As stated in the JOURNAL OF VISUAL LITERACY, language is only one type of communication and it is narrow-minded to privilege language over other types of sign systems. Communication is the transfer of information and ideas during interactions between people. The most commonly used, although it may not be as noticeable, is nonverbal communication. While nonverbal communication may be comparatively easier to use between nations, some visual communication remains to be understood amongst the diverse populations around the globe. The latter is defined by anything consisting of eye contact, facial expressions, patterns of touch, gestures, spatial arrangements, tones of voice, expressive movement, and other cultural differences. Our culture governs the manner in which we approach each aforementioned aspect of superficial presentation.
When one first learns to speak a second language, they may be deterred from fluency by their nonverbal signs. Changing with each culture is the translated definition of body language. When at first exposed to a new environment where attitudes, language and behavior are all unfamiliar, people may often suffer from culture shock. With these varying meanings from country to country it is easy to see how misunderstanding may occur. Culture gives meaning to manners, different hand gestures, how close we may stand when conversing, our patience, and even handshakes and greetings; and thus, culture influences every aspect of nonverbal communication. Equally as vital to convey a message or an image, it is important to understand how performing smooth interactions requires eloquence with not only spoken language but visual as well. Just as Socrates described in PHAEDO, there are two worlds: the first is a world of imperfection impeded by its inept medium of speech, and the better second world of perfection where all things are communicated visually, without the need for words.
Linked by common origins and similar paths of development, visual and verbal communication are both defined by the culture from which they were created. Following each flag below, information is listed exemplifying how continental, as well as national, influences have altered the meanings of common gestures; also listed are frequent kinesics, body movement, known to each country.
When one first learns to speak a second language, they may be deterred from fluency by their nonverbal signs. Changing with each culture is the translated definition of body language. When at first exposed to a new environment where attitudes, language and behavior are all unfamiliar, people may often suffer from culture shock. With these varying meanings from country to country it is easy to see how misunderstanding may occur. Culture gives meaning to manners, different hand gestures, how close we may stand when conversing, our patience, and even handshakes and greetings; and thus, culture influences every aspect of nonverbal communication. Equally as vital to convey a message or an image, it is important to understand how performing smooth interactions requires eloquence with not only spoken language but visual as well. Just as Socrates described in PHAEDO, there are two worlds: the first is a world of imperfection impeded by its inept medium of speech, and the better second world of perfection where all things are communicated visually, without the need for words.
Linked by common origins and similar paths of development, visual and verbal communication are both defined by the culture from which they were created. Following each flag below, information is listed exemplifying how continental, as well as national, influences have altered the meanings of common gestures; also listed are frequent kinesics, body movement, known to each country.
1. Basic Courtesies and dining etiquette
2. Simple hand gestures
3. Spacing
4. Rude or hostile signs
2. Simple hand gestures
3. Spacing
4. Rude or hostile signs
1. Waiting in line
2. Shaking Head
3. Nodding Head
4. Waving
5. Handshake
6. Hellos and Good-bye
2. Shaking Head
3. Nodding Head
4. Waving
5. Handshake
6. Hellos and Good-bye
North America
USA
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.
3. Insulting gestures are the middle finger trust and forearm jerk.
4. Lines are treated with respect.
5. 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.
6. It is proper to use a firm handshake with direct eye contact.
7. Women may briefly hug other women, and men may quickly kiss the cheek of a woman.
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.
3. Insulting gestures are the middle finger trust and forearm jerk.
4. Lines are treated with respect.
5. 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.
6. It is proper to use a firm handshake with direct eye contact.
7. Women may briefly hug other women, and men may quickly kiss the cheek of a woman.
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.
4. Women greet with a slight nod.
5. Men greet with a firm handshake.
2. No excessive gesturing.
3. People stand about a half-meter apart when conversing.
4. Women greet with a slight nod.
5. Men greet with a firm handshake.
Mexico
1. National drink in Mexico is tequila.
2. Hands on hips is a sign of hostility.
3. Patience is important.
4. Women (initiate the handshake) and men greeting with a warm and soft handshake.
5. 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.
2. Hands on hips is a sign of hostility.
3. Patience is important.
4. Women (initiate the handshake) and men greeting with a warm and soft handshake.
5. 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.
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.
5. A warm handshake, and with friends, a light touch on the forearm or elbow.
6. Good friends will greet with an "abrazo".
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.
5. A warm handshake, and with friends, a light touch on the forearm or elbow.
6. Good friends will greet with an "abrazo".
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 are not 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.
4. Handshakes are warm; people tend to be affectionate.
5. Greetings are carried out with handshakes accompanied with touching of the forearm, elbows, and pats on the back.
2. To say, There are not 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.
4. Handshakes are warm; people tend to be affectionate.
5. Greetings are carried out with handshakes accompanied with touching of the forearm, elbows, and pats on the back.
Chile
1. Holding the palm upward and then spreading the fingers signals that someone is stupid.
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.
2. Women hold forearms instead of shaking hands.
Costa Rica
1. Local people bathe many times a day and guests are also expected to.
2. 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.
3. Like other Latin countries, men greet with the abrazo and women will kiss the cheek.
2. 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.
3. Like other Latin countries, men greet with the abrazo and women will kiss the cheek.
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.
3. The thumbs up sign is vulgar.
4. To signal yes, dip your head down with a slight turn.
5. To signal no, move your head up and back sharply.
6. Shaking hands with a child shows respect toward the parents.
2. To signal to someone, put your hand out with your palm down, and curl your fingers in a scratching motion.
3. The thumbs up sign is vulgar.
4. To signal yes, dip your head down with a slight turn.
5. To signal no, move your head up and back sharply.
6. Shaking hands with a child shows respect toward the parents.
Israel
1. People stand close, and friends will touch while conversing.
2. 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.
