Dimensions of Culture

(Back to Non-verbal Communication)

Head Movements

• In Lebanon, the signal for “YES” may be a nod of the head. To signal “NO,” a Lebanese may point his or her head sharply upward and raise the eyebrows.
• Saudis may signal “YES” by swiveling their head from side to side. They may signal “NO” by tipping their head backward and clicking their tongue.

Hand and Arm Gestures

• The “OK” sign is interpreted in Japan as the symbol for money, because the circular shape of the index finger and thumb together suggest the shape of a coin. In Argentina, Belgium, France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Zimbabwe, the sign means “zero” or “nothing.” In some Eastern European countries as other countries throughout the world, the gesture indicates a bodily orifice and is highly offensive.
• In some parts of the U.S., to hold up crossed fingers is to wish good luck, but to hold crossed fingers behind your back negates whatever pledge or statement you’re thinking. In Russia, this is a way of rudely rejecting or denying something. In Argentina and Spain, this sign is made to ward away bad luck. In China, it signifies the number ten.
• The “thumbs-up” gesture has a vulgar connotation in Iran.
• In Colombia, tapping the underside of the elbow with the fingers of the other hand suggests that someone is stingy.
• Many Chinese people point with their entire hand; using the forefinger to point is viewed as rude. Similarly, in India one may use a full hand to point, but never just a single finger.
• In Latin America, a shrug with the palms facing skyward may be interpreted as a vulgar gesture.