MASARYK UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Body language and gestures across cultures

Bachelor Thesis
Brno 2010

Supervisor:
Michael George, M.A

Written by:
Ondej Korchan

Announcement
I declare that I wrote up this bachelor thesis on my own and I used only the sources listed in
the bibliography.

..
Ondej Korchan

Acknowledgments
I would like to thank my supervisor, Michael George, M.A. for his guidance during writing
the thesis, his kind support, patience during consultations and valuable advice.

Korchan, Ondej. Body language and gestures across cultures: bachelor thesis. Brno:
Masaryk University, Faculty of Education, Department of English Language and Literature,
2010. 41 p. Supervisor: Michael George, M.A.
Abstract
The bachelor thesis deals with body-language as a form of non-verbal communication,
gestures and differences in using gestures in different cultures. Interpretation of same gestures
differs often in various parts of the world. Knowledge about the importance of body language
and its potential usage in practice are included as well.
Anotace
Bakalsk prce se zabv e tla jako formou komunikace, gestikulac a rozdly
v pouvn gestikulace v rznch kulturch. Interpretace stejnch gest se mnohdy velmi
odliuje v rznch stech svta. V prci jsou rovn zahrnuty poznatky o dleitosti ei tla
a jejich potenciln vyuit v praxi.

Key Words
Body language, non-verbal communication, spacing, handshake, O.K. , gestures, differences
in cultures
Klov slova
e tla, neverbln komunikace, osobn prostor, podn ruky, O.K., gesta, rozdly v kulturch

Contents
1

Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 7

Body language .................................................................................................................... 8

2.1

Is our body able to speak?............................................................................................ 8

2.2

Pretending of body language ....................................................................................... 9

2.3

Several well-known facts about human non-verbal communication ........................... 9

2.4

Nine basic signals we can read in peoples faces ...................................................... 10

2.5

Inter-cultural differences in interpretation and explanation of smile......................... 11

2.6

Personal territory........................................................................................................ 12

2.7

Spacing....................................................................................................................... 12

2.8

Cultural factors that influence areal spacing .............................................................. 13

2.9

Spacing in city and at the countryside ....................................................................... 14

The most popular gestures ................................................................................................ 16

3.1

Basis of gestures and their origin ............................................................................... 16

3.2

Shrug .......................................................................................................................... 16

3.3

Circle of fingers, alias O.K. ....................................................................................... 16

3.4

Thumbs up ................................................................................................................. 17

3.5

V for victory ........................................................................................................... 18

3.6

Handshake .................................................................................................................. 18

3.7

Dominant x submisive handshake ............................................................................. 18

Practical part, country-by country listing ......................................................................... 20

4.1

Non-verbal communication in lessons ....................................................................... 20

4.2

How can we learn to understand body language ....................................................... 21

4.3

Are you sensible to body language? (self-evaluating test) ........................................ 21

4.4

Body language and gestures concrete criteria that are significant for certain

countries................................................................................................................................ 23
4.4.1

North America .................................................................................................... 23

4.4.2

South and Central America ................................................................................ 25

4.4.3

Middle East ......................................................................................................... 27

4.4.4

Africa .................................................................................................................. 29

4.4.5

Asia and The Pacific Islands .............................................................................. 31

4.4.6

Europe................................................................................................................. 34
5

Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 38

Works Cited ...................................................................................................................... 39

INTRODUCTION

This thesis deals with the most important aspects that are helpful for our understanding
another people from their gestures, mimics and body language. It is important for future
teachers to be aware of this topic and not to forget that except for the things that are said in
front of an audience, the enormous part of impression creates how the speaker moves, looks,
what the whole body does during a presentation. In the theoretical part the most often used
body language is described and its connection with thoughts and unconscious. Nine basic
signals as identifiers of speakers feelings are described in this chapter as well. The next
important rule we should follow is spacing, since if we stand too close or too far from the
person we communicate with, it could make the addressee feel bad.
Another part of thesis are world-wide used gestures (such as thumbs up, ok sign, handshake
etc.), their origin and differences in meaning of the same gestures in various countries.
Although these gestures are used in the entire world, in every-day situations, most people
have never thought about these gestures origin, reasons why are they so popular, which
famous people used these gestures for the first time and made them so popular.
The last chapter deals with how the body language could be taught in lessons, self-evaluating
test of peoples ability to perceive body language and concrete examples of how continental,
as well as national, influences have changed the meanings of common gestures. There are also
described frequent body movement, known to various country, some tips of gestures and
situations we should avoid in order not to look like a stranger, rude, or uneducated person.

2
2.1

BODY LANGUAGE
Is our body able to speak?

Body language is said to be much more honest than words. And it is a fact, anthropologist
Albert Mehrabian writes that just seven percent of the information we get during a
conversation is gained from words while thirty eight percent is gained from tone of voice.
Other sense, such as smell and touch take a part at this process as well (Thiel, 8). It is also
declared, that on average we do not speak longer than twelve minutes in a day and the average
duration of a sentence is no longer than 2,5 seconds. According to Birdwhistell it means, that
almost 65 percent of the information we get from speaking is not gained from words (Thiel,
9).
The information, that we gain from verbal communication are just brief facts, whereas nonverbal communication is what we get and what is supposed to create a picture into our soul,
which means attitudes, dispositions, real feelings. Experts in body language are able to
recognize what kind of movement a speaking person will do if they listen to his/her tone of
voice.
Our hands, arms, shoulders and legs do not express any less than our tongue. Similarly to
multiple-meanings words, also our gestures might have more meanings. Significant meaning
is what gestures get only in connection with another gestures and aspects of body language in
particular situation, which is the same as multiple-meanings words compared to singlemeanings words.
Body language as such has its own grammar and punctuation. Every gesture has the same
value as a single word.
Although it seems to be rather difficult, body language is a matter of instinct Observation of
children who are born blind, who have never seen gestures, proves that there are two ways of
gestures: born and learned (Thiel, 9)
The entire life is based on communication, therefore is it very important for us to learn to
express ourselves as accurate as possible. Only in case we are able to express our opinions,
attitudes and requests can we expect we will reach the goals we have specified before.

