The calling sign with the index finger saying "come to me" is taboo in Asian countries. In the Philippines, this gesture is only appropriate for dogs and indicates that you consider the interlocutor to be lower than you. Moreover, the use of such a gesture can lead to arrest in that country.
"Goat"
"Goat" is loved by rock musicians, metalheads and their fans. However, you should not show it in Italy, Spain or Macedonia, especially to a man, as the gesture hints at the infidelity of the addressee's wife ("cuckold"). Among superstitious people in Western countries the sign "goat" means the same as we have a spit over our shoulder, that is, the usual protection from the evil eye, witches and various evil spirits.
"Like"
The usual “like”, a gesture of consent and approval, often erases language barriers, and hitchhikers often vote for them on the road.
However, in Thailand it is a sign of condemnation. Although it is more childlike, like sticking out the tongue, it should be avoided. In Iran, this is an offensive gesture, the equivalent of the middle finger. In some other countries, such as Greece, such a gesture means "shut up."
Gesture "Victory"
The gesture, which is shown with the index and middle fingers of the hand in the form of the letter V, in many countries means victory or peace. However, if the palm is facing the person, then in the UK, Ireland and Australia, the V-shaped gesture acquires an insulting gesture, which is the non-verbal equivalent of the phrase "fuck off!".
The fact is that the English archers, who intimidated the enemies in the 100-year Anglo-French War, were cut off precisely these two fingers on their right hand so that they could no longer shoot from bows. And if the archer showed undamaged fingers like that, it meant "be afraid, enemies!". The French perceived this gesture as an insult to them.
exposed palm
The outstretched hand, which expresses a request to stop or stop, in Greece takes on a different meaning. Palms directed towards the interlocutor - the so-called "munza" - are used when they want to express extreme indignation or "send" the interlocutor. This gesture has been left over from Byzantine times, when cinder was smeared over the face of a criminal to ridicule him.
Stroking on the head
Stroking a child on the head is usually a gesture of friendliness and tenderness. However, in the Buddhist religion, the crown is the highest point of the body, that is, the place where the soul lives. Touching the top of the head is an aggressive intrusion into a person's space. This gesture should be avoided in countries where most people practice Buddhism.
"Fig"
The gesture "fig", "shish" or "fig" is used in case of refusal or disagreement. In Brazil and Portugal, this is a more benevolent gesture, a way of wishing good luck and protection from the evil eye. In Turkey, it has an aggressive and rude nature, the equivalent of which is the middle finger. Fingers folded in a fig are associated with sex in many countries. In Arab countries, kukish means a sexual insult. In France, this figure of three fingers means the same as the extended middle finger of the hand.
offer, invitation
In many countries, people do not pay attention to what hand they offer something to other people. However, in India, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East, the left hand is considered "dirty". Even a left-hander should eat with his right hand, as only it is considered suitable for eating. The same goes for shaking hands and passing objects. But in Japan, it is considered polite when you give with both hands, while a gesture with one hand may suggest neglect.
Crossed fingers
In many Western countries, people cross their index and middle fingers for good luck or the evil eye. In Vietnam, this gesture is considered offensive, especially if you are looking at the other person. It is believed that the crossed fingers represent the female reproductive organs.
Middle finger
This is the most famous and recognizable indecent gesture in the whole world, which is shown when they want to send the interlocutor to hell, end the conversation or rudely refuse. In addition, this is one of the most ancient gestures, which was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as by monkeys. In Asian countries, however, the middle finger is sometimes used to indicate something.
Gesture OK
Thumb and forefinger ring meaning "everything is alright!" or "OK", in French means "zero" or "worthless". In Greece and Turkey, this gesture is considered a hint of homosexuality. And in some countries of the Middle East, for example, in Kuwait, it means the evil eye.
