Talk With Your Hands
(Without Causing an International Incident)
'There is no ubiquitous gesture - not even a smile - that can open every door," says Terri Morrison, author of five international-relations books, including the best-selling Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands: How to Do Business in Sixty Countries (B. Adams). "Often we're not aware of what our body language might be saying. Your gestures can be easily misinterpreted, especially when you're dealing with people from other cultures." To spare yourself the embarrassment of an unintentional gaffe, refer to this, um, handy reference.
Article from National Geographic, The Magazine
Terri Morrison © Copyright 2009, All Rights Reserved
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National Geographic, The Magazine
Front Cover
February 2005 |
The ''Hook 'em, 'horns' gesture (a U of Texas salute) that former President George Bush performed during his Inauguration shocked Norwegians, who interpreted it as a salute to Satan. Heavy metal bands use it a lot.
The "thumbs-up" sign is equivalent to giving the middle finger in many Middle Eastern countries and parts of Africa (especially Nigeria). In Japan, where the thumb is considered the fifth digit, the thumbs-up will order you five of something.
The "fig" sign (a fist with your thumb protruding between the middle and index fingers) is a symbol of good luck in Brazil, but making the fig in many other cultures is akin to flipping the bird.
In many African countries, putting your hand up to wave farewell to someone can be an affront to his mother and family name. Your five fingers could be interpreted as suggesting the number of possible men that could have fathered him.
The "A-OK" gesture (a circle with your thumb and index finger, with the others straight) is considered very obscene in Brazil, Guatemala, and Paraguay and can be taken as an insult in Denmark and Italy.
In Chile, slapping your fist down into your palm is considered obscene, and an open palm with the fingers separated means "stupid".