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Effective Nonverbal Communication Overseas
Effective Nonverbal Communication Overseas
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However, even if you do speak the local language and are able to communicate with the local people
you might still be puzzled by the use of body language and facial expressions at your destination
country.
Why?
Because nonverbal communication has also cultural meanings and is being interpreted according to the
cultural context it occurs.
Cultural norms regarding kinesics vary considerably between countries; if you are not familiar with the
local body language you might be misunderstood, and sometimes misinterpret the local nonverbal
signals.
So, before relocating overseas it is recommended to obtain as much information as you can about the
nonverbal communication codes that are customary at your destination country.
Understanding body language of the destination country and interpreting body language correctly will
not only assist you to avoid unpleasant situation but will
grant you respect from the locals.
The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said.
~ Peter F. Drucker
We collected examples of kinesics codes that are being used around the world, and we will be adding
to this list regularly.
If you know any body language and facial expressions used around the world, or have an interesting
story to share, we would love to hear from you. Just take a moment and fill out the form at the end of
the page.
An embrace and one kiss on the cheek are common between friends
and acquaintances.
Argentines stand close to each other when speaking. Do not back away.
Hitting the palm of the left hand with the right fist means I dont
believe what you are saying or Thats stupid.
Dont use toothpicks, blow your nose or clear your throat at the dining
table
To summon a waiter, raise your hand with your index finger extended.
For social events, arrive thirty to sixty minutes late. Arriving at a party on time is impolite. Telephone
your hosts the following day to thank them.
The head is believed to contain the person soul therefore it is a taboo to touch or point at the head.
Cambodians greet each other by placing their hands,
palms together, near their faces and bow slightly. This
is called
Som Pas.
Cambodians tend to smile or laugh in both positive and negative situations. Therefore caution should
be taken in interpreting a smile or laugh in order to avoid misunderstanding.
When accepting a gift from an older person, it is polite to use both hands.
Before entering a house, it is important to remove your shoes and cap. This simple act is indicative of
the esteem your hold for your host.
Never use your index finger to beckon anyone. If you need to call a
Chinese person, face the palm of your hand downward and move your
fingers in a scratching motion.
Chinese dont point with the index finger but with an open hand.
When walking in public places, direct eye contact and staring is uncommon.
During conversations, be especially careful about interrupting - Listening is a sign of politeness and of
contemplation.
Chinese of the same sex have close physical contact with their friends.
Chinese tend to smile easily when they feel difficulty or embarrassment. Smile because of
embarrassment by a Chinese might be interpreted as being friendly by a westerner, but really they are
embarrassed.
Greeting friends with an exchange of kisses is very common. However the number of kisses and the side
that the kisses start on vary by region.
Making a fist, holding it up in front of the nose, and twisting your hand while tilting your head the
other way - indicates that someone is drunk.
Putting your index finger and pulling down the skin under your eye is equal to saying I don't believe
you.
Do not slap your open palm over a closed fist. This is considered a vulgar gesture.
The "okay" sign, made with index finger and thumb, means "zero."
Greeting with 'namaste' - placing both hands together with a slight bow is a very common nonverbal
communication and shows respect for Indian customs.
You can also shake hands; Men may shake hands with other men
and women may shake hands with other women. There are seldom
handshakes between men and women because of religious beliefs.
If you are uncertain, wait for them to extend their hand.
Use your right hand only to touch someone, pass money or pick up
merchandise. The left hand is considered unclean.
Never point with a single finger or two fingers. Point with your chin, whole hand or thumb.
When an Indian answers, "I will try," he or she generally means "no." This is considered a polite "no."
Bowing is a customary nonverbal communication in Japan - Bowing during an introduction shows status.
Business inferiors must bow lower than superiors.
Eye Contact - eye contact shows that you are being aggressive,
and rude. It is normal in Japan to avoid eye contact as it shows
respect.