Other gestures in different countries
In Argentina, keeping your hands in your pockets is considered indecent, in Japan it is not recommended to tighten your belt in public - this means the beginning of hara-kiri. Bulgarians, Greeks and Turks, when they say "Yes", shake their heads from side to side, but for us it means "No". By touching the century with a finger, in Italy they express benevolence, in Spain, with the help of this gesture, they express their doubt about the veracity of what was said, and the Frenchman makes it clear to the person with such a gesture that he talks too much. When an Englishman wants to teach someone a lesson, he raises two fingers folded together, and in the USA this gesture means a single whole, a team.
Not everything is always expressed in words. Sometimes gestures are enough for us. AT different situations we tear our shirt on our chests, throw our hats on the ground and show the fig.
In general, this gesture is characteristic of many cultures. In Russia, they probably learned about the fist from visiting Germans who tried to seduce Russian young ladies with such a vulgar gesture. There is even a version that the "fig" arose from German expression fick-fick machen (this was the traditional German invitation to intimacy). In the Russian tradition, the symbol of this gesture (probably due to highly moral Russian women) was transformed into a designation of a categorical refusal. And over time, the "fig" began to be used as protective agent from evil spirits: apparently, due to licentiousness, expats from German lands were equated with demons
This gesture from the Russian drinking tradition articulated the phraseologism common in the 19th and early 20th centuries “to lay behind a tie”. This expression was born in the officer environment, and it was invented by a certain Colonel Raevsky, "a talker and a joker." By the way, he "invented" another "drinking" phrase - a little chauffe (chauff?). It is interesting that this gesture was adopted by speculators in strong drinks during the "dry law", which Nicholas II established in Russian Empire in 1914.
An expressive gesture that articulated some desperate decision. A headdress (along with a beard) for Russian men symbolized dignity, integration in society. Taking off one's hat in public was considered a grave disgrace, a kind of civil execution. Usually debtors were subjected to this procedure. The voluntary throwing of a hat on the ground demonstrated the readiness of a person to take the most insane risk, in which the cost of failure could be the expulsion of a person from society.
A Russian person scratches the back of his head when he is puzzled by something. The question is what for? Of course, it is unlikely to stimulate the circulation of the brain. One of the versions says that this gesture came from folk magic: in this way, our ancestors called for help the ancestor, the genius of the family.
It was probably originally an impromptu oath. There is a hypothesis that with such an expressive gesture our ancestors showed their belonging to Orthodox faith demonstrating the cross. In addition, it is known that during executions and some corporal punishment, the executioners tore the top of the shirt off the punished. So, the voluntary tearing of clothes as a persuasive argument was intended to show the readiness of a person to climb the chopping block for the truth.
This gesture, according to one version, came from the military tradition of the nomads and was brought to Russia by the Tatar-Mongols. So the "steppes" took an oath to their overlord. The punches to the chest as a gesture were meant to show the person's devotion.
As a rule, this gesture is mistakenly associated with criminal "fingering" or fans of "metal". In fact, the "goat" is already several millennia old, and it was associated with protection from black magic, from evil spirits. Probably, the older generation still remembers the nursery rhyme “A horned goat is coming after the little guys ...”, when an adult is shown how a goat butts, depicting goat horns with the help of the little finger and forefinger of the right hand. In fact, this is not just a game with a child - in this way our ancestors removed the evil eye from children. In addition, ancient Greek speakers accompanied their speeches with a “goat” - this configuration meant “instruction”. This gesture was adopted from the ancient rhetors Christian priests who often accompanied their sermons with a "goat". Curiously, on some Orthodox icons you can see the Savior and the saints with the little finger and forefinger put forward.
Unlike the French, who, when counting, unbend their fingers, starting with the thumb, the Russians bend them, starting with the little finger. It must somehow help us to concentrate, to take the situation “in a fist”, and ourselves in hand.
A gesture similar to throwing a hat on the ground. In its meaning, it is also similar to this emotional manifestation of the Russian fatalistic beginning, but if, as a rule, decisive and often reckless actions take place after throwing the hat to the ground, then after the wave of the hand, the Russian person comes to humility and acceptance.