2.2

Pretending of body language

If we deal with body language, we should know the answer to one basic question. Is it
possible to pretend body lanugage? The answer is no , since if we try to cheat, we will be
revealed by dissagreement between gestures, signals of our body and words. For example
open hands are connected with fairness, but in case a cheater shows his/her open hands, keeps
smiling and lies at the same moment, it will be revealed by very trifling signals. Sometimes
he/she has narrowed pupils or corners of mouth move. These signals are in contradiction with
gesture of open hands and frank smile. Consequently, the listener does not trust to the person
who talks. Of course there are examples of people who intentionally pretend body language so
as to get certain advantages. If we think of Miss World, Miss Universe, every participant
moves in an accurate learned style to make honest impression. Competitors may attract judge
according to what extent are they able to create possitive impression. Although even experts
in body language are not able to pretend false signals for very long time, because their bodies
begin make signals subconscious at their acting. Some politics are able to pretend body
language so as to get electors on their side.
If we need to cover lie, we use our faces. We try to smile, we nod, we blink. All of these in
order to mask unsincere words. Yet, our body speaks absolutely different language that is in
contradiction with signals we tried to focus on.
To sum it up permanent pretending of body language is very difficult, though it is very
profitable for us to learn using positive and opened gestures and reduce gestures that might
carry negative signals during our communication. If we are aware of these facts, we can feel
better in society and we will be more attractive for people we speak with(Pease,17).

2.3

Several well-known facts about human non-verbal communication

Those who are acquainted in another peoples emotions usually have the most extended
differentiation ability for details in non-verbal communication and belong to the most popular
persons in society. They are very sensitive. Another important thing is smile,that affects
behaviour of the addressee since it activates feed-back. Percentage of probability from that we
are able to recognize basic emotions out of face zones: in 79% is it enough to see eyebrows
and forehead to identify surprise; in 67% is it enough to see only eyes to recognize fear and
sadness; in 98% is it enough to see inferior part of face to recognize happiness. Moreover,
9

when we take a look at another person, we look in his/her face, 75% of that time do we look
at the triangle between eyes and mouth, 10% at forehead and hair, in 5% we notice his/her
chin and only last 10% of time belong to remaining parts of body. When men meets another
person, he usually comes closer than women. Furthermore, it does not matter whether the
other person is a man or a woman. Another important fact is that repertoire of gestures differs
in various cultures. In 1963-1964 the frequency of touches by people sitting in cafs was
observed by Mr. Jourard. There are 180 touches by people in San Juan(Puerto Rico), 110
touches by people in Paris, only 2 touches in Gainesville (Florida) and no touch by people in
caf in London (Vybral,77).

2.4

Nine basic signals we can read in peoples faces

Human face both by children and by adults consists of 25 various muscles that creat
expression of our feelings and mood. Scientist identified by using high-speed film, reading
the activity of brain and another methods specific gestures, expressions, sounds, that are
connected with every singal. Studies of babies prove, that babies take a look at human face
more than at any different impulses. The part, they concentrate the most on are eyes and
mouth. Babies do subconsciously look for these signals. There are still discussions about this
topic but there are nine basic signals we can read in face.
Interest is expressed by lifted eyebrows, concentrated look and listening;
mouth might be lightly opened
Pleasure it creates smile, lips are extended in side-direction or downwards
Surprise it is connected with lifted eyebrows, eyes are widely opened,
blinking, mouth opened in a spape of letter O
Unrest eyebrows lifted in curved shape, crying, corners of mouth downwards,
tears and rhytmic sobbing
Anger expressed by scowl, eyes narrowed, mandibles clenched and the face
turns red
Abashment drooped eyelids
Satiety children curl lips, stick out their tongues
Aversion against smell upper lip and nose goes up and a had turns
away(Holinger,29).
10

2.5

Inter-cultural differences in interpretation and explanation of smile

Non-verbal communication is important in any interaction between people and even higher
degree of importance does it reach in connection with different cultures. Generally, we tend to
look for non-verbal impulses in case we do not understand what had been said (verbal
communication), which very often happens because of inter-cultural communication, because
of using foreign languages. We can not forget that our non-verbal behaviour is derived from
our cultural consideration. Different cultures tend to classify verbal and non-verbal behaviour
with various level of importance and according to the level of non-verbal communication
importance, we can divide them into low-context cultures, such as the U.S.A. , Canada (these
states tend to consider non-verbal communication to be less important) and high-context
cultures, e.g. Japan or Columbia ( in these countries the understanding of non-verbal parts of
speech is very important in order to understand the entire meaning of what had been said.
Therefor is it obvious that it does not matter what we say, but how do we say it. Yet, some
items of non-verbal communication are common in various cultures(Bumlova,71)
Research shows that emotions connected with enjoyment, anger, anxiety, sadness, impatience
and surprise are expressed in similar ways by people arround the world. Nevertheless, the
intercultural differences show according to the fact, which emotions are in certain culture
considered to be prefered, acceptable and by whom were they expressed. For example in
China and Japan could be the auspicious expression of face ( which is the expression of
happiness in the entire world ) marker of anger or sadness, since people in Japan are not
supposed to show emotions publicly and even if they are happy, they are not supposed to
smile. Another example is, how do the Japanese explain their absence at business meetings. If
they missed because of the death in a family, they might express this excuse with smile on
their faces, which is in fact based on a cultural opinion, that it is not polite to influence
another people by pain or suffering. On the contrary, in western cultures could similar smile
be understood as conflicting and suspicious since the smile on face is always understood as an
utterance of happiness and satisfaction.

11

So the result is quite obvious. Although some face expressions are similar in certain cultures,
their interpretation remains to be specific according to the background. It is therefor necessary
to be aware of cultural values(Bumlova,72)

2.6

Personal territory

Each person has his/her personal territory which includes the area that he/she feels
comfortable in. The size of this territory depends on the place we were born at, it is culturally
influenced. While people from certain cultures, such as Japanese, are used to overcrowded
conditions, another people prefer open space and they like keeping distance. More details
about this topic deals in this thesis with people from western countries. Another aspect, that is
significant for personal territory depends on caste he belongs to(Lewis,95).

