National features of non-verbal communication: gestures in different countries of the world. Gestures in different countries

With it, you can catch a taxi, buy groceries in a store or ask for directions. However, sometimes translation difficulties arise even with gestures familiar to us, which have a completely different meaning in other parts of the world. Here are 10 typical gestures that may seem rude abroad.

Thumb up gesture
This gesture of consent and approval often breaks down language barriers, and hitchhikers often vote for it on the road. However, in Thailand it is a sign of condemnation. Although the gesture itself is rather childish, like sticking out the tongue, it should be avoided. In Iran, this is an offensive gesture, the equivalent of which is the extended middle finger.
Gesture two fingers "Victory"

The "Victoria" 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 offensive gesture, which is the non-verbal equivalent of the phrase "fuck off!"
Hand gestures ("munza")

The outstretched palm, which is often used to say "stop," takes on a different meaning in Greece. The palms directed towards the interlocutor, called "munza" are an insulting gesture that is used when they want to express extreme indignation or, roughly speaking, "send" the interlocutor. This gesture has been left over from Byzantine times, when cinder was smeared over the face of a criminal to make him an object of ridicule.

Beckoning gesture with index finger

Calling the 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 inferior to you. In addition, the use of this gesture can lead to arrest in this country.
Gesture "OK"

Ring of thumb and forefinger "OK", meaning "everything is all right!" or "correct", in French means "zero" or "worthless". In Greece and Turkey, this gesture is very vulgar, having the meaning of a similar opening in a person's body or serving as an allusion to homosexuality. In some Middle Eastern countries, such as Kuwait, "OK" means the evil eye.

Gesture "Fig"

The gesture "fig", "shish" or "fig" is not entirely harmless in nature, and is often used in case of refusal or disagreement. In Brazil, this is a more benevolent gesture used to wish good luck and protect against the evil eye. In Turkey, it has an aggressive and rude nature, the equivalent of which is the middle finger.
Left hand gesture

In many countries people don't 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" for cleaning the toilet. Even a left-hander should eat with his right hand, as only it is considered suitable for eating. The same applies to shaking hands and passing objects. In Japan, giving with both hands is considered polite, while a one-handed gesture may suggest disdain.
Crossing fingers

In many Western countries, people cross their index and middle fingers for good luck or the evil eye. In Vietnam, this gesture is offensive, especially if you are looking at it or addressing it to another person. It is believed that the crossed fingers represent the female reproductive organs.
Gesture "Goat"

The "Goat" gesture, or as it is also called "horns", "fingering" or "corn" is often used by musicians and their fans. However, this gesture should not be shown in Italy, especially to a man, as it alludes to the infidelity of his wife ("cuckold").

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 the national characteristics of non-verbal communication of 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.

England - national gestures

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. In terms of non-verbal communication, the British are the most secretive nation.

• raised middle and index fingers mean “Victory” (“Victory”) if the palm is turned towards oneself, and serve as an insult if the palm is turned towards the interlocutor;
• a hand clenched into a fist with a thumb sharply thrown up is perceived as a curse;
• to non-verbally emphasize the secret nature of the information, the Englishman taps his nose with his index finger;
• raised eyebrows mean skepticism;
• by slapping his forehead with his palm, the Englishman demonstrates satisfaction with his act or words.

Holland

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 tap his forehead, stretching his index finger up. 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.

France

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.

Features of non-verbal signals:

• when a Frenchman is delighted with something, he blows a kiss;
• light touch of the chin, signals that something hurts;
• the traditional sign "ok" means a worthless person;
• pulling the lower eyelid with the index finger, the Frenchman non-verbally calls the interlocutor a liar;
• with a movement of the palm above the head, the Frenchman says "I've had enough";
• if he rubs the back of his nose, he demonstrates distrust of the person;
• a hand clenched into a fist with the thumb raised up means the number "one".

Italy

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 use little 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 have 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 a person.

Features of non-verbal signals:

• if at the end of a conversation a Japanese raises his palm and wiggles his fingers, do not think that he is saying goodbye to you. This is an inviting gesture meaning "come here";
• quick nods during a conversation do not mean that a Japanese person agrees with you. He so non-verbally demonstrates his attention and interest in the subject of conversation;
• a hand clenched into a fist with a thumb raised up means the number "five";
• if in a conversation a Japanese points to his nose, then he means himself;
• the traditional sign "ok" symbolizes money;
• touching the eyebrow with the index finger, the Japanese warns of deception;
• index fingers crossed in front of the chest indicate dissatisfaction with what was said;
• when a Japanese sticks out two index fingers and rubs them together, he emphasizes that the problem he is talking about is complex and difficult to resolve.

For Koreans, non-verbal politeness etiquette is of great importance, including the volume of the 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.

Greece

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.

Malta

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.

Germany

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.

Features of non-verbal signals:

• raised eyebrows mean approval and admiration for what was said;
• if a German thinks the idea is stupid, he will slap his forehead with his hand;
• a hand clenched into a fist with a thumb raised up means the number "one";
• the sign "ok" in Germany is an insult and means "donkey's bottom".

USA

Americans are sociable and liberated, they openly show emotions. When meeting after a handshake, they can easily pat a 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 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.

Features of non-verbal signals:

• in Portugal and Brazil, the "ok" gesture is considered an insult;
• the raised thumb is also interpreted;
• touching the earlobe means approval.

Czech Republic

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.

Arab countries

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. In Arab countries, you cannot use your 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.