A finger at the temple is an international gesture. In Germans and Austrians, it means "crazy!", And in a number of African cultures, it means that a person is deeply thoughtful. In France, a finger to the temple means that a person is a fool, and in Holland, on the contrary, that he is smart. In Russia, they twist at the temple when they want to show that the interlocutor has “a little of that”, that he has “balls for rollers”.
In Russia, it was customary to bow at a meeting. But the offerings were different. The Slavs greeted a person respected in the community with a low bow to the ground, sometimes even touching or kissing it. Such a bow was called the "great custom."
Acquaintances and friends were greeted with a “small custom” - a bow from the waist, and strangers with almost no custom: putting a hand to the heart and then lowering it down. Interestingly, the gesture "from the heart to the earth" is originally Slavic, but "from the heart to the sun" is not.
Any bow metaphorically (and physically too) means humility in front of the interlocutor. There is also a moment of defenselessness in it, because a person bows his head and does not see the one who is in front of him, exposing him to the most defenseless place of his body - his neck.
Putting the hand to the heart used to often accompany any bow - this expressed cordiality and purity of intentions. Today, bows are a thing of the past from everyday etiquette, but people still put their hands on their hearts. The meaning of this gesture remains the same.
This gesture is an antonym to the favorite gesture of fishermen showing what kind of fish they caught today. It is used when you need to show that you no longer need to pour a lot, and also when you are asked what kind of salary increase you have had over the past six months.
A similar gesture with the "fed up" gesture, but unlike it, it is usually not very peaceful in nature. During the execution of the “secri-head” gesture (which came to Russian culture from the Caucasus), you need to run your thumb along the neck, imitating the movement of a dagger. As a rule, this gesture denotes an ultimatum request.
This gesture, which is especially loved by women in Russian villages, shows a person’s confidence in a given situation, his readiness for decisive action (stop a horse, enter a burning hut). When a person akimbo, he expands the boundaries of his body, showing his dominance.
The tradition of crossing arms on the chest was parisiated in Russia from the Old Believers. During the service in the Old Believer Church, it is customary to fold your arms in a cross on your chest. Psychologically, this gesture is protective.
The gesture of the thumb at the nose - "show the nose" - is one of the most widely known, but relatively not often used. He is known not only in Russia. In Italy, it has the name "palm tree on the nose", in France - "fool's nose", in the UK there are several at once - a five-finger greeting, a Shanghai gesture, Queen Anne's fan, a Japanese fan, a Spanish fan, grinding coffee. Associations of this sign with coffee grinding arose, in particular, in C. Dickens. There is an assumption that the “show the nose” gesture originally represented a grotesque portrait of a long-nosed man. Nowadays it is considered a teasing sign in children, and the expression "show the nose" is synonymous with the verb "to conduct" in the sense of "deceive".
In Russia, the gesture in which a person turns a glass over is a limiting, stopping gesture. The glass is turned over with the meaning “everything is enough”, or “tied up”. In England, this gesture is a call for a fight, like a jacket taken off the shoulders.
A gesture with a protruding thumb and little finger in Russia can mean talking on the phone (with application to the ear), an offer to drink (with a characteristic tipping), or an offer to smoke non-tobacco. It was also actively used during Prohibition, when taxi drivers were stopped with such a gesture, from whom it was possible to purchase alcohol.
According to one version, this gesture comes from the Polynesians. Allegedly, the colonialists on the islands of Polynesia punished local surfers by cutting off their fingers: for the first case - forefinger, for the second - middle, for the third - nameless, leaving only the big and little fingers - in order to be able to pick up luggage or tools. Therefore, those who greet in this way are hardened surfers waving their open palms at each other.
When preparing to travel, we try to learn as much as possible about the country we are going to. We look at the weather forecast, take a phrase book with us, check the political situation in the region, but often forget about the elementary - sometimes not knowing some details about the people living in the country of our holiday can put us in an awkward position, or even cause us trouble . In order not to get into trouble, you need to familiarize yourself with the sign language, which can be interpreted in each country in its own way.
