Communicating with Gestures

by Judie Haynes

Very few gestures are universally understood and interpreted. What is perfectly
acceptable in the United States may be rude, or even obscene, in other cultures.

Understanding Different Interpretations of Common Gestures

It is important for mainstream teachers to understand how the gestures they use
unconsciously may be misunderstood. This activity allows participants to look a little
closer at how body language might be interpreted by English Language Learners and
their parents.

Demonstrate the gestures below and ask participants to write down what they think each
gesture means. Participants should also indicate if they think the gesture is considered
rude in the United States. Have group discuss how body language could influence
communication between cultures.

• Beckon with index finger.

• Point at something in the room using index finger.
• Make a "V" sign.
• Smile.
• Sit with sole of feet or shoe showing.
• Form a circle with fingers to indicate “O.K.”
• Pat a student on the head.
• Pass an item to someone with one hand.
• Wave hand with palm facing outward to greet someone.
• Nod head up and down to say “Yes.”

Answer Key for Body Language Activities

Each of the following responses give a general guide to cultural differences in the
meaning of gestures.

1. Beckon with index finger. This means “Come here” in the U.S. To motion with the
index finger to call someone is insulting, or even obscene, in many cultures. Expect a
reaction when you beckon to a student from the Middle or Far East; Portugal, Spain,
Latin America, Japan, Indonesia and Hong Kong. It is more acceptable to beckon with
the palm down, with fingers or whole hand waving.

2. Point at something in the room using index finger. It is impolite to point with the
index finger in the Middle and Far East. Use an open hand or your thumb (in Indonesia)

3. Make a "V" sign. This means "Victory" in most of Europe when you make this sign
with your palm facing away from you. If you face your palm in, the same gesture means
"Shove it."
4. Smile. This gesture is universally understood. However, it various cultures there are
different reasons for smiling. The Japanese may smile when they are confused or angry.
In other parts of Asia, people may smile when they are embarrassed. People in other
cultures may not smile at everyone to indicate a friendly greeting as we do in the United
States. A smile may be reserved for friends. It is important not to judge students or their
parents because they do not smile, or smile at what we would consider "inappropriate"
times.

5. Sit with soles shoes showing. In many cultures this sends a rude message. In
Thailand, Japan and France as well as countries of the Middle and Near East showing
the soles of the feet demonstrates disrespect. You are exposing the lowest and dirtiest
part of your body so this is insulting.

6. Form a circle with fingers to indicate “O.K.” Although this means “O.K.” in the U.S.
and in many countries around the world, there are some notable exceptions:

• In Brazil and Germany, this gesture is obscene.

• In Japan, this means “money.”
• In France, it has the additional meaning of “zero” or “worthless.”

7. Pat a student on the head. This is very upsetting to students from Asia. The head is
the repository of the soul in the Buddhist religion. Children from cultures which are
influenced by Buddhism will feel uncomfortable if their head is touched.

8. Pass an item to someone with one hand. - In Japan this is very rude. Even a very
small item such as a pencil must be passed with two hands. In many Middle and Far
Eastern countries it is rude to pass something with your left hand which is considered
“unclean.”

9. Wave hand with the palm facing outward to greet someone. In Europe, waving the
hand back and forth can mean “No.” To wave “good-bye,” raise the palm outward and
wag the fingers in unison, This is also a serious insult in Nigeria if the hand is too close
to another person’s face.

10. Nod head up and down to say “Yes.” In Bulgaria and Greece, this gesture means
“No.”

In today's world, nearly all business is global business, and you do not have to go far to
encounter another culture. You might, for instance, travel abroad to learn about a new
product; your company might merge with an international company that is
headquartered overseas; or you may find yourself hosting international guests as part of
a huge business deal.

Whatever the situation, you need to be aware of gestures. The gestures that we use as
Americans are not universal. Some of them can create the wrong impression or be
offensive to others. Using the wrong gesture could get you into trouble and affect your
business deals. Be particularly aware of these gestures:

The "thumbs up" sign - In America the gesture indicates "a-okay." Yet it is considered
rude in Australia, Iran and some other Muslim countries. It translates to "up yours."

The "OK" sign - Often used in America to mean approval, it is considered vulgar and
obscene in Brazil, southern Italy, Germany and Greece. In Japan, this gesture signifies
money. In southern France it is used to convey that something is worthless.

The pointed index finger - A pointed index finger is used to emphasize a point in
American culture. However, it is impolite in the Middle East, Russia and Asia. Rather
than pointing with a finger, point with an open palm instead.

The victory sign - With the index finger and middle finger raised to form a V, this
gesture is a common signal in America. It means victory or peace. Be careful about
using it in Britain, however. If the palm is facing toward you, the gesture is considered
obscene.

Two fingers crossed - Often viewed as a sign of wishing someone good luck in Europe
and the United States, it is considered offensive in Paraguay.

Shaking your head from side to side - In the U.S., shaking one's head from side to side
means "no." In Bulgaria the same gesture means "yes"; moving the head up and down
translates to "no"!

The hook 'em horns - This gesture is made by raising the index and pinky fingers while
curling the other fingers into the palm. It is a common gesture in Texas to cheer on a
sports team. In Brazil it is used to wish someone good luck. In Africa, it is considered a
curse.

The beckoning gesture - This gesture is formed by curling and uncurling the index
finger. It is common in most countries and means "come here." However, the gesture is
offensive to Mexicans, Filipinos and the Vietnamese.

Snapping your fingers - Some might use this gesture to get someone's attention. In
France and Belgium it sends a vulgar message. You would never snap your fingers to
get a waiter's attention.

Hands in the pockets - This is commonly seen in the United States. In Finland, Sweden,
France, Belgium, Indonesia and Japan, putting your hands in your pockets would be
considered impolite in a business meeting.

The meaning of gestures is not universal. Use these tips to prevent a cultural faux pas.
When in doubt, the best advice would be to "keep your hands to yourself."