Body Language

…Across cultures
• Body language is a non-verbal, sub-
consciously interpreted and generated set
of body movements, postures, gestures, etc.

• Since body language is not as neatly

defined as a normal language is, it can be
understood and interpreted in many
different ways.

• This ambiguity and depth in understanding

body language of humans and the insight it
gives into the human psyche is what makes
it an interesting subject to study.
• These differences may arise due to many reasons:
• Time
• Economic status
• Social status
• Gender
• Cultural differences

• In this modern world, where the horizons are always expanding, and
the lines between cultures are becoming thinner, it is very important
to have an idea of how body language varies across cultures around
the world.
Body Language Determinants
Greetings

How people of different cultures greet each other

Gestures
Different gestures mean different things in different cultures.
Knowing these differences is important.

Postures
Interpretations of postures vary across cultures
Greetings
The way two people greet each other varies
widely and depends on the following factors
apart from the culture those individuals
belong to.
• Level of acquaintance
• Location
• Gender
• Age

It is very important to know and understand

the greetings of a place when you are guest
there.
Greetings (…contd)
• The hug This is a very common form of greeting in the US,
where the French consider it as a very intimate gesture.

• The kiss-on-two-cheeks This is very common way of greeting

the France. But people in the US might not be comfortable with
it.

• Peck on the cheek Common in Britain between two females or

a male and a female.
Greetings (…contd)
• Rubbing noses In New Zealand,
among Maori people, this is called
‘Hongi’ meaning ‘sharing breath’.
• Bowing In Japan this can range from
a slight nod in the head to a full 90
degree bend.
• A hand shake A common way of
greeting in the US and Mexico,
especially among men or between a
man and a woman.
Innocent yet Rude Gestures

• In the US, a thumbs up means “OK” or

“good”. However, it is considered an
abuse in Australia, Brazil, South Italy,
Germany, Greece, and some Islamic
nations.
• Slurping your soup is considered good
manners in Japan and implies that you
actually like the food, but in most other
cultures it is bad manners.

• In some societies like Germany punctuality

is given utmost importance. Being 10
minutes late even to an informal gathering is
considered very rude.

• It is a belief among some African people

that photographing them steals their souls
from them.
• Pointing your feet towards a Buddha
statue is a serious offence in Buddhist
countries.
• Pointing your finger in a direction
might mean showing that direction in
many cultures, but in Middle East and
Russia, is a no-no. It is preferable to
show a direction with an open palm.
• The victory sign may seem harmless;
but in Britain, if you show it with the
palm facing you, it is a very offensive
gesture.
• Having your fingers crossed is
generally a sign of good luck in
many a places, but not in Paraguay.
It is considered offensive there.

• Snapping your fingers to get

someone’s attention sends a vulgar
message in France and Belgium.
• Hands in pockets might be common in
some places, but is considered impolite in
many regions around the world.

• Hook ‘em Horns are supposed to be a

cheering symbol in Texas, wishing good
luck in Brazil and a curse in Africa!
Gestures with Multiple Meanings
• The OK sign is one such sign which has
many multiple meanings.

• In America, it may mean approval.

• In Brazil, Italy, Germany, and Greece, it is

a very offensive insult.

• In southern France, it might also mean

‘zero’ or ‘worthless’ depending on the
facial expression.
• Shaking head sideways

• In the US, it means ‘no’.

• In Bulgaria, it means ‘yes’.

• Nodding the head up and down

• In the US, it means ‘yes’.

• In Bulgaria, it means ‘no’.

Postures
Postures are a very important form
of body language, and are generally
involuntary unlike gestures.

Like gestures, even postures carry

various meanings across cultures.
• Crossing legs when sitting: In a survey it was
found that American men found their
European counterparts to be slightly feminine.
This is attributed to the way they sit.
• American men cross their legs in an ankle-on-
knee fashion whereas the European men cross
their legs in both the ankle-on-knee fashion
and knee-on-knee fashion.
• In America, the knee-on-knee fashion is
exclusive to women, and seldom do men sit in
this way, which causes American men to see a
feminine side in the way European men sit.
Conclusions
• Actions and postures speak louder than words.

• In today’s world, where globalization is an unstoppable

phenomenon, knowing and understanding body language, its
interpretation around the world, and its cultural significance is
very important in building and maintaining good business
relationships.

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