For example, there are countries (Great Britain, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, countries North America), where everything you say will be understood by the interlocutor literally. France, Japan, Spain, Greece, Italy, Saudi Arabia, China, South Korea on the contrary, much greater value, have subtext, nuance, accompanying gesture. Here the meaning of the phrase does not always depend on the spoken word. For clarity, compare the gestures of the American actor Clint Eastwood, who slightly moves his finger in order to draw his Smith and Wesson, and the “theater of facial expressions and gestures” of the Frenchman Louis de Funes. In other words, where the literal meaning of what was said is in the first place, the gesture is of little use. They will look at you carefully and with pity, waiting for specific words. Where you are used to paying attention to nuances, you can express your thoughts with interjections and expressive gestures.
1. Head gestures and touching the head, ears
2. Gesture "everything is ok"
3. Protruding thumb
4. Tongue, lips, chin
5. Gesture V ("victory", victory)
Two fingers raised in the form of a letter V in England and Australia in only one form are perceived as a peace-loving sign, if at the same time the palm is turned away from itself. Otherwise, this gesture is an insult, equivalent in strength to a raised middle finger.
Churchill himself sinned with such a "wrong" gesture.
6. Palms
7. Show "goat"
8. Cross your fingers for good luck
9. "Kukish" or "fig"
10. Eyes and eyebrows
11. Legs
12. Beckon with your index finger
13. "Insulting Finger"
This is how the ancient Roman phrase “digitus impudicus” is literally translated, which called the combination of the middle finger put forward (with the index and ring fingers compressed). This gesture is almost the most ancient gesture known to scientists. Few people know that the first person in history who used this gesture as a sign of dissatisfaction with the speech of his opponent was ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes. He showed a gesture that is considered obscene today to the orator Demosthenes. It happened around the 4th century BC. Thus, we can safely say that the age of the “gesture f” is more than 2400 years. According to the American expert in the field of gestures Desmond Morris, the middle finger in this context is a phallic symbol, hence its "offensive" meaning. It is believed that the obscene gesture was “brought” to the United States by Italian emigrants in the 19th century. For the first time in America, it was recorded in 1886, when the players of one baseball team demonstrated it to their rivals as a sign of hatred.
14. Gifts
You should also be very careful when choosing gifts.
15. How to count on the fingers
16. Say hello and goodbye
the only universal remedy the location of a partner is a smile, it is used and correctly perceived in any country and any culture. Smiling is the most effective form of communication, and ultimately the best compliment we can give our interlocutor is a sincere expression of interest in him and his problems. Going to visit other countries, do not forget your smiles.
Each country, along with international gestures, has its own non-verbal means of communication associated with traditions and cultural characteristics. On the eve of negotiations or a business trip abroad, a business person definitely needs to get acquainted with national peculiarities non-verbal communication future partners. Using familiar gestures at a meeting, you can offend the interlocutor, turn him against you and disrupt negotiations. When interpreting non-verbal signals coming from a foreigner, it is easy to make mistakes and misunderstand his intentions. To avoid this, every entrepreneur should be aware of the differences in the interpretation of gestures among representatives of different countries.
Residents have always been famous for restraint and good breeding. When meeting and getting to know partners, the British use a handshake. Such non-verbal forms of greeting as kissing and hugging are considered familiar, and are possible only between relatives. When communicating, the British speak quietly, calmly, with apparent indifference, rarely resorting to gestures. They negatively perceive praise and compliments. In England, self-control and self-control are taught from childhood, therefore, an open display of feelings is perceived as inappropriate and vulgar behavior. From point of view non-verbal communication the British are the most secretive nation.