3. There are warm handshakes.
2. 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.
3. There are warm handshakes.
4. Never shakehand with Rabbi's wife.
Lebanon
1. To signal that someone is a homosexual, lick the little finger and brush it across the eyebrow.
2. People of the same gender stand closer together.
3. Raising a closed fist into the air is making a rude gesture.
4. To nod your head means yes. To signal no, point your head sharply upward and raise your eyebrows.
5. Greetings made be exchanged with the nod of a head; men will also tip their hats at women.
2. People of the same gender stand closer together.
3. Raising a closed fist into the air is making a rude gesture.
4. To nod your head means yes. To signal no, point your head sharply upward and raise your eyebrows.
5. Greetings made be exchanged with the nod of a head; men will also tip their hats at women.
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.
3. 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.
4. Shaking the head from side to side means yes.
5. By tipping the head backward and clicking the tongue, people signal no.
6. Elders tend to greet by saying, Salaam; men greet with a hug and a cheek kiss. Veiled women are not introduced.
2. Holding hands or taking someones elbow is a sign of respect and friendship.
3. 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.
4. Shaking the head from side to side means yes.
5. By tipping the head backward and clicking the tongue, people signal no.
6. Elders tend to greet by saying, Salaam; men greet with a hug and a cheek kiss. Veiled women are not introduced.
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.
4. It is rude to show the sole of your shoe.
5. Handshakes are followed by a touch on the elbow.
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.
4. It is rude to show the sole of your shoe.
5. 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.
2. A vulgar sign is to hold the hand forward at shoulder or head level, with the fingers spread.
2. A vulgar sign is to hold the hand forward at shoulder or head level, with the fingers spread.
South Africa
1. Respect punctuality. Sometimes important guests are greeted with applause. Wink at children to signify them to leave the room.
2. A vulgar sign is to hold the hand forward at shoulder or head level, with the fingers spread.
Zimbabwe
1. Applauding denotes appreciation and politeness.
2. It is rude to maintain eye contact.
3. Women and girls may often curtsey in greeting.
2. It is rude to maintain eye contact.
3. Women and girls may often curtsey in greeting.
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.
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
1. 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.
2. Greeting is usually just a slight nod and bow. Sometimes people will applaud; this should be responded with applause.
2. Greeting is usually just a slight nod and bow. Sometimes people will applaud; this should be responded with applause.
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.
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.
3. Women should never initiate the handshake; women will often shake hands with other women but not men.
4. When greeting someone, say, Namaste and press palms together with fingers pointing upward.
4. 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.
2. The ok sign is a money sign in Japan. Waving a hand, palm outward, in front of your face conveys, I dont understand or I dont deserve this.
2. The ok sign is a money sign in Japan. Waving a hand, palm outward, in front of your face conveys, I dont understand or I dont deserve this.
Philippines
1. Point by shifting your eyes or by pursing your mouth in that direction. Do not finish the food on your plate.
2. Greet with a quick flash of the eyebrows.
2. 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.
2. It is rude to put your arm behind someones chair or to pat his or her back.
3. 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.
2. It is rude to put your arm behind someones chair or to pat his or her back.
3. 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.
Europe
United Kingdom
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.
2. Loud behavior is considered rude. The victory sign with your palm facing in is considered vulgar.
3. Never cut in line.
2. Loud behavior is considered rude. The victory sign with your palm facing in is considered vulgar.
3. Never cut in line.
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.
3. 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.
4. Light and quick handshake; women offer hand first.
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.
3. 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.
4. Light and quick handshake; women offer hand first.
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.
3. Moving your hand back and forth means no.
4. It is improper to shake someones hand with their other hand in their pocket.
5. 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.
2. Clasp your hands together and raise them above your head to show appreciation. The thumbs up sign means one.
3. Moving your hand back and forth means no.
4. It is improper to shake someones hand with their other hand in their pocket.
5. 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.
2. The thumbs down sign is an expression of distaste with someones driving. The ok sign is vulgar.
3. There is often pushing and shoving in lines.
4. Tilt your head to your left and right sides to say yes.
5. Either by slightly nodding your head upward or lifting your eyebrows upward, signals no.
2. The thumbs down sign is an expression of distaste with someones driving. The ok sign is vulgar.
3. There is often pushing and shoving in lines.
4. Tilt your head to your left and right sides to say yes.
5. 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.
2. To refuse to buy a round of drinks when it is your turn is considered rude.
3. Dont shove in line.
4. Use a firm handshake.
2. To refuse to buy a round of drinks when it is your turn is considered rude.
3. Dont shove in line.
4. Use a firm handshake.
Italy
1. In churches, women should cover their heads; do not wear short sleeves or sleeveless shirts. When dining, only men pour the wine.
2. Long handshakes.
3. In greeting, warm hugs and kisses are common.
2. Long handshakes.
3. In greeting, warm hugs and kisses are common.
Poland
1. Do not chew gum while speaking, and speak with a soft voice.
2. To invite someone to drink, flick your neck.
3. Men may greet women by kissing their hands; women greet other women with a slight embrace and kiss on the cheek.
2. To invite someone to drink, flick your neck.
3. Men may greet women by kissing their hands; women greet other women with a slight embrace and kiss on the cheek.
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.
2. Stretch your arm out, with your palm downward, and make a scratching motion toward your body with the fingers to beckon for someone.
3. The ok sign is obscene.
4. Men and women always shake hands.
5. Both men and women use the abrazo to greet; women may accompany that with a check kiss.
4. Men and women always shake hands.
5. 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 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.
2. Firm handshake.
3. Men greet women by tipping their hat.
2. Firm handshake.
3. Men greet women by tipping their hat.
