In China, silence can be used to show agreement and receptiveness. In other cultures, however, silence is not viewed as a negative circumstance. It is often perceived as a sign of inattentiveness or disinterest. In our interactions at work, school, or with friends, silence is uncomfortable. Western cultures, especially North America and the UK, tend to view silence as problematic. Though it can feel like a void in communication, silence can be very meaningful in different cultural contexts. Bush famously discovered on a visit to Iraq in 2008. That is why throwing shoes at someone is a form of protest and an insult in many parts of the world - as former U.S.
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Showing the soles of your shoes or feet can offend people in parts of the Middle East and India. Sitting cross-legged is seen as disrespectful in Japan, especially in the presence of someone older or more respected than you. Explore Courses Sitting positionsīe aware of your posture when you attend meetings or are dining. In these parts of the world, children won’t look at an adult who is speaking to them, and nor will employees to their bosses.įast-track your career with award-winning courses and realistic practice. These cultures tend to be quite conscious of hierarchy, and avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect for bosses and elders. In many Asian, African, and Latin American countries, however, this unbroken eye contact would be considered aggressive and confrontational. In some of these countries, eye contact beyond a brief glance between the sexes is deemed inappropriate. In many Middle Eastern countries, same-gender eye contact tends to be more sustained and intense than the western standard. We tend to assume that if someone looks away while we are talking to them, they’re disinterested and looking for someone else to talk to. In most western countries, eye contact is a sign of confidence and attentiveness. In many Mediterranean and Latin countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Spain, Italy and Portugal, to make this sign at someone is to tell them that their spouse is cheating on them. Newspapers around the world expressed their astonishment at the use of such a gesture. Bush raised his fist, with the index and little finger extended, in the shape of the Texas Longhorn football team logo. On Inauguration Day 2005, President George W. It is used only to beckon dogs in many Asian countries - and using it in the Philippines can get you arrested. It’s also considered extremely impolite to use this gesture with people. However, it is considered rude in China, East Asia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and many other parts of the world. In Turkey, it’s meant to be an insult towards gay people.Ī thumbs up in America and European cultures is an indicator of a job well done, however in Greece or the Middle East, it can mean ‘up yours’Ĭurling the index finger with the palm facing up is a common gesture that people in United States and parts of Europe use to beckon someone to come closer. Hand gestures can mean very different things in different cultures the ‘OK’ sign in Greece, Spain or Brazil means you are calling someone an a**hole.
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We use gestures as a way to emphasis points and illustrate what we are saying. Many facial expressions appear to be universal and recognised all over the globe.įast-track your career with award-winning courses and realistic practice. Men in Islamic countries never shake the hands of women outside the family. In certain African countries, a limp handshake is the standard ( Guide to African handshakes). Beware that in Turkey, a firm handshake is considered rude and aggressive.
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In parts of Southern Europe, Central and South America, a handshake is longer and warmer, with the left hand usually touching the clasped hands or elbow. In parts of Northern Europe, a quick firm handshake is the norm. Western culture typically perceives a strong handshake as authoritative and confidence, where as many parts of the Far East perceive a strong handshake as aggressive, and usually bow instead. A handshake is widely accepted as the norm, however you’ll need to vary the firmness depending on the location. Greetings with a handshakeĮven the simple handshake can vary from culture to culture. Whether in a culturally diverse company or visiting emerging markets, understanding what people mean through their body language can be a challenge. Sometimes it is very obvious, many times very subtle. However, there are substantial cultural differences in how people use body language to communicate. As William Shakespeare said in Troilus and Cressida - ‘There’s language in her eye, her cheek, her lip’. Cultural Differences in Body Language to be Aware ofīody language makes up the largest part of our non-verbal communication - eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions can convey powerful messages.