The Dutchman, who twisted his finger at his temple in response to the above statement, in no way wants to offend you. On the contrary, with this gesture of non-verbal communication, he wants to emphasize your wit. To show the interlocutor that his mind is appreciated, the Dutchman will knock himself on the forehead, stretching up forefinger. Tapping it on the tip of the nose means "I'm drunk", if this gesture is addressed to another person, then "you're drunk." If a Dutchman wants to non-verbally emphasize someone's greed, he will rub the back of his nose.
Gallant, prudent, cunning and arrogant. They have a relaxed and fast speech, which is accompanied by active gestures. The French are happy to listen to compliments about their country, its history, national cuisine.
Italians have fast and emotional speech, generously flavored with gestures. Locals speak loudly, actively using facial expressions. In Italy, there are both individual signals of non-verbal communication, and similar to other European countries. For example, just like in France, a clenched fist with a thumb raised means the number "one", and a light touch on the chin indicates that something hurts.
If an Italian wants to non-verbally point out to a person his effeminacy and effeminacy, he will touch his earlobe. To warn his friends about the danger or uncleanliness of the interlocutor, he will expressively look in his direction and tap his nose with his index finger. If the idea expressed seems stupid to the Italian, he will knock on his head. The movement of the finger from side to side in Italy means condemnation and dissatisfaction with what was said. An outstretched palm in the shape of a boat serves as a call for an explanation, and with circular movements of the index finger, the locals ask to repeat what was said. If, during communication, an Italian pats the interlocutor on the hand, then this shows special trust.
The Japanese demonstrate restraint in all spheres of life. When communicating, they do not use emotions, facial expressions, gestures. A national trait is a negative attitude towards any tactile contact during communication, so a handshake is not accepted in Japan. It is impossible during a conversation to take a Japanese by the elbow, touch his hand, pat on the shoulder. If locals see a woman shaking hands, they develop an extremely unfavorable opinion of her. A bow is used as a sign of greeting in Japan, and the lower it is, the more respect is given to the person.
For Koreans great importance has non-verbal courtesy etiquette, including volume of voice, intonation, smile, body and head position. It is strictly observed during communication and emphasizes the status of communicants. Physical contact during communication is minimal, eye-to-eye gaze, which is perceived as a threat, is unacceptable. When meeting, a handshake and a nod of the head as a sign of respect are used as a greeting. To demonstrate respect for a partner, a Korean, when shaking hands with both hands, grabs his hand and shakes it for a long time. If, during a handshake, a Korean holds a person under the elbow with his second hand, he shows his superiority in this way. If only one hand is involved in a handshake, then the local resident considers the interlocutor to be lower in status than himself.
If the Korean did not extend his hand when greeting, then he openly demonstrates disdain for the interlocutor. A pat on the shoulder during communication means approval, but is used in relation to a person of lower status. For a non-verbal expression of friendship and trust, a touch on the shoulder is used. To show special respect, the Korean bows down when greeting. The depth of the bow varies depending on the social status of the communicants. Hugs and kisses at a meeting are not common and are considered bad manners.
In addition to the traditional ones, in Greece there are special non-verbal signals, the knowledge of which will help to avoid embarrassing situations. In a cafe, if you want to get two units of something, you cannot show two fingers to the waiter - this gesture symbolizes an insult. If you show the traditional "okay" sign, it will be seen as a reluctance to talk. Touching the earlobe serves as a warning of danger. If, during communication, the Greek shakes his head slightly from side to side, then he expresses agreement with what was said. A thumbs up in Greece means a request to be silent.
If the locals want to say no to a request, they touch their chins. The traditional "ok" sign in Malta denotes a person with perverted sexual behavior.
When meeting and getting acquainted, men and women shake hands. A firm and long handshake symbolizes sympathy. During communication, the Germans look into the eyes of the interlocutor, demonstrating this attention. To express their emotions, they use noisy ways: expressing their approval, the Germans bang their fists on the table, stamp their feet and whistle. During communication, residents of Germany can loudly sneeze, blow their nose or hiccup - this behavior is considered the norm, and does not serve as a sign of a dismissive attitude towards the interlocutor.
