Differences and similarities in leg gestures between

Vietnamese and American culture

I. Introduction
Each nation has its own culture with its own set of beliefs and principles,
therefore intercultural communication is inevitable when people come to another
country. Additionally, understanding and adapting to new customs are essential. That
being the case, this paper focuses on highlighting one of those aspects of intercultural
communication, which is leg gestures between Vietnamese and American cultures.
Although leg gestures are not a prominent aspect, this paper aims to assist people in
having a better view of the difference and similarities of leg posture between two
different cultures.
II. Review
1. Definition of Intercultural communication
Intercultural communication is the exchange of ideas between individuals from
diverse cultures. (Chen & Starosta, 1998). The impact of different cultures interacting
on communication behavior is referred to as intercultural communication. According
to Ting Toomey, S. (1999), Intercultural communication occurs when people from
different cultural areas communicate and negotiate shared meaning. Some authorities,
such as Gudykunst (2003), confine the term intercultural communication to contact
between people of different nations.
2. Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory
2.1. Individualism–Collectivism Value Pattern
Individualism discusses people's predisposition to regard themselves as
individuals instead of members of a group (Velo, 2012, p. 26), whereas collectivism is
related to a preference for group thinking and valuing collective benefits over
individualistic benefits. Employees in firms with a collectivist culture believe that
decision-making is the competence of superiors. Similarly, Ting-Toomey and Chung
(2005) claim that people in highly individualistic working places are compelled to
make individual decisions.
2.2. Small–Large Power Distance Value Pattern
Chen and Starosta (2005) have noted that the dimension of power distance
determines to what extent a community adjusts to inequalities of power allocation in
relationships and institutions. Group members with high power distance tend to be
more centralized and status and ranking are highly valued while members of society
with low power distance engage in far more horizontal forms of interpersonal
connection.
2.3. Weak–Strong Uncertainty Avoidance Value Pattern
Uncertainty avoidance evaluates a culture's ability to accept ambiguity and
endure uncertainty about the future (Chen & Starosta, 2005). Uncertainty avoidance,
in its most basic form, relates to how dangerous adjustment is to a community
(Hofstede, 1980). Cultures with a high level of uncertainty avoidance tend to work in
a highly organized environment and have a negative attitude toward uncertainties in
general. Societies with low uncertainty avoidance cultures, on the other hand,
prioritize freedom of expression and flexibility, and only a few explicit regulations are
made.
2.4. Feminine–Masculine Value Pattern
According to Chen and Starosta (2005), the Masculinity-Femininity dimension
is related to the degree to which stereotypically masculine and feminine features
predominate in society. As a consequence, gender equality is often jeopardized in high
masculine groups, whereas, an organization with feminine features, on the other hand,
places a high weight on feminine values such as compromise, quality of life, and
friendship. Furthermore, firms with feminine ideals are related to higher levels of
gender equality.
III. Comparison
Although there are many different ways to gesture with legs, this paper solely
focuses on three main types of leg gestures including leg crossing, leg spreading, and
putting legs on the table. The first and most common sitting gesture performed by
people from two countries is the leg lock gesture. Because it is the sitting posture
employed by many ambitious American men, it is also known domestically as the
American position. Therefore, through this gesture, it is difficult to discern an
American's attitude during a conversation (Cushner, K & Brislin, R, 1996), but it is
fairly evident when this gesture is employed by a Vietnamese man. This leg cross
denotes the presence of an argumentative or competitive temperament. As a result,
with the exception of individuals with high social rank or positions of authority, most
Vietnamese people shun this gesture. This distinction is reflected in the Small–Large
Power Distance Value Pattern in which Americans belong to Small Power Distance
while Vietnamese belong to Large Power Distance. Americans respect interpersonal
equality, equal power distributions, and equal rights while Vietnamese value status
differences, hierarchical rights, and asymmetrical role relations. To women, the sitting
gesture shares similarities between Vietnamese and Americans. Women often tend to
sit cross-legged more than men in both countries because of their higher aesthetics and
temperament. The reason why this gesture is preferred by women over men is that
both Vietnam and America belong to the masculinity group. Masculinity represents a
culture where social gender roles are well defined (Hofstede, 2010). Men are
stereotyped as being more strong, harsh, and materialistic, whereas women are
expected to be more modest, gentle, and concerned with life quality. On the other
hand, it may be due to the perception, the general view of women, and the influence of
the traditional concept.
On the contrary, one of the typical sitting gestures of men in both countries is
the leg spreading gesture which is rarely used by women. As a result, this posture is
sometimes known as manspreading which is a big issue in America. Men prefer to sit
in leg spreading posture rather than cross-legged because it demonstrates masculinity
as well as power. In contrast, women are frequently viewed as the weaker sex, always
connected with the notion of modesty. Consequently, sitting with legs spread is
uncommon in women in both Vietnam and America, particularly those who wear
skirts or shorts. This is also a gesture belonging to the Masculinity versus Femininity
dimension in which both Vietnam and the US are masculine cultures as discussed
above.
The last leg gesture, which is placing feet on the table, is typically regarded as
disrespectful in other nations except in America. It is considered normal in America.
This gesture, known as the ownership gesture, represents the American people's
territorial claim (Mc Neil, 1992). Furthermore, as examined, many Americans stated
that this gesture makes them feel more at ease while working. As a result, they believe
that when working and chatting with coworkers, this gesture might help to build a
comfortable working environment (Moran, 2010). Putting one's feet on the table, on
the other hand, is considered impolite by the Vietnamese. As a consequence, they
constantly avoid using this gesture when talking because it makes people feel
disrespected. This difference is easily explained and clarified by the
Individualism–Collectivism Value Pattern in which Vietnam belongs to the
Collectivism group and the US belongs to the Individualism group. Americans highly
value individual identity over group identity, individual rights over group rights, and
individual needs over group needs, meanwhile, Vietnamese people emphasize group
rights and group desires instead of personal interests.
IV. Conclusion
In conclusion, Vietnamese and Americans have both similarities and
differences in leg gestures when sitting. Although there may not be a conventional
culture for leg gestures, it can not be assumed that other people's behaviors and
cultures are unusual and disrespectful. As a result, in order to co-create a peaceful and
delightful community, each individual needs to understand, accept and adapt to the
cultural uniqueness of others.