Features of non-verbal signals:

• clattering of the tongue is used to express surprise or show interest;
• chin protruding and clatter indicate agreement;
• if something is not clear, then the Arab will raise his eyebrows high and shake his head;
• to demonstrate dissatisfaction, the Arab grabs the clothes at chest level with the thumb and forefinger and twitches it slightly;
• a request to clarify something looks like a rotational-twisting movement of the brush;
• connecting the tips of three fingers with a pinch, and moving his hand towards the interlocutor from top to bottom, the Arab asks him not to rush;
• rubbing index fingers together means friendship;
• touching the palm of the interlocutor with outstretched fingers means satisfaction and approval;
• the OK sign in Muslim countries is perceived as an accusation of homosexuality;
• a thumbs-up is an obscene gesture.

European countries: common distinctive features

The peoples inhabiting Europe are distinguished by their 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 meanings. In Europe, the average communication distance is about 60-70 cm. To invite a waiter, several gestures are used: a 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 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.

"Come here"

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. In different situations, we tear the shirt on the chest, throw the hat on the ground and show the fig.

kukish

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 “fig” originated from the 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. Moreover, over time, the “fig” began to be used as a protective agent against evil spirits: apparently, due to promiscuity, expats from German lands were equated with demons

Throat click

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 the Russian Empire in 1914.

Hat on the ground

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.

scratching the back of the head

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.

Rip shirt on chest

It was probably originally an impromptu oath. There is a hypothesis that with such an expressive gesture, our ancestors showed their belonging to the 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.

Beat yourself in the chest

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.

Goat

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 following 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”. From the ancient rhetoricians, this gesture was adopted by Christian priests, who often accompanied their sermons with a “goat”. It is curious that on some Orthodox icons you can see the Savior and the saints with the little finger and forefinger put forward.

Bend your fingers while counting

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.

wave your 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.

Finger at the temple

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”.

Russian bow

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.

Hand on heart

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.

A little

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.

Ax head

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.

Hands to the side

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.

Hands in a cross on the chest

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.

show nose

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".

flip the glass

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.

Stick out your little finger

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 over) 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.

Traveling to another country can be difficult. You may be surprised, but if you show a typical American or European "goat" or "that rocks" gesture (forefinger and little finger pointing up, middle and ring fingers pressed to the palm, and the thumb set aside), which can mean belonging to such a musical style as rock, then in Italy with such a gesture you will tell someone that their wife is cheating on them.

In this regard, on the eve of the New Year holidays, the book Don’t Get Me Wrong - The Global Gestures Guide was released in the UK.

There are gestures and very extravagant ones. For example, in Tibet, a passer-by will show you his tongue - do not be upset. It will mean, “I am not plotting against you. Stay calm!". But to follow his example, walking around Europe, is not worth it - not safe for the wallet, given the cost of a lawyer, and maybe health.

In Italy and Spain, if the lower eyelid is pulled with the index finger of the left hand, this will mean "Caution!"

In India, the zigzag movement of the index finger means "You are a liar!".

In order to express admiration, the inhabitants of Spain, Mexico and Italy will put three fingers together, press them to their lips and reproduce the sound of a kiss. It may seem too expressive to us, but for them it is in the order of things, like an on-duty nod of the head.

And the inhabitants of the Andaman Islands, lost in the Indian Ocean, say goodbye touchingly bring the palm of a friend to their lips and gently blow on it.

"Good" or "excellent" in the UK, USA, South Korea, South Africa
"One": France, Poland, Switzerland
"Vulgar Insult": Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq

The side-to-side shaking of the head, which we, like most Europeans, signify our “no”, in Bulgaria, Greece and India will be understood exactly the opposite. Thus, approval is indicated here, while a nod of the head is disagreement. Somewhat unusual for us will be the negative gesture of the Neapolitans: saying "no", a resident of southern Italy will cock his head up and disapprovingly "protrude" his lower lip.

"What's it like?" or "What do you want?" in Italy
"Small" or "little" in the Congo
"Beautiful" or "good" in Turkey
"One Moment" in Egypt

Tapping a finger on the forehead in many countries means "what a fool!", but in Holland it is translated as "how clever."

If we put out two index fingers and rub them one against the other, this means: these two people are a well-ripened couple. But in Japan, this gesture means that you are faced with an unsolvable problem and tell your interlocutor about it.

"Go away!" in the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Netherlands
"Come here!" in Ghana, Philippines, Vietnam

"Two" in Belgium, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands
"Eight" in China
"Bad" in Italy

Saying hello and goodbye in different countries is also customary in different ways.
In many states, when meeting, it is customary to give a surname first. In Japan, the name is not used, even at informal meetings, but a ceremonial bow with folded palms on the chest is a necessary ritual. The more respect you show your interlocutor, the lower you should bow.

In Lapland, greeting each other, people rub their noses.

Europeans, saying goodbye, wave their palm, raising it up and moving their fingers. But the average American will perceive this gesture as a call to "come here." Saying "goodbye", Americans hold their palm horizontally, only slightly raising it, as if lightly patting someone on the head or on the shoulder. When we say goodbye, we often wave our hands from side to side. For Latin Americans, this will act like an invitation to "come here quickly."

"Perfect" in the US, Canada, Mexico, Switzerland
"Vulgar insult" in Brazil

But here in Europe, a fist with a protruding thumb is mainly used as follows: pulling his hand up and pointing over his shoulder, a European says something like “fuck you.” In some countries, for example, in Greece, this gesture means “shut up”, so you can imagine the position of an American trying to catch a passing car on a Greek road in this way!

In Muslim countries, this gesture is obscene, and in Saudi Arabia, nervously twitching your thumb, you say "get out of here." By the way, if in our country it is not important which hand one does something with, then those who profess Islam consider the left hand to be “unclean” (you see, they wipe their ass with it). Therefore, if you hold out a gift or money with your left hand, you may offend a Muslim.