Americans are sociable and liberated, they openly show emotions. When meeting after a handshake, they can easily clap stranger on the shoulder, without investing in this gesture of familiarity or superiority. Representatives of the United States speak loudly, gesticulate a lot, and show assertiveness in communication. In conversation, they demonstrate their openness and full disposition towards the interlocutor. Americans constantly smile, but this is a national habit that does not mean personal sympathy. During conversations, you will constantly hear "ok", and you can safely use this gesture when communicating.
Americans are considered a verbal nation, that is, they use words to exchange information. If they see that a person has a displeased expression, then they simply ask “What's the matter?”, And they are surprised when they don’t get a direct answer. When communicating with Americans, it is considered indecent to interrupt the interlocutor or listen to him silently. In a conversation, be sure to give remarks so that it is clear that you understand the speaker. The main non-verbal aspects when communicating with Americans are the distance between the interlocutors - at least 60-70 cm, and maintaining visual contact.
In countries Latin America long handshakes are welcome, during which it is customary to touch the elbow or shoulder of the interlocutor. Hugs at a meeting serve as a non-verbal expression of sympathy and respect. During a conversation, Hispanics strive to get closer to the interlocutor, constantly reducing the distance. When communicating, visual contact is required - by its duration, local residents judge the sincerity of a person.
Czechs are very punctual and reserved. When meeting, they use short handshakes. The distance during communication is set by the format of the meeting. Much attention is paid to visual contacts. If the Czech partner does not agree with the speaker, he looks away. A national non-verbal gesture is a fist with a thumb clamped inside, which means a wish for good luck.
A foreigner traveling to the Arab countries definitely needs to know the local traditions and peculiarities of the mentality. It should take into account interethnic differences in non-verbal communication of residents of Europe, Asia, America and the Middle East. Arabs gesticulate a lot, and gestures have a certain interpretation and often replace words when communicating. A small distance between interlocutors, which does not exceed 30 cm, is considered comfortable. Arab countries can not use left hand to shake hands or exchange gifts - this will be perceived as an insult. At a meeting, the Arabs, after shaking hands, press their right hand to their hearts. During communication, you need to maintain eye contact so as not to earn a reputation as a secretive person.
The peoples inhabiting Europe are different cultural heritage and traditions. They have a different temperament - in 1 hour of communication, a Frenchman makes 120 gestures, an Italian about 100, and an Englishman no more than 5. There are also features in non-verbal communication - the same gestures have different meaning. In Europe, the average communication distance is about 60-70 cm. To invite a waiter, several gestures are used: raised right hand at head level, snapping fingers.
In Europe, they attach importance to the signals of non-verbal communication, pay attention to clothes, behavior of partners. Restraint, good manners are welcomed, and the traditions of the country are also valued.
Each country has its own rules for non-verbal communication. When you are going to negotiate with foreign partners, be sure to find out which gestures are customary to use for greetings and farewells, and which are considered indecent. When communicating with locals, control your gestures and use only those gestures that you are sure are correct. Knowing the features of non-verbal communication will help to avoid mistakes in communication and establish long-term partnerships.
It would seem that sign language is universal, it can be used anywhere to express your emotions or thoughts without words. However, experienced travelers must study before the trip which gestures are acceptable to use in a particular country, and which ones are better to refrain from. Today we will tell you about it.
Abroad, one must gesticulate carefully, otherwise comic and tragic situations may arise. For example, in the countries of the Middle East, you cannot give anything to a person with your left hand, it is considered unclean, by doing this you cause a serious insult to the local resident. In response, you will at least be rude!
But let us leave alone the mysterious East. Let's move on to the British and Americans. Residents of the UK are very restrained in gestures, they prefer not to use them at all, considering active body movements to be theatrical, pretense. Isn't that why they are considered so prim? Americans are more open, active and gesticulate as much as we are. What gestures in Great Britain and America are different from ours?
distance between interlocutors. Paradoxically, the British welcome the average distance between speakers - 50-60 cm, while progressive Americans prefer to approach no closer than 90 cm. According to one version, the distance between interlocutors depends on ... the size of the country. Inhabitants island states located in a small area, and therefore allow a small distance between the interlocutors.
