Just as hand gestures carry distinct meanings globally, eye contact (oculesics) and body posture (kinesics) function as silent languages that vary radically across cultures. What is perceived as a stance of confidence and honesty in one region may be interpreted as aggression, disrespect, or even a sexual advance in another.
Find out how to gesticulate and what to do with your hands during a presentation.
Eye contact- respect vs. aggression
The interpretation of gaze is one of the most significant dividing lines between Western and Eastern cultures.
- The Western standard
In North America, Northern Europe, and Australasia, direct and sustained eye contact is viewed as a hallmark of confidence, honesty, and attentiveness. In these cultures, looking away while someone is speaking is often interpreted as a sign of boredom, disinterest, or even deception.
- East Asian humility
Conversely, in many East Asian cultures, particularly Japan and South Korea, prolonged eye contact- especially with a superior or an elder- is often perceived as aggressive, confrontational, or rude. In these hierarchical societies, lowering one’s gaze is a demonstration of respect, humility, and obedience.
- The Middle Eastern context
Eye contact in the Arab world is complex and governed by gender and relationship dynamics. Between men, intense and consistent eye contact is highly valued as a sign of sincerity, truthfulness, and trust. However, strict modesty norms apply between genders; prolonged eye contact between unrelated men and women is considered inappropriate and taboo.
- Latin America
While eye contact is generally expected and appreciated as a sign of interest, it can carry heavy implications. Prolonged staring can be interpreted as a challenge to authority or, alternatively, as a sign of romantic interest.
The “unclean” feet and lower body
In many cultures, the body is conceptually divided, with the feet often considered the lowest and “dirtiest” part.
- Showing soles
In the Middle East, India, and parts of Southeast Asia (such as Thailand), showing the soles of your feet or shoes to another person is a grave insult, implying the person is “lower than dirt”. Consequently, sitting cross-legged with an ankle resting on a knee is highly offensive in these regions because it exposes the sole.
- Touching and pointing
Using feet to point at objects, move furniture, or touch people is strictly forbidden in these cultures. In Thailand, stepping on a coin is considered a crime because it bears the image of the King, and using the feet to step on his image is an act of lèse-majesté.
The sacred head
Just as the feet are considered the lowest part of the body, the head is often revered as the highest.
- Sanctity of the head
In Thailand, Fiji, and other Buddhist or Pacific cultures, the head is regarded as the most sacred part of the body, believed to house the spirit or mana.
- Touching taboo
Touching someone’s head- even affectionately patting a child-is considered a severe invasion of personal space and a sign of disrespect.
Posture and stance
How one stands or sits communicates engagement and respect levels differently across borders.
- Hands in pockets
While often seen as a relaxed posture in the West, keeping hands in pockets is considered deeply disrespectful and a sign of poor manners in Japan, Germany, and Russia. In 2019, the Governor of Tokyo faced public backlash for putting her hands in her pockets during an award ceremony.
- Arm crossing
In the United States, crossing arms might signal that a person is cold or listening, but in Finland, this posture is viewed as a sign of arrogance and can even be interpreted as an invitation to a fight.
- Slouching
In Japan, posture is a critical indicator of respect. Slouching or sitting in a lax manner, particularly when dining or in a meeting, is viewed as boorish and disrespectful.
- Squatting
In some African communities, squatting or sitting down while an elder is standing is a traditional sign of respect, whereas in Western contexts, the person of lower status typically stands when a superior enters.
Head Movements and Affirmation
Even the simple act of nodding is not universal.
- The “no” nod
In Bulgaria and Greece, the signals for “yes” and “no” are effectively reversed compared to Western norms. A single upward nod of the head signifies “no,” while a side-to-side shake or tilt signifies “yes.”
- The Indian head wobble
In India, a side-to-side head tilt (or wobble) does not necessarily mean “no.” It is a versatile gesture that can signal agreement, understanding, or merely that the listener is following the conversation.
Proxemics- personal spaces
Cultures are often categorized as “high-contact” or “low-contact” regarding how close people stand.
- High-contact (Closer)
In Latin America, the Middle East, and Southern Europe, people typically stand much closer 20 – 46 cm (8 – 18 inches) during conversation. Pulling away to create space can be perceived as cold, rude, or standoffish.
- Low-contact (Distant)
In Northern Europe, North America, and East Asia, people maintain a larger “body bubble” 46 – 84 cm (18 – 33 inches). In these cultures, encroaching on this space is often viewed as aggressive or intrusive.
Author:
Hi, I’m Magda Kern. I’m a psychologist, the top 11 public speaking coach worldwide, a lecturer, working for companies from the Fortune 500 list, a business trainer with 12 years of experience, a TEDx coach, and an ex-vocalist based in Switzerland. I help people prepare and deliver unforgettable presentations and deal with stress.