2.7

Spacing

Radius of air bubble is by a person belonging to the middle class, white skinned person
living in a city territory of Australia, New Zealand, England, Northern America and Canada
almost the same. We can divide it in four various spaces.
1)

Intimate area ( from 15 to 45 cm ) is the most important out of all personal

areas. We protect this area from unknown people and only persons we trust (e.g.
parents, boyfriends, girlfriends, children) may enter here. Area that is closer than 15
cm is marked as closed intimate area and we get in contact with another people only
during immediate physical contact.
2)

Personal territory ( from 46 to 120 cm ) is an area that is usually kept between

people talking at parties, meeting of friends, business meetings etc.

3)

Social area ( from 1,2 to 3,6 metres ) is the space we keep between ourselves

and unknown people. We do not go closer than 1,2 metres in case we talk to the
postman, we speak to the shop-assistant, new employee neither the person we meet for
the first time of our life.
4)

Public area ( more than 3,6 metres ) is a distance we use any time we speak to a

group of people. This is a natural distance in that we feel comfortable in, although we
speak to unknown people(Lewis,101)
12

Owercrowded places, such as concerts, cinema, in an elevator, bus or tram always affects
our intimate area, which has its concrete consequences. It is intersting to observe peoples
reaction in case their intimate area had been affected.
People from Europe, who were brought up in western cultures follow in elevator several
unwritten rules such as:

2.8

1)

We are not allowed to speak to someone, even to a person we know

2)

Come what may, we are not supposed to keep eye-contact with other people

3)

We should keep poker face ( we are not allowed to express any feelings )

4)

If we hold a book or a newspaper, we should pretend reading it

5)

The denser the crowd is, the less physical exercise we do

6)

We take a look at numbers of floors at the display above the door(Pease,21).

Cultural factors that influence areal spacing

Situation: Young couple that moved from Denmark to Sydney became members of Sydney
Sports Club. In a few weeks, there were several women in a club who complained about the
young man from Denmark, because he came too close to them and that is why they did not
feel well when they were together with him. On the contrary, men who were members of the
club claimed, that the young woman from Denmark definitely behaved as if she wanted to be
in a physical contact with them(Pease,23).
The situation described above claims the fact, that many Europeans keep their intimate area
closer than 30, almost 20 centimetres. Even less in some cultures. Young couple from
Denmark found it absolutely common and felt absolutely well despite their standing 25 cm
from the Australians. They realized that they entered intimate area but did not find anything
strange about it. Moreover, the couple from Denmark used much more often eye-contact
which was another missunderstanding for the people from Sydney and this behaviour made
them feel uncomfortable.
If we enter the intimate area of person of a different sex, we express that we are attracted to
this person. If the person we come closer to wants to refuse this, he/she makes one step back
so as to keep usual distance. If the person is attracted, he/she stays at the same place and
allows the person to stay in his/her intimate area. That was similar in our example, since what
was typical behaviour for young couple was perceived as an attempt to sexual contact. On the
13

contrary, the couple from Denmark thought that people from the sports club are unfriendly
and unemotional since they went back so as to keep distance that was natural for them.
Situation 2: There was an international conference where two americans, discussing
something, were standing about between 46-122 cm from one another for the whole time.
Few minutes later, there was a pair an american and a Japanese and they slowly moved
through the whole room during their speech. The american receded from the Japanese, while
the Japanese came closer. Both of them tried to keep culturally acceptable areal spacing.
Since the intimate area of the Japanese was only 25 cm, he went towards the american for the
whole time. However, it was the Americans intimate area in that he wanted to stand alone
and that was why he receded(Pease,24).
This situation claims, why do the Americans and the Asians look at one another suspiciously
during their business meetings. Europeans and Americans find the Asians to be too familiar,
obtrusive. On the contrary, the Asians find Americans and Europeans to be too
unapproachable, reserved. Not being aware of this cultural difference may lead to very
confusing missunderstandings.

2.9

Spacing in city and at the countryside

People brought up in rare-populated areas, such asi countrysides, need more personal space
than people brought up in heavy-populated areas, such as cities. According to how far do
people stand from each other when they shake hands, we can come to a conclusion where do
they come from. The inhabitants of cities keep their air bubble 45 cm around their bodies.
This is the spacing between the wrist and the body when they stretch hand to shake another
ones. Hands of both people meet at a neutral territory.
People brought up at a countryside keep their air bubble even more than 100cm around their
bodies, which is the average spacing of their body and wrist when they shake hands.
Moreover, these people tend to stand firmly at the ground and lean their body towards the
other person. On the contrary, people from cities prefer to make one step towards the person.
People from backcountries may even be used to keep their bubble about six metres. They are
not used to shake their hands, but just to wave (Pease,25).
Summary: People around you will be either accomodating or averse to you according to the
way you will interfere their personal area. That is the reason why people who touch shoulders
14

very often ( even if they meet unknown people ) are rather unpopular. We are also not
supposed to touch people we are speaking with during an interview. The distance that people
keep from one another is influenced by many factors. Before we judge any person, we should
realize all criteria mentioned above.

15

3
3.1

THE MOST POPULAR GESTURES

Basis of gestures and their origin

Most of basic gestures looks rather simillar in the entire world. If people are happy, they
smile, if they are sad or angry, they scowl, if they shake heads it nearly always means
agreement and confirmation. It is supoosed to be inborn gesture, since even blind and deaf
people use it. If we shake our heads from one side to another it expresses disagreement and it
it is valid in almost any country as well. It is supposed to be learned at the very beginning of
our childhood. If a child is fed up with breast milk, it turns its head aside and refuses mothers
breast. If a child does not want to be fed any more, it begins to move its head from one side
to another to stop mothers attempts to put another bolus in its mouth. This is how the child
learnes quickly that by turning of head he/she can express disagreement and refusal.

3.2

Shrug

Shrug is a great example of generally valid gesture symbolizing that a person does not know,
what is being spoken about, or he/she does not understand it. Although it seems to be very
easy, it is rather complicated gesture that consists of three parts: wide-open palms, shrugged
shoulders and lifted eyebrows.( see picture xx in appendices)

3.3

Circle of fingers, alias O.K.