If you stayed in the same room with an unfamiliar American He will definitely talk to you. Do not refuse to talk, otherwise you will insult him. The British, on the contrary, consider it quite normal not to communicate with a person who is in the same room with you. Hence the following difference arises.
If an American wants to be alone, he will close in a separate room. The Englishman will consider this behavior strange, because in order to be alone, it is enough for him simply not to talk to anyone.
Eyebrow lifting. The Germans are very fond of such a gesture, they express their admiration for them with someone's words. Residents of the UK take such a movement with hostility: for them, this is an expression of a skeptical attitude towards any idea.
When we want to let the interlocutor understand that we are listening to him, we nod our heads. The English instead just blink, while they won't look you straight in the eye.
We think everyone knows the fact: foreigners smile a lot more than our compatriots. Moreover, this is a feature of their culture, and not ostentatious politeness.
Winston Churchill loved to show the V sign. Whether he accidentally changed the position of his hand, or did it on purpose, history is silent ... Everyone knows gesture with the middle and index fingers raised up and slightly apart. Many people know that it means the letter V - victory (victory). But keep in mind a little nuance: if you show it with your palm away from you, it really means victory, approval in the style of "we will win, everything is fine." If you turned your palm towards yourself, then you inflicted a terrible insult on your interlocutor. It is believed that the gesture appeared during the battle of Agincourt. The English archers thus showed that they had kept the fingers necessary for archery intact (if the French had taken them prisoner, they would have immediately cut off these fingers). However, there is also a diametrically opposite opinion: a sign with the palm towards oneself is victory, with the palm away from oneself - an insult. Perhaps the fact is that Winston Churchill actively used this gesture, but did not follow the position of the palm. Hence, two different opinions have arisen.
Thumb raised up. One of the most popular gestures. It seems that in all countries it means the same thing. No, it all depends on how exactly you make this gesture. If an American SHARPLY throws a finger up, this means an obscene expression. In Greece, by the way, such a movement in all cases expresses the wish to “shut up” in a very rude form. Therefore, we recommend using this sign with great care.
When a resident of the UK meets you for the first time or, on the contrary, says goodbye to you, he will definitely shake your hand. At all other meetings, the British do without handshakes, kisses and hugs, they consider it superfluous. Americans, on the other hand, will shake your hand every time they appear, they can give you a friendly pat on the shoulder or a hug, depending on the situation.
If you tap your index finger on your nose, the British will regard this gesture as a call to keep something secret, conspiracy. The Italians thus warn of danger, and the merry Dutch report that someone is drunk.
If a middle and index fingers folded together and raised up, the American shows you that you and him are a great team, Good friends, "do not spill water." If such a gesture is made by a resident of the UK, he tells us: "Well, wait, I'll get to you."
If we twist your finger at the temple, then we want to show that a person is talking some kind of nonsense, stupidity. The British hint with such a gesture: "Think for yourself, do not listen to someone else's opinion." And the people of Holland use this gesture to show that someone is witty.
Some people confuse the rocker "goat" with the "I love you" gesture. To tell an American "I love you", you need to clench your hand into a fist, and then stick out your little finger, thumb and forefinger. In the classic "goat", the thumb presses the middle and ring fingers to the palm.
A warm smile is the universal language of kindness. If we count something, then we bend our fingers to the fist. Such a gesture will seem ridiculous to the inhabitants of America, because they count by bending the fingers from the fist.
We have listed the most common differences in the gestures of the British, Americans and our compatriots. Otherwise, the language of non-verbal communication is similar to ours. It's okay if you forget about the meaning of this or that gesture and find yourself in an awkward situation, here the most pleasant and unambiguous sign will help you out - a sincere smile.
