10 tips on body language and gestures
The world is full of so many different languages. The differences in language are not just related to verbal communication, but also to body language and hand gestures. Actions that are entirely friendly or normal in the UK can be seen as offensive or even aggressive in other countries.
Anyone planning a holiday abroad should be aware of these top ten body language and gesture tips. Just as we need to learn ‘thank you’ and ‘hello’ in the language of each country we visit, we also need to ensure we are not going to offend anyone in our host country.
1 – Feet in Asia
If you are planning to travel to a Buddhist country such as Thailand, China or Nepal, then you must remember that feet are considered very dirty. Never touch anyone with your feet or even use your feet to point at someone.
It is also offensive to have your feet higher than someone’s head which means it is rude to step over someone who is sitting on the floor or stepping over outstretched legs. Look around when walking through busy city areas to ensure you are not going to offend anyone by stepping over their legs.
2 – Heads in Asia
In many Asian countries, particularly Buddhist ones, it is also offensive to touch someone’s head. In opposition to the feet, someone’s head is the most sacred part of their body. This rule even extends to ruffling a young child’s hair; this action can be viewed as very rude.
3 – Thumbs up
Although in many Western countries and indeed some in other parts of the world, the ‘thumbs up’ sign is a positive gesture, in Iran, some parts of West Africa and some parts of South America, the thumbs up sign is a rude gesture that could be interpreted as hostile. It’s obviously difficult not to do a gesture that comes so naturally at home, so if you are planning to visit a country which won’t take kindly to this gesture, spend a lot of time reminding yourself of this fact throughout your stay.
4 – The ‘OK’ sign
This is the sign used in the UK or by scuba divers to say that everything is ok; it is made by making a hole from your index finger and thumb. It is not a good idea to make this sign in Greece, where it considered quite offensive.
In Turkey and Brazil it is also considered very rude and refers to a part of one’s anatomy. In France, the OK sign is used to mean zero or nought. So although incorrect use may not offend it will certainly confuse, as it will in Japan, where it means ‘money’.
5 – Palms in Greece
Showing your palms is also a no-no when in Greece. It is not even appropriate to use when saying no to a child and will be taken as a sign of offence. As with many rude gestures, this one has very old roots and actually dates from Byzantine times.
6 – Pointing
Pointing can be interpreted very differently in different cultures. In the UK it’s perfectly acceptable to give directions, for instance, by pointing. When in India, try to avoid pointing, locals tend to point with their chins instead of their fingers. Pointing is also quite rude in China, where hand movements in generally are best kept to a minimum.
7 – Shaking hands
In Muslim countries and throughout India, shaking hands with your left hand is considered very rude. It is appropriate to shake somebody’s hand with your right hand, which is also the one used for eating. The left hand is the one used when visiting the toilet.
8 – Shaking head
Although shaking your head for no seems completely natural to us, in some countries it can in fact mean yes. It may not offend locals, but it will surely confuse them in a number of countries, including Bulgaria and Saudi Arabia, where they tend to shake their heads to say yes, not no.
9 – Egypt and soles of shoes
In Egypt it is considered very rude to display the soles of your feet or shoes. This means travellers to Egypt should try to avoid crossing their legs or placing feet up so as not to offend locals.
10 – Beckoning
In the UK it is normal to beckon, especially to children, but in many countries it is a no-no. In the Philippines it is a gesture used only to beckon dogs and by doing it to humans it can be construed as very demeaning.
When you travel to other countries, it’s important to be aware of local customs in order to prevent offending any locals. As well as body language and gestures, this can apply to dress and behaviour.