This gesture spread at the beginning of the 19. Century in the United States. One of medium
that influenced this quite a lot was newspapers because there were strong attempts to use
common-used phrases. There are many legends about the meaning of O.K. Some people
claim that it is used as a contraction of words all correct ( since its first letters are
pronounced as O.K. ). Another theory claims that it is used as a contradiction of K.O. which
means Knock-out in box and there is even a theory that claims that O.K. is used as a
contradiciton of words Old Kinderhook according to the birthplace of the eighth american
president Martin van Buren. This place is situated approximately 25 miles south of Albany.
Martin van Buren used this contradiction as his advertising slogan. It will probably never be
16

discovered, which of thories mentioned above is correct but it seems, that the circle made of
thumb and index finger really symbolizes letter O from the O.K. contradiction. Meaning of
O.K. contradiction is absolutely standard in all english-speaking countries and it is being
spread to European and Asian countries very fast. However, the gesture itself has different
origin and meaning in some other countries. In France, for example, it means zero or
nothing , in Japan is it a symbol for money. In countries situated around the Mediterranean
sea is it a sign of an opening and it is used as an insulting gesture with meaning that a
particular man ( whom the gesture is shown to ) is a homosexual. In order to

avoid

embarrassing situations, we should be aware of all its meanings(Lewis,24)

3.4

Thumbs up

In Great Britain, Australia and New England the thumb up carries three basic meanings. First
it is used by hitchhikers, second as a symbol that everything goes well, third, if it is lifted fast,
it is insulting gesture symbolizing penis or go to hell. In some countries, such as in Greece,
its meaning will be expressed as up yours. What could happen if an australian hitchhiker is
standing with his thumb-up by the road in Greece? If people from Italy count from one to five
and use their fingers, by number one lift they thumb up, by number two index finger. On the
contrary, most of Americans, Australians and British lift the index finger to count number
one, middle-finger for two. In this case, the thumb works for number five(Pease,13)
Contrary to popular belief- the thumbs up gesture did not spare a gladiator's life in Ancient
Rome. A plebeian's pointed thumb or pollice verso (whether the thumb was pointed up, down,
or somewhere in between we don't know) meant the combatant was to be slain. A hidden
thumb, folded out of sight, or the pollice compresso meant he was to be spared. The famous
scene in "Spartacus", where the Emperor signals a warriors life would be spared by the
upturned thumb, was flawed by mistranslation through the ages.
In much of the world today, the thumbs up means, "O.K.", "Right On. But in Iran,
Afghanistan, Nigeria and parts of Italy and Greece it is an obscene insult, especially when
combined with a sweep of the arms. It most places it roughly means, "Sit on my phallus,
asshole," (CAN IT BE WRITTEN HERE?) and carries the same stigmatism as the middle
finger. In southern Sardinia, where this gestures is noted for being particularly obscene, a
hitchhiker would be well advised not to wave his thumb in the air expecting a car to pick him
17

up, or he may find himself under the wheels of a large truck (http://www.ooze.com
/finger/html/foriegn.html).

3.5

V for victory

This gesture is popular in Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain and its meaning is up
yours. However, Winston Churchill, used this gesture in meaning of Victory during World
War II. The difference is rather simple. Churchill lifted his hand with index finger and middle
finger in the shape of V, palm of his hand oriented towards people. In case the palm of hand is
oriented towards the speaker during the V sign, this gesture is insulting. Most of european
inhabitants understand this gesture as victory no matter what the orientation of palm is.
Hence, if a British shows to the European palm inwards orientated V the European will be
wondering what kind of victory is the person thinking of. In some parts of Europe, including
Czech Republic, this sign means only number two, so if someone is sitting in a pub, this
gesture shown to the waiter will be understood by him as a requirement for bringing two
beers(Lewis,25)

3.6

Handshake

Handshakes origin comes from the times when people lived in caves. When two cavemen
met, they lifted their hands shown palms in order to prove that they did not hold any weapon.
Gesture of lifted hand has changed during the centuries and it it is the origin for many similar
gestures, such as lifted hands as a greeting, palm put at the heart ( in Japan ). Todays form of
old-fashioned ritual is handshake. In most of english speaking countries is it used both as a
greeting and as a farewell. The usual number of handshake is between five and
seven(Thiel,60)

3.7

Dominant x submisive handshake

18

Assuming that we meet certain person for the first time and we want to make most-common
greeting, we will shake our hands. By this handshake we can express one of three basic
attitudes. First of them is dominance : I can gain control of this person, he/she will do what I
want. Second attitude is submission: This person tries to gain control of me, he/she wants
me to listen to his/her commands. The third attitude is equality: I like this person, we will
get on well with each other.
All attidudes mentioned above are expressed unwittingly. The way of handshake influences
the result of our meeting imediately.
Dominance will be expressed by turning palm of our hand downwards. Palm does not have to
be orientated plumb towards the floor, but in comparison with palm of the person we shake
hand with it is orientated downwards. This is the way we suggest that we are going to gain
control of situation. Study of 54 managers showed that 42 of them are used to shake their
hands precisely how it is described in this paragraph.(see picture xx in appendices)
Submission, on the contrary, will be expresed by turning palm of our hand upwards. It is a
good way how to suggest to another person that he/she is the leader and we do agree with
his/her gaining of control. This gesture is in fact rather similar to the way the dogs express
their submission, when they lie down on back and show their larynx(Pease,31)

19

4.1

PRACTICAL PART, COUNTRY-BY COUNTRY LISTING

Non-verbal communication in lessons

Not too much attention is paid to non-verbal communication in our schools. Teachers usually
do not favor the nontraditional exercises in their lessons and if the pupils are not taught to
express an emotion only with gestures in the first classes at elementary schools, it will of
course be difficult to expect them to do so in later years. Therefore is it necessary to get pupils
used to doing these activities at the very beginning of their compulsory school attendance.
Although teachers are not aware of the importance of this, it is a real mistake since every
exercise that deals with this topic is a very popular activity among students. Non-verbal
communication could also be made in a form of competition, it helps to develop of
imagination, concentration, introspection and self-evaluation. Most of students and learners
are interested in the behaviour of their classmates, which may have positive effect on
interpersonal relationships in a particular class. Pupils may try various situations that will not
surprise them in their future lives.
Exercises focussed on the development of non-verbal communication might be scheduled in
any part of a lesson. However, the best function will they fulfill by the motivation and
practise.
The choice of a concrete exercise depends on many factores that the teacher should realize
such as:
the goal we want to reach
the time necessary for explanation, setting, realization and evaluation of an exercise
the number of pupils
abilities and skills of pupils
inter-personal relationships in the class (Vopalecka,11).
Exercises can be elaborated separately, in pairs, in groups or by the whole class. It is
sufficient to be ordered continuously through the whole school year long.

