is a rude hand gesture and an arrogant way to indicate failure.
Fingers Crossed
Crossing of fingers is considered as a sign of wishing for good luck or fortune. It also may interpret that someone is hoping for something good to happen. The cross may have originated from the Pagan symbols that means to ward off evil. Many times people cross their fingers before telling a lie, as it is believed to countervail the evil that comes of the lie. It is a positive and negative symbol as it interprets both luck or lies.
Crossing of fingers is considered as a sign of wishing for good luck or fortune. It also may interpret that someone is hoping for something good to happen. The cross may have originated from the Pagan symbols that means to ward off evil. Many times people cross their fingers before telling a lie, as it is believed to countervail the evil that comes of the lie. It is a positive and negative symbol as it interprets both luck or lies.
Stop
When one raises the hand up with the palm facing towards the opposite person, it means 'to stop' in America and British countries. In a stop sign, the hand is tilted forward. This means the person is in an authoritative figure and asking one to 'Stop'. If the fingers are pushing down, it will indicate that the gesture is indicated for the person to sit down or settle. This is not a defensive hand gesture and is in fact a gesture to take control over the person it is intended for. If you were to use this sign in Singapore or Malaysia, it would mean that one is trying to 'hail' someone's attention like a waiter or asking for permission to speak.
When one raises the hand up with the palm facing towards the opposite person, it means 'to stop' in America and British countries. In a stop sign, the hand is tilted forward. This means the person is in an authoritative figure and asking one to 'Stop'. If the fingers are pushing down, it will indicate that the gesture is indicated for the person to sit down or settle. This is not a defensive hand gesture and is in fact a gesture to take control over the person it is intended for. If you were to use this sign in Singapore or Malaysia, it would mean that one is trying to 'hail' someone's attention like a waiter or asking for permission to speak.
That's Enough Hand Gesture That's Enough
There is one common meaning of this hand gesture in different cultures. This hand gesture is commonly used by mothers and teachers. This hand gesture is used to warn a single individual. It is a way to silent an individual and ask them to pay attention. This is considered as a rude gesture in a professional environment and termed as a domineering behavior.
The Moutza
While talking to a friend, you may open your palm and stretch out your fingers. But, if you were in Greece, the same gesture would be considered as a traditional manual insult. It means that you are thrusting your hand in the face of the opposite person and using a brash 'na'. This suggests that you are asking the person to 'eat shit' and leave you alone. The moutza in American terms is similar to the hand gesture that means 'talk to the hand'.
While talking to a friend, you may open your palm and stretch out your fingers. But, if you were in Greece, the same gesture would be considered as a traditional manual insult. It means that you are thrusting your hand in the face of the opposite person and using a brash 'na'. This suggests that you are asking the person to 'eat shit' and leave you alone. The moutza in American terms is similar to the hand gesture that means 'talk to the hand'.
The Dog Call Hand Sign The Dog Call
The dog call is a gesture where you curl your finger and summon someone towards you. This movement is mostly seen carried out by a tempting woman to her man. However, do not use this seductive hand gesture in Philippines. This is because this is one of the worst forms of hand gesture that is to be used only for dogs. This hand gesture could get you arrested in Philippines or maybe even punishable by breaking your finger, so that you never ever attempt to try this offensive gesture again. In Asian countries like Japan, the dog call is considered a rude gesture. In Singapore, it is indication of death.
Fingers Snap
Snapping fingers over and over may mean one is trying to remember something someone has forgotten. In Latin America, snapping fingers means asking one to hurry up. In Great Britain and America, one snaps fingers when one remembers something or gets an idea. However, in many cultures, snapping fingers close to someone's face is considered to be an offensive gesture.
Snapping fingers over and over may mean one is trying to remember something someone has forgotten. In Latin America, snapping fingers means asking one to hurry up. In Great Britain and America, one snaps fingers when one remembers something or gets an idea. However, in many cultures, snapping fingers close to someone's face is considered to be an offensive gesture.
Pointing Fingers
In America and European cultures, it is considered rude to point fingers at others. This hand gesture is an indication of a dominant - to - subordinate behavior in the professional world. It is considered a gesture to single out an individual from a crowd. This aggressive signal is not liked by many, as no one likes to be singled out.
In America and European cultures, it is considered rude to point fingers at others. This hand gesture is an indication of a dominant - to - subordinate behavior in the professional world. It is considered a gesture to single out an individual from a crowd. This aggressive signal is not liked by many, as no one likes to be singled out.
The Corona
The corona is a hand gesture that is carried out by pointing the index and pinkie finger upwards and the two middle fingers and thumb curled towards the palm. This hand gesture is considered as the symbol of the devil in many cultures. The two pointing fingers indicate the horns of the Devil. This symbol is used the University of Texas to symbolize 'the Longhorn', their university mascot. The corona is also widely used by rock stars in as a positive hand gesture. This is also one of the good hand gestures in different cultures like Buddhism and Hinduism. This gestures means the Karana Mudra used to dispel the evil. In the Mediterranean, it an old symbol that means 'cuckold', that is, your wife is cheating on you.
The Fig
The fig is a gesture that is indicated by a fist. The thumb is seen poking out of the index and middle fingers. This gesture is known as mano fico or fig hand in Roman. This is one of the good hand gestures, as it indicates good luck and fertility and a way to ward off the evil eye. However, the fig is considered a gesture that mimics the female vulva in Italian. Thus, this is a very offensive gesture to the Italians and Turks. If this gesture is carried out by a person of Asian origin, it roughly translates as 'screw you'.
Read more at Buzzle
The fig is a gesture that is indicated by a fist. The thumb is seen poking out of the index and middle fingers. This gesture is known as mano fico or fig hand in Roman. This is one of the good hand gestures, as it indicates good luck and fertility and a way to ward off the evil eye. However, the fig is considered a gesture that mimics the female vulva in Italian. Thus, this is a very offensive gesture to the Italians and Turks. If this gesture is carried out by a person of Asian origin, it roughly translates as 'screw you'.
Read more at Buzzle
Clenched Fist
One of the aggressive hand gestures is the clenched fist. This means one is trying to pick up a fight or trying to warn the opposite person to back off. In some militant groups, a clenched fist is used as a sign of defiance. In Asian countries, a clenched fist will surely land you into a fist fight.
One of the aggressive hand gestures is the clenched fist. This means one is trying to pick up a fight or trying to warn the opposite person to back off. In some militant groups, a clenched fist is used as a sign of defiance. In Asian countries, a clenched fist will surely land you into a fist fight.
The Finger Hand Gesture The Finger
One of the most offensive and rude hand gestures around the world is the finger. The middle finger-pointing upwards is considered as an obscene gesture. In some Mediterranean and Arab countries, holding the index finger instead of the middle finger, implies the same obscene gesture
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