Features of non-verbal communication in different countries

It may seem that non-verbal communication (gestures, facial expressions, intonations) should be universal. But cultures of different countries developed in different ways, and over time, each country has its ownfeatures of non-verbal communication. If you are traveling to another country, you need to get acquainted with these features, otherwise at best you and your companion will not understand each other, and at worst you will provoke a conflict.

Perhaps the best-known example of intercultural difference in sign language is nod, which in many countries (including ours)means "yes", and in Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece - "no". If a Bulgarian, Greek or Turk wants to express his consent, he will use the shaking of his head, which we associate with a negative response.

Let's take another famous gesture - folded ring finger and thumbs. Americans use it in the sense of "o" kei "(everything is excellent), the French - in the meaning of "zero", in Japan this gesture means "money" ("pay"), and in some countries (for example, in Portugal and Brazil) it is considered offensive. And many Muslims will take this gesture as an accusation of homosexuality. By the way, the meaning of "fingers with a ringlet" can differ depending on how the hand is turned - palm to itself or from itself.

Fans of rock music are well-known for such a gesture as "goat" (middle, ring and thumb pressed topalms, little finger and index finger are raised upwards). In some countries it is very undesirable to use it outside rock concerts: in Argentina, Italy and Romania, the interlocutor will think that you called him a cuckold, and in some parts of Africa will perceive this gesture as a message to where Makar calves did not drive. However, in Brazil and Venezuela, the "goat" is considered a wish for luck.

Raised thumb up also not all countries means "excellent." In Austria, Germany and France it means "one", in Japan - "five", in Indonesia - an indication, and in Australia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Greece, in southern Italy and the Middle East, this gesture is sent far away.

Kukish (fig), which usually means something like "aFigu, "in Latin America, Turkey and the Mediterranean countries is an offensive gesture - an analogue of the middle finger in most other countries. But in Poland and the Balkan countries will agree with the usual interpretation. In Japan, this gesture, prostitutes call themselves men.

The features of non-verbal communication in different countries are manifested not only in gestures, but also in the size of the zone of personal space. Simply speaking, the hotter the country andtemperamental its population, the less permissible distance between interlocutors during communication. For example, in Europe, the acceptable distance is 70 cm (arm's length), and in Latin America, you can approach the interlocutor at a distance of 30 cm, and this will not be considered a gross violation of personal space.

Perhaps the wisest decision will be to allow the foreign interlocutor to establish the boundaries of the zone of personal space himself. but do not lose your vigilance: suddenly you are really flirting, but you do not notice, taking flirtation for the specific features of intercultural communication.

Continue the list of features of sign language in different countries can be long, so that we give universal advice: going to any country, first of all find out what gestures of greeting and farewells are accepted there to use and what gestures are considered indecent in this country. And when dealing with local people try to control their gestures and do not use a gesture, if not sure how it will be perceived.