20

4.2

How can we learn to understand body language

We should spend at least 15 minutes a day by observing gestures of another people and
realizing our own gestures. It is possible to practise anywhere where people meet one another.
An extremely suitable place for observing a wide spectrum of peoples gestures is an airport.
People express their eagerness, anger, happiness, impatience and many other feelings.
Another possibility are business meetings and parties. Once we are able to read and
understand body language, we can come to the party, spend the whole evening sitting alone
and have an interesting experience from looking at another peoples rituals. Another great
study material is a TV. We can turn off the sound and try to understand what is the story
about just from the TV screen. To check whether our thoughts were correct we will turn the
sound on every 5 minutes. Though the sound is off, we will soon be able to look the whole
story and understand it precisely at the same moment, which is in fact the basic way how the
deaf people handle their handicap (Pease,18).

4.3

Are you sensible to body language? (self-evaluating test)

Evaluate every statement with number of points from 0 to 4. 0 = I dont agree, I dont
dissagree; 2 = I partially agree ; 3 = I agree to some higher extent ; 4 = I strongly agree ; 5 = I
absolutely agree
1.

If you are introduced to a new person, you try to do your best to make an

as a nice person
2.

It makes me sad when I see someone who is alone at the party

3.

I like to discuss everything with my girl/boyfriend

4.

It makes me angry when I see that someone is mishandled

5.

I believe in honest express of my feelings

6.

When I watch a movie, I put myself in a plot quite enough

7.

I am pleasured when I can meet new ( unknown ) people

8.

I can not be happy in the community of unhappy people

9.

I like making new friendship

10.

If someone is upset, I am able to recognize it imediately

11.

I prefer working in a team instead of working alone

21

impression

12.

Lyrics in a love song touch my heart often

13.

I prefer parties to going to the cinema

14.

I do not mind spending my vacancy alone

15.

I am upset when I see someone crying

Number of points:
0-25 : It seems you are rather independent at the others, you do not like emotional scenes and
you always try to control your feelings. Nevertheless, that is what makes it difficult for you to
read another peoples body language. When you meet someone, you probably deal with your
own impression more than what impression does the other person make on you.
26-45:
Your solicitude and ability to get on with another people is at an average level. However, it
seems you strive after improvement of your skills in body language reading less than you
should. You rely on interpretation of well-known expression of feeling and you deal more
with verbal than non-verbal communication.
46-60:
You either have already got or you could soon reach a very advantage level of ability in bodylanguage reading. The number of points you reached shows clearly that you are interested in
another people and you are empathic enough to understand their feelings. Regardless of
number of points you reached, you can be sure that your hidden skills are able to possess
using and interpretation of body-language. Assuming that you will apply appropriate amount
of time and effort (Lewis,195)
Cultural Gestures
The translated definition of body language varies across countries. There are various attitudes,
language and behavior in every culture and in case we are unfamiliar with these aspects, we
may often suffer from culture shock. With these different meanings from country to country it
is easy to see how misunderstanding may occur. Culture gives concrete meaning to manners,
different hand gestures, how close we may stand when conversing, and even handshakes and
greetings. Hence, culture influences every aspect of nonverbal communication. Both visual
and verbal communication are defined by the culture from which they were created, moreover
22

are they linked by common origins and similar paths of development. Continents and specific
countries that are displayed below with their flags show concrete examples how continental,
as well as national, influences have changed the meanings of common gestures. There are also
described

frequent

body

movement,

known

to

each

country.

(http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/id6.html)

4.4
Body language and gestures concrete criteria that are significant for certain
countries
1. Basic Courtesies and dining etiquette
2. Simple hand gestures
3. Spacing
4. Rude or hostile signs
5. Waiting in line
6. Shaking Head
7. Nodding Head
8. Waving
9. Handshake
10. Hellos and Good-bye

4.4.1 North America

CANADA
1. It is polite to maintain good eye contact. Men rise when women enter the room. It is
considered bad manners to eat while on the street.
2. No excessive gesturing.
3. People stand about a half-meter apart when conversing.
7. Women greet with a slight nod.
9. Men greet with a firm handshake.
23

MEXICO
1. National drink in Mexico is tequila.
4. Hands on hips is a sign of hostility.
5. Patience is important.
9. Women (initiate the handshake) and men greeting with a warm and soft handshake.
10. With friends, men greet with the abrazo, a slight hug with a few pats on the back; women
lightly hug and pretend to kiss the cheek.

UNITED STATES
1. Direct eye contact in social and business settings is very important. Gaps in conversation
are uncomfortable. While dining, left hand is placed in lap, and right hand is used to eat with.
Wrists are permitted on the table (while at a meal), but elbows are not.
2. By either raising the index finger or the hand (facing palm up) and waggling the finger(s)
back toward the body means to beckon for someone.
4. Insulting gestures are the middle finger trust and forearm jerk.
5. Lines are treated with respect.
8. Extending the arm, palm facing down and waving the hand up a down at the wrist joint. A
variation is to raise the arm, palm outward, and move the whole arm and hand back and forth.
9. It is proper to use a firm handshake with direct eye contact.
10. Women may briefly hug other women, and men may quickly kiss the cheek of a woman
(http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/id6.html).
Another information valid for Americans claims that they tend to require more personal space
than in other cultures. So if someone tries to get too close to an American during
24

conversation, he or she will feel that the person is "in their face" and will try to back away, so
if the person we are speaking with backs away a little, we should not try to close the gap in
order to avoid misunderstandings (http://www.edupass.org/culture/personalspace.phtml).

