This is positive sign in the US, meaning “OK.”.Here are the various meanings of joining the thumb and index finger to form a ring: It’s important to be cautious when using finger gestures in other countries. Kisses in public are a normal way to say hello or goodbye to a loved one in some European cultures, but in Asian cultures, these gestures are considered intimate and are often left for the privacy of one’s home. In the Filipino culture, the lips are used to point toward something, while Americans would use their fingers. Tapping your nose in Italy means “watch out,” while it means that something is “confidential” in the UK. Nose Contactīlowing your nose into a handkerchief is a typical action in Western cultures, but it’s considered dirty and rude to the Japanese. In Spanish and Arabic cultures, strong visual contact is very common between people of the same sex and not looking back is often considered disrespectful. Constant eye contact in Japan can make people feel incredibly awkward. In most Western cultures, eye contact shows that you are being attentive and interested in the speaker. In Japan, a nod means that you have been heard, but not necessarily that there is agreement. For example, in India, a side-to-side head tilt is used to confirm something. Head movements can have very different meanings in different parts of the world. Here are some more body language examples that represent the many cultural differences around the world. Be sure to click on each magnifying glass for more details! Over time you’ll learn to adopt that culture’s customs so you don’t stand out too much from the crowd! Body Language Examples From Around the GlobeĬheck out this animated infographic with examples of how body language differs around the world. It’s always on the safe side to shadow what you see others doing in another culture. ![]() So one of the most important tips on how to read body language is by merely observing the other person to see if he or she is mirroring your movements. MirroringĪppropriate body language in a culture will usually be mirrored. Positioning your feet to show your soles while sitting is considered very rude in most Middle Eastern countries. Sitting positions are also very important. In some cultures, folding your arms across your chest appears standoffish and even insulting. Pay attention to how others’ arms and feet are positioned while speaking. Posture is also key in understanding body language. ![]() In the Middle East, however this same gesture is offensive! In the US for example, a thumbs-up sign signals a confirmation. Are they motioning with their hands as they speak, or are their hands folded? In what context do they use certain gestures or signs?Ī seemingly small gesture can have a positive meaning in one country, but a completely opposite meaning in another. Hand GesturesĪlways be sure to observe the hands of whoever you’re speaking with. A smile that involves just the mouth might be a forced smile. ![]() Another sign of sincerity is a smile that involves the entire face. Is the person looking away, or at someone else? This might mean that he or she is not fully engaged in the conversation.ĭirect eye contact on the other hand is typically a sign of genuine interest. Many times, observing a person’s facial expressions can tell much more than their words. When speaking with someone from a Latin American country, be prepared to stand very close to the other person. This is quite different from Latin American cultures, which are very tactile and affectionate. One reason for this need of extra space is the bow made when greeting others. In Japan, it’s common to have more of a distance between others. On the other hand, if you stand too far away, it might come across as insincere. If you stand too close to someone, it might be a sign of aggression in their culture. Paying attention to how close someone stands to others during conversation is vital. Included below are some helpful tips on how to read body language, as well as a few examples of body language from around the world. Some other important nonverbal cues to pay attention to are hand gestures, personal space, and even posture. For example, direct eye contact may be expected in one country, but be inappropriate in another. And while you may be familiar with the customs and nonverbal cues of your own culture, traveling abroad is a different story.ĭifferent cultures have their own interpretations of body language. If you want to make a great first impression no matter where you are, learning how to read body language is key.
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