Body language in different cultures. What are appropriate and inappropriate gestures in different countries?

Gestures can have different meanings in different cultures, and it’s essential to be aware of these differences to avoid misunderstandings. Here are some examples of gestures that may be considered wanted or unwanted in different countries. It’s also a crucial skill to know to gesticulate on the stage. 

Asia- Gestures and Body Language- what you should know?

• In many Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, giving a thumbs-up is generally considered a positive gesture. In Indonesia, however, it is considered rude or offensive.
• In many Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, crossing your fingers is a common gesture for good luck. In the Philippines, it is considered a vulgar gesture.
• In many Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, waving is a common gesture to greet someone or say goodbye. In some Asian countries, such as China, waving with an open palm is considered rude.
• In many Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, making a peace sign with your fingers (holding up your index and middle fingers) is a common gesture for peace or goodwill. In India, it is considered an obscene gesture.
• In many Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, making an “OK” sign (forming a circle with your thumb and index finger) is a common gesture indicating that everything is fine or okay. In some countries, such as Indonesia, this gesture is considered rude or offensive.
• Head nodding: In India, head nodding can be used to indicate agreement, understanding, or approval. However, the meaning of head nodding can vary depending on the context and the region. In some parts of India, a rapid head nod may mean “yes,” while a slower nod may mean “no.”
• Hand waving: In India, Japan, China, hand waving can be used to greet people, say goodbye, or signal someone to come over. The way the hand is waved and the specific context in which it is used can convey different meanings.
• Hand on heart: In India, placing the hand on the heart is a sign of respect, sincerity, and gratitude.
• Touching the feet: In some parts of India, it is common to touch the feet of elders or people in positions of authority as a sign of respect. This gesture is often accompanied by a bow.
• Bowing: In Japan, China, bowing is a common way to show respect and appreciation. The depth and duration of the bow can convey different levels of respect and humility.
• Handshaking: Handshaking is a common way to greet people in China, although it is not as common as bowing.
• Eye contact: In countries like Japan, China, Korea, or Thailand, direct and prolonged eye contact may be perceived as rude or aggressive, especially when interacting with someone of higher status or with elders.

America- Gestures and Body Language- what you should know?

• In the United States and many other Western countries, giving a thumbs-up is generally considered a positive gesture. In some Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries, however, it is considered rude or offensive.
• In the United States and many other Western countries, crossing your fingers is a common gesture for good luck. In Vietnam, however, it is considered a vulgar gesture.
• In the United States and many other Western countries, waving is a common gesture to greet someone or say goodbye. In some Asian countries, such as Japan, waving with an open palm is considered rude.
• In the United States and many other Western countries, making a peace sign with your fingers (holding up your index and middle fingers) is a common gesture for peace or goodwill. In the United Kingdom, however, it is considered an obscene gesture.
• In many countries, including the United States, making an “OK” sign (forming a circle with your thumb and index finger) is a common gesture indicating that everything is fine or okay. In some countries, however, such as Brazil, this gesture is considered rude or offensive.

Europe- Gestures and Body Language- what you should know?

• In many European countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, giving a thumbs up is generally considered a positive gesture. In Greece, however, it is considered rude or offensive.
• In many European countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, crossing your fingers is a common gesture for good luck. In Turkey, however, it is considered a vulgar gesture.
• In many European countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, waving is a common gesture to greet someone or say goodbye. In some Eastern European countries, such as Russia, waving with an open palm is considered rude.
• In many European countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, making a peace sign with your fingers (holding up your index and middle fingers) is a common gesture for peace or goodwill. In Portugal, however, it is considered an obscene gesture.
• In many European countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, making an “OK” sign (forming a circle with your thumb and index finger) is a common gesture indicating that everything is fine or okay. In some countries, such as Italy, this gesture is considered rude or offensive.

Latin America- Gestures and Body Language- what you should know?

• In many Latin American countries, including Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, giving a thumbs-up is generally considered a positive gesture. In some Latin American countries, however, it is considered rude or offensive.
• In many Latin American countries, including Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, crossing your fingers is a common gesture for good luck. In some Latin American countries, such as Venezuela, it is considered a vulgar gesture.
• In many Latin American countries, including Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, waving is a common gesture to greet someone or say goodbye. In some Latin American countries, such as Costa Rica, waving with an open palm is considered rude.
• In many Latin American countries, including Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, making a peace sign with your fingers (holding up your index and middle fingers) is a common gesture for peace or goodwill. In some Latin American countries, such as Colombia, it is considered an obscene gesture.
• In many Latin American countries, including Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, making an “OK” sign (forming a circle with your thumb and index finger) is a common gesture indicating that everything is fine or okay. In some countries, such as Brazil, this gesture is considered rude or offensive.

Africa- Gestures and Body Language- what you should know?

• In many African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, giving a thumbs up is generally considered a positive gesture. In some African countries, however, it is considered rude or offensive.
• In many African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, crossing your fingers is a common gesture for good luck. In some African countries, such as Egypt, it is considered a vulgar gesture.
• In many African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, waving is a common gesture to greet someone or say goodbye. In some African countries, such as Ethiopia, waving with an open palm is considered rude.
• In many African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, making a peace sign with your fingers (holding up your index and middle fingers) is a common gesture for peace or goodwill. In some African countries, such as Morocco, it is considered an obscene gesture.
• In many African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, making an “OK” sign (forming a circle with your thumb and index finger) is a common gesture indicating that everything is fine or okay. In some countries, such as Tunisia, this gesture is considered rude or offensive.

Australia- Gestures and Body Language- what you should know?

• In Australia, giving a thumbs-up is generally considered a positive gesture.
• In Australia, crossing your fingers is a common gesture for good luck.
• In Australia, waving is a common gesture to greet someone or say goodbye.
• In Australia, making a peace sign with your fingers (holding up your index and middle fingers) is a common gesture for peace or goodwill.
• In Australia, making an “OK” sign (forming a circle with your thumb and index finger) is a common gesture indicating that everything is fine or okay.

It’s always a good idea to be mindful of cultural differences and research the appropriate and inappropriate gestures in the country you are visiting or doing business with. It’s also crucial to know how to gesticulate and not on the stage, depending on the audience’s culture.