4.4.2 South and Central America

ARGENTINA
1. To make a toast, raise your glass (of red wine) and say "Salud". When finished eating, cross
fork and knife in the middle of the plate.
2. To raise a fist in the air with knuckles pointed outwards is an expression of victory.
3. Stand closer than North Americans or Europeans do when conversing.
4. It is rude to yawn in public. Always pour with the right hand, never the left. Never pour
wine by grasping the neck of the bottle with the hand and rotating the hand backwards so that
the palm turns upward. Hands on hips translate to hostility or challenge. An obscene male
gesture is to slap the inside of the thigh near the groin.
9. A warm handshake, and with friends, a light touch on the forearm or elbow.
10.

Good

friends

will

greet

with

an

"abrazo"

(http://soc302.tripod.com/

soc_302rocks/id6.html).
Unlike the Northern Americans, Argentines tend to stand very close to each other. Many
Americans, especially, and some of Europeans, may find this annoying or rude. However,
they will find it rude if you back away.
Another difference is that you are never invited to an Argentine's home for a meal. It is not a
common gesture and is considered to be too personal place for meeting. However, if you are
invited, bring a gift. Flowers, chocolates, or a gift for the children have been suggested as
good items. Do not bring wine, as it is considered to be too common.
(http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/international_job_search/87030/3)

25

BRAZIL
1. Use good eye contact when conversing. Business cards are often exchanged, and business
meetings usually serve strong black coffee.
2. To say, There arent any more, vendors will place their fingers extended and flip the thumb
back and forth. Snapping fingers and whipping the hand down and out emphasize statements.
Brazilians will pinch the earlobe between thumb and forefinger to express appreciation.
3. People stand relatively close when conversing or waiting in line.
9. Handshakes are warm; people tend to be affectionate.
10. Greetings are carried out with handshakes accompanied with touching of the forearm,
elbows, and pats on the back(http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/id6.html).
Another fact about the men from Brazil is that if they greet each other, they shake hands, but
during this handshake, they do not maintain eye contact. ( This is contrasting fact to Peases
opinion since he recommends to keep eye contact during the handshake, and especially
Europeans consider avoding eye contact rude). Usually these hand shakes will last for a long
time. The exception to this is when a Brazilian is talking to someone of a different status or
age. The younger or less powerful person will look away.
(http://internationalbusiness.wikia.com/wiki/Brazil%27s_Nonverbal_Communication_Pattern
s_and_Gestures

CHILE
1. Men rise when women enter the room. Yawns should be stifled or covered. Wine must be
poured with the right hand.
2. Holding the palm upward and then spreading the fingers signals that someone is stupid.
26

COLUMBIA
1. To suggest that someone is stingy, tap the underside of the elbow with the fingers of the
other hand. Place the knife and fork horizontally across the plate when you are finished
eating.
9. Women hold forearms instead of shaking hands.

COSTA RICA
1. Local people bathe many times a day and guests are also expected to.
4. A rude gesture is to form a fist with the thumb protruding out between the index and middle
finger. Fidgeting hands and feet are impolite.
10. Like other Latin countries, men greet with the abrazo and women will kiss the cheek.

4.4.3 Middle East

IRAN
1. Remove shoes when entering a home or mosque.
2. To signal to someone, put your hand out with your palm down, and curl your fingers in a
scratching motion.
4. The thumbs up sign is vulgar.
6. To signal yes, dip your head down with a slight turn.
7. To signal no, move your head up and back sharply.
27

9.

Shaking

hands

with

child

shows

respect

toward

the

parents.

(http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/id6.html).
The thumbs up gesture is extremely rude in Iran,roughly equivalent to raising the middle
finger in Westerncountries(http://iguide.travel/Iran/Courtesy/Obscene_Gestures)

ISRAEL
3. People stand close, and friends will touch while conversing.
4. Point down at the upturned palm of one hand with the forefinger of the other hand; this
means that "grass will grow on my hand" before what has been said will happen.
9. There are warm handshakes.

LEBANON
2. To signal that someone is a homosexual, lick the little finger and brush it across the
eyebrow.
3. People of the same gender stand closer together.
4. Raising a closed fist into the air is making a rude gesture.
7. To nod your head means yes. To signal no, point your head sharply upward and raise your
eyebrows.
10. Greetings made be exchanged with the nod of a head; men will also tip their hats at
women.

28

SAUDI ARABIA
1. Women are not allowed to drive. Avoid showing the sole of the shoe; it is considered the
lowest and dirtiest part of the body. IT is not p[roper to expose bare shoulders, stomach, or
legs.
2. Holding hands or taking someones elbow is a sign of respect and friendship.
4. It is disrespectful to cross legs. To place the palm down, fingers spread, with your index
finger bent down and pointing outward is to insult someone.
6. Shaking the head from side to side means yes.
7. By tipping the head backward and clicking the tongue, people signal no.
10. Elders tend to greet by saying, Salaam; men greet with a hug and a cheek kiss.
(http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/id6.html).
The left hand is considered unclean and reserved for hygiene avoid gestures with the right
hand. Do not point at another person and do not eat with the left hand
(http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/saudi-arabia.htm).

4.4.4 Africa

EGYPT
1. Right hand is designated for eating and the left for bodily hygiene. Half closed eyes do not
express boredom. Often women will walk slightly behind the men. People smoke and public;
it is polite to offer cigarettes to those near by. Do not eat everything on your plate when
dining. Also, only eat finger food with the right hand.
2. To ask, Would you sleep with me? tap two index fingers together, side-by-side.
3. Men and women stand relatively further apart, but men will stand closer together.
29

4. It is rude to show the sole of your shoe.

9. Handshakes are followed by a touch on the elbow.

NIGERIA
1. Respect punctuality. Sometimes important guests are greeted with applause. Wink at
children to signify them to leave the room.
4. A vulgar sign is to hold the hand forward at shoulder or head level, with the fingers spread.