Frowning while someone is speaking is interpreted as a sign of disagreement. Most Japanese maintain
impassive expression when speaking.
Japanese find it hard to say 'no'. The best solution is to phrase questions so that they can answer yes.
For example, do you disagree with this?
Nonverbal Communication in Mexico
Don't stand with your hands on your hips; this signifies anger. It is
considered rude to stand around with your hands in your pockets.
Time is a very flexible thing in Mexico. As such, don't be offended or surprised if your contacts in
Mexico don't show up in time.
Be careful about eye contact. Constant and direct eye contact can be seeing as being intrusive.
Therefore gazing at the shoulder level or the forehead is
considered polite.
Don't use your left hand to give or receive objects. The left hand is
considered unclean.
To rush a greeting is extremely rude; spend time inquiring about the other persons general well-being.
Putting your thumb through your index and middle fingers or making the "OK" sign is considered very
rude gestures in Russia.
The traditional Thai greeting is called the wai. In general, the younger person greets first, by placing
the palms together at chest level and bowing slightly. If someone
wai to you, it is polite to wai back.
The feet come in contact with the ground, and thus are considered
to be dirty. Pointing the bottom of your feet at someone can be
interpreted as an insult.
It is rude to sit with your ankle crossed over a knee, or to place an arm over the back of someones
chair.
A smile is often used for an apology, and a nod doesn't mean yes, it is simply a gesture of respect.
People greet each other with a two-handed handshake or by a kiss on both cheeks.
It is very common to see two man holding hands or arm in arm at
walking on the street This means that they are just good friends.
Elders are highly respected. If you are seated, rise to greet them
when they enter a room.
Don't cross your arms or put your hands in your pockets while facing
or talking to someone.
Inclining your head forwards means yes and inclining your head
backwards and raising eyebrows means No
Turned-up palm and fingers held together forming a small bowl: means good, and is used when
commenting on food.
Turks will stand close to you while conversing. Do not back away, as this can be construed as unfriendly.
It is vital that you maintain eye contact while speaking since Turks take this as a sign of sincerity.
Nonverbal Communication in
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Placing hands on the heart shows genuine respect and humility. Sometimes, this is used in combination
with a small bow, meaning thank you.
Scratching or holding of a chin or beard is an indication that
someone is thinking. It might be wise to wait until the person has
finished thinking before continuing talking.
A Hug is an indication that you are considered a trustworthy friend. A refusal to touch may suggest that
you are believed to be untrustworthy or unclean.
If an Arab bites their right finger, it is a sign of contempt and that you are not liked.
If a semi clenched hand is placed in front of the stomach, it means that you are thought to be a liar.
Placing finger on the Nose, beard or head means that it is the intention of the person to undertake
what you are talking about.
Putting all fingers and thumbs together (like a cup) means; 'Wait just one minute' or 'slow down'.
If the fingers of the left hand are clasped together and touched with the right forefinger, this is the
equivalent of giving someone the finger in the West.
A clawing action with the right hand is usually indicative of a beckoning to move closer or to come into
a room. Never beckon anyone with one finger pointing up
The sole of the foot is dirty - never point the sole of your foot in the direction of an Arab.
When offered something to drink, always say yes. Saying no would mean rejecting someone's
hospitality.
The British like a certain amount of personal space. Do not stand too
close to another person or put your arm around someone's shoulder.
If you hold up two fingers in a v sign and the palm is facing inward it
means up yours.
Stand while being introduced. Only the elderly, the ill and physically
unable persons remain seated while greeting or being introduced.
Keep your distance when conversing. Americans are generally uncomfortable with same-sex touching,
especially between males.
Americans smile a great deal, even at strangers. They like to have their smiles returned.
Men and women will sit with legs crossed at the ankles or knees, or one ankle crossed on the knee.
It is considered rude to stare, ask questions or otherwise bring attention to someone's disability.
Arrive on time for meetings since time and punctuality are so important to Americans.