SOUTH AFRICA
1. Cover mouth when yawning.
2. Holding hands out in a cupped manner means that, "The gift you may give me (for carrying
your bags) will mean so much that I must hold it in two hands"; this action is often done by
porters.
9. Handshake is the most common form of greeting (http://soc302.tripod.com/
soc_302rocks/id6.html).
Talking to someone in South Africa with your hands planted in your pockets is considered
impolite. Also, try not to stand too close or point your fingers at someone when you're
talking.( http://www.traveletiquette.co.uk/EtiquetteSouthAfrica.html )

30

ZIMBABWE
1. Applauding denotes appreciation and politeness.
4. It is rude to maintain eye contact.
10. Women and girls may often curtsey in greeting.

4.4.5 Asia and The Pacific Islands

AUSTRALIA
1. Men do not express emotions. Cover your mouth when yawning, and then say, Excuse me.
Good sportsmanship is highly respected.
2. By turning the glass upside down and placing the glass squarely on the bar, you are saying
that you can win a fight against anyone at the bar.

CHINA
3. People stand extremely close when conversing. Surprise is expressed with a quick and loud
inhalation of air. Silence is respected. Hosts will often refuse a gift many times before
acceptance; this is proper. The main guest always sits at the head of a table, with their back to
the door, and the special guest always sits to the left of the host.
10. Greeting is usually just a slight nod and bow. Sometimes people will applaud; this should
be responded with applause(http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/id6.html).
31

The gesture that is considered to be rude almost everywhere, picking your nose, is aceptable
in China. However, it is more common among older generations since younger generations
tend

to

be

more

westernized

and

they

do

avoid

doing

this

in

public(http://www.eruptingmind.com/communication-gestures-vary-different-cultures/)

INDIA
1. Staring at the impoverished population is considered a way to humiliate. Before entering
any sacred area, remove footwear. Address elders with the proper title.
2. People grasp their earlobes to express remorse or honesty. Signal to something with either
the chin or whole hand. To apologize, tap on someones shoulder and then tap your own
forehead.
9. Women should never initiate the handshake; women will often shake hands with other
women but not men.
10. When greeting someone, say, Namaste and press palms together with fingers pointing
upward.

JAPAN
1. Listening is a sign of politeness. When you receive the business card from the Japanese
host, be sure to examine it carefully and avoid quickly putting it away. Place it on the table in
front of you for further reference. Hold your business card with both hands, grasping it
between the thumbs and forefingers. Present it with the printing pointing towards the person
to which you are giving the card, and bow slightly. Your host will accept the card with both
hands; bow slightly and then read the card carefully.
32

2. The ok sign is a money sign in Japan. Waving a hand, palm outward, in front of your face
conveys,

dont

understand

or

dont

deserve

this

(http://soc302.tripod.com

/soc_302rocks/id6.html).
Many Japanese laugh or smile when they are embarrassed or make a mistake instead of
apologizing or making an excuse. They don't mean to be rude. A smile is regarded as way to
escape an uncomfortable situation. A laugh is considered to be a kind of apology. If you laugh
along with them it means that you accept the apology. Japanese also sometimes smile when
discussing sad topics because it is considered inappropriate to express private
sadness(http://factsanddetails.com/japan.php?itemid=611&catid=18)

PHILIPPINES
2. Point by shifting your eyes or by pursing your mouth in that direction. Do not finish the
food on your plate.
10. Greet with a quick flash of the eyebrows.

THAILAND
1. When entering a home, do not step on the doorsill. When passing in front of a person,
especially an elder, lower the upperbody.
4. It is rude to put your arm behind someones chair or to pat his or her back.
10. The traditional greeting is to place hands in a prayer position with your head slightly
bowed; this is called the Wai. The higher your hands, the more respect shown.

33

4.4.6 Europe

ENGLAND
1. To signal a waiter for the bill, make a motion with both hands of signing your name on a
paper. Privacy is very important; do not stare. Tipping at bars is rare.
4. Loud behavior is considered rude. The victory sign with your palm facing in is considered
vulgar.
5. Never cut in line (http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/id6.html).
Among friends, women are often kissed (by men and women) lightly on one cheek.
Handshakes are firm. The use of first names is widespread. Titles such as Mr and Mrs are
being used less frequently, even when children address adults.
The English are in general a reserved people, who do not approve of loud or highly
demonstrative behaviour (except in very informal gatherings). Touching is generally avoided.
Manners are important, although standards are not as high among young people, who account
for nearly one-fifth of the population.
(http://www.referatele.com/referate/engleza/online11/England.php)

GERMANY
1. Always knock before opening a closed door. Do not chew gum while speaking. Men walk
either to the left of or on the side closer to the street traffic of women.
2. Clasp your hands together and raise them above your head to show appreciation. The
thumbs up sign means one.
8. Moving your hand back and forth means no.
9. It is improper to shake someones hand with their other hand in their pocket.

34

10. Lightly tap knuckles on table to greet a large number of people at a table. To say goodbye,
raise your hand upward, with your palm out and wave your fingers up and down.

GREECE
1. Make a puffing noise though pursed lips to accept a compliment. People smile when they
are happy or sad. When men think women are pretty, they will stroke their chins with a finger.
4. The thumbs down sign is an expression of distaste with someones driving. The ok sign is
vulgar.
5. There is often pushing and shoving in lines.
6. Tilt your head to your left and right sides to say yes.
7. Either by slightly nodding your head upward or lifting your eyebrows upward, signals no.

IRELAND
1. Women sit first. It is proper to sit with legs crossed at the ankles or at the knees; it is
informal to cross your ankle over your knee.
4. To refuse to buy a round of drinks when it is your turn is considered rude.
5. Dont shove in line.
9. Use a firm handshake.

35

ITALY
1. In churches, women should cover their heads; do not wear short sleeves or sleeveless shirts.
When dining, only men pour the wine.
9. Long handshakes.
10. In greeting, warm hugs and kisses are common.

SPAIN
1. It is proper for men to cross their legs; it is considered unfeminine for women to. Eye
contact may denote romantic interest.
2. Stretch your arm out, with your palm downward, and make a scratching motion toward
your body with the fingers to beckon for someone.
4. The ok sign is obscene.
9. Men and women always shake hands.
10. Both men and women use the abrazo to greet; women may accompany that with a check
kiss.

SWEDEN
1. Eye contact is important. When men converse with women, they remove their hat. The
male guest of honor sits to the left of the hostess, and the female guest of honor sits to the
36

right of the host. To make a toast, lift your glass and say, Skoal; the host always makes the
first toast. When leaving a home, wait to put on our coat after your have stepped outside the
door.
9. Firm handshake.
10. Men greet women by tipping their hat.

FRANCE
1. Business cards are often exchanged. Signal a waiter by tipping your head back and saying
Monsieur. Catch a taxi by snapping your fingers. Eat sandwiches and fruit with a knife and
fork.
2. The ok sign means, zero. To indicate someone is drunk, form a circle with your thumb and
forefinger and place it over your nose. Playing a pretend flute says that another is being loud
and annoying.
4. Chewing gum, yawning, scratching, having loud conversations, and resting feet on
furniture are all considered rude. To express disapproval of anothers driving, raise your hand
in the air, fingers up, and rotate your hand back and forth. To make a vulgar gesture, snap the
fingers of both hands, or slap an open palm over a closed fist.
9. Light and quick handshake; women offer hand first (http://soc302.tripod.com
/soc_302rocks/id6.html).
Typical french gesture is the double kiss. Kissing on both cheeks is usual between close
acquaintances who are greeting or family members, even in public. It is also an unwritten rule
to start with the right cheek.
One more gesture that french people do very often is handshake when they are first
introduced, and whenever they enter or leave a room, and before and after a meeting. It would
be considered impolite if you do not do so.
(http://lerc.educ.ubc.ca/LERC/courses/489/worldlang/french/frenchcultandcomm.html)

37

5 CONCLUSION
What people say is often different from what they think and feel. Those who are aware of
peoples gestures, mimics and another non-verbal communication may understand both
themselves and foreigners much better by observing them during the communication. In case
people will try to think of how to make themselves more popular, how to attract an audience
and force them to cooperation, how to communicate effectively, their social status can only
get better. Books that deal with body language belong to popular-psychological literature and
readers of these books are supposed to be people who want to make their communication
skills better. Moreover, students of pedagogical faculty are trained to be the teachers, which
means necessity to cooperate with large group of learners, students, and presenting of
themselves in front of an audience should be every-day routine.
Since English is lingua franca, this language enables people to communicate with people from
opposite parts of the world. However, gestures and body language people are used to do in
one part of the world might be forbidden and impolite in another part of the world and that is
the reason why a visitor should be aware of these differences and should deal with them and
researching information about them always before he/she wants to visit particular country.
Another fact is that the first impression people make depends on many aspects, such as
handshake, eye contact, spacing and if the visitor does not follow the rules he is supposed to
follow, it might be reason for his/her problems and uncomfortable feeling in particular
country.

38

WORKS CITED

Books
Bumlov, B. Tajemstv lidskho smvu : odlin interpretace smvu v rmci kontextovch
modalit. Praha: Triton, 2006.
Dytrtov, K. Celostn vnmn tvar, zvuk, barva a gesto. st nad Labem : Univerzita J.E.
Purkyn v st nad Labem, 2001.
Hlavek, L. e bychom si nerozumli? Praha: AVIS, 1997.
Holinger, Paul C., Donerov, Kalia. Co kaj dti, ne se nau mluvit. Praha: Triton, 2003.
Jana, Ji. Reflexn terapie tajemn e lidskho tla. Praha: Eminent, 1991.
Lewis, D. Tajn e tla. Praha: Victoria Publishing, 1989.
Moris, D. Bodywatching. A Field Guide to the Human Species. Equinox.
Pease, Allan. Body Language. London: Sheldon Press, 1997.
Thiel, E. e lidskho tla prozrad vc ne tisc slov. Bratislava: Plasma Service, 1993.
Vopaleck, L. Neverbln komunikace ve slohovm vyuovn. Brno: Masarykova
Univerzita, 2005.
Vybral, Zdenk. Psychologie lidsk komunikace. Praha: Portl, 2000.
Wage, J. e tla jako inn nstroj prodeje. Praha: Management Press, 1997.
Online Sources
39

Wu, Charlene. "Cultural Gestures. Chapter Five: Nonverbal Communication Web Project. 6
April 2010.
< http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/id6.html>.
Personal Space. EduPASS. 2010. 5 April 2010.
< http://www.edupass.org/culture/personalspace.phtml>.
Bowens, Tracy. Destination Argentina. Suite101.com. 14 December 2001. 10 April 2010.
< http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/international_job_search/87030/3>.
Brazil's Nonverbal Communication Patterns and Gestures. International Business Wiki. 2
March 2010
<http://internationalbusiness.wikia.com/wiki/Brazil%27s_Nonverbal_Communication_Patter
ns_and_Gestures>.
Courtesy in Iran: Obscene Gestures. Iran Travel Guide. 27 March 2010.
< http://iguide.travel/Iran/Courtesy/Obscene_Gestures>.
Butler, Patty. Saudi Arabia. The Web's leading resource for International Business
Etiquette and Manners. 15 April 2010.
< http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/saudi-arabia.htm>.
Etiquette in South Africa. Travel Etiquette. 12 April 2010.
< http://www.traveletiquette.co.uk/EtiquetteSouthAfrica.html>
How Communication and Gestures Can Vary in Different Cultures. Erupting Minds Self
Improvement Tips. 6 April 2010.
< http://www.eruptingmind.com/communication-gestures-vary-different-cultures/>
Hays,Jeffrey. Japanese Customs, Manners and Etiquette. Facts and Details. March 2010. 3
April 2010.
40

< http://factsanddetails.com/japan.php?itemid=611&catid=18>.
England. Referatele. 2 March 2010.
< http://www.referatele.com/referate/engleza/online11/England.php>.
French Culture, Communication and Gestures. Language Education Research Centre. 10
April 2010.
< http://lerc.educ.ubc.ca/LERC/courses/489/worldlang/french/frenchcultandcomm.html>.

41