(http://www.expats-moving-and-relocation-guide.com/nonverbal-communication.html)
Using effectively nonverbal communication when
moving and relocating overseas
Spoken language is only 7% to 35% of communication. The majority of
our feelings and intentions are sent through nonverbal communication.
Moreover we tend to search for signals when verbal messages are
unclear or ambiguous.
Wordless messages or kinesics are the way we communicate by sending
and receiving signals using
body language, gestures, postures, proximity, haptics, and facial
expressions.
Some signals are consistent across cultures. To a certain degree this is
good news; if you do not speak the foreign language, you can still
communicate with people of another country by using body language
and facial expressions.
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.
This can certainly lead to embarrassing and uncomfortable situations
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.
Nonverbal Communication Around the World
Nonverbal Communication in Argentina
A handshake and nod show respect when greeting someone.
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.
The “O.K.” and “thumbs up” gestures are considered vulgar.
Hitting the palm of the left hand with the right fist means “I don’t
believe what you are saying” or “That’s stupid.”
Don’t 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.
Nonverbal Communication in
Cambodia
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.
Cambodian sits with their legs straight down and not crossed. Crossing your legs shows that you are an
impolite person.
Feet are considered the lowest in value of body parts and thus it is insulting to point them at someone.
It is not polite to have eye contact with someone who is older or someone who is considered a superior.
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.
Nonverbal Communication in China
The Chinese don't like being touched by strangers. Therefore don’t
make any body contact.
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 don’t point with the index finger but with an open hand.
Using both hands when offering something to a visitor or another
person is considered being respectful.
Touching or pointing to tip of one's own nose with raised forefinger
means it's me.
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.
Many Chinese consider winking to be rude.
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.
Nonverbal Communication in
France
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.
The French shake hands upon meeting someone for the
first time, particularly in the business world.
When using the fingers to count the thumb is the first
counter, the index finger is two, the middle finger is
three, etc. If you hold up two fingers (index + middle
fingers), you'll get three of whatever you're ordering,
not two. Because the French count the thumb even if
you don't hold it up.
Holding your hands out, palms down, and smacking one hand down onto the other means lets get out of
here.
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."
The French use the "thumbs up" sign to say "okay."
Nonverbal Communication in India
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.
Indians value personal space, therefore don't stand close to
Indians, allow an arm's length space.
Public displays of affection are not proper.
Side to side hand wave is frequently interpreted by Indians as "no" or "go away."
Use your right hand only to touch someone, pass money or pick up merchandise. The left hand is
considered unclean.
Do not touch anyone's head. The head is considered sensitive.
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."
Pointing a finger at someone would be considered rude.
Nonverbal Communication in Japan
Bowing is a customary nonverbal communication in Japan Bowing during an introduction shows status. Business inferiors
must bow lower than superiors.
Walking habits - The Japanese walk in short quick strides and
drooping shoulders this low posture is called teishisei.
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.
Pointing with the index finger is considered rude. You should
point with the entire hand.
When entering a private home or traditional restaurants, it is
usually customary to remove your shoes and place them with the
toes pointing toward the outdoors.
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
Shake hands or give a slight bow when introduced.
Women (initiate the handshake) and Mexicans generally stand close
together when conversing. Don't show signs of discomfort, which
would be considered rude by your Mexican counterpart.
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.
Nonverbal Communication in Nigeria
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.
Touching or making gestures when speaking is very common and
should not be interpreted as having any sexual undertone.
Don't use your left hand to give or receive objects. The left hand
is considered unclean.
Shake hands upon meeting someone and don't forget to smile!
Sometimes men may place their hand on the other person's
shoulder during a handshake. Shake hands again upon departing.
Don't shake hands with a woman unless she initiates it.
Exchange hugs and kisses with people you know well.
To rush a greeting is extremely rude; spend time inquiring about the other person’s general well-being.
Thumb extended upward is considered a very rude signal.
Nonverbal Communication in Russia
A handshake is always appropriate when greeting or leaving.
Don't shake hands over a threshold (Russian belief holds that this
action will lead to an argument).
Public physical contact is common. Hugs, backslapping, kisses on
the cheeks are common among friends or acquaintances and
between members of the same sex.
Russians stand close when talking.
When a Russian touches another person during conversation, it is
usually a sign of confidence.
The “thumbs-up” sign can be an acceptable gesture of approval.
Putting your thumb through your index and middle fingers or making the "OK" sign is considered very
rude gestures in Russia.
Speaking or laughing loudly in public is discouraged.
Nonverbal Communication in Thailand
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.
In giving or receiving gifts or passing things, Thais ordinarily use the
right hand. They place the left hand under the right elbow, and bow
the head slightly.
Do not touch another person’s head. The head is considered sacred,
since it is the source of intelligence and spiritual substance.
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.
Remove your shoes before entering a temple or a home.
It is rude to sit with your ankle crossed over a knee, or to place an arm over the back of someone’s
chair.
A smile is often used for an apology, and a nod doesn't mean yes, it is simply a gesture of respect.
Nonverbal Communication in Turkey
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.
Waving a hand up and down at you, palm towards the ground, is a
signal for you to come.
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’
In most countries when thumb and index finger form a circle it means “Okay”. In Turkey it means
homosexual and is considered a big insult.
Turned-up palm and fingers held together forming a small ”bowl”: means “good”, and is used when
commenting on food.
Turks tend to stare at one another and at foreigners.
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.
Pressing your thumb on your upper teeth is a sign of fear.
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.
Friends' kissing each other on the cheek is a sign of friendship, and
it is common amongst male friends.
Shaking hand is the normal greeting with a male. Females do
shake hands with each other, and occasionally a kiss is shared.
Males should not shake hand with a female unless the hand is
offered by a female.
Touching noses three times when shaking hands is a traditional
Bedouin greeting.
Holding hands for a long period after shaking hands is a sign of friendship
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.
Nonverbal Communication in Britain
The handshake is the common form of greeting.
There is some protocol to follow when introducing people in a
business: Introduce a younger person to an older person. Introduce a
person of lower status to a person of higher status. When two people
are of similar age and rank, introduce the one you know better to the
other person.
Hugging, kissing and touching is usually reserved for family members
and very close friends.
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.
Staring is considered rude, and makes people feel uncomfortable.
If you hold up two fingers in a ‘v’ sign and the palm is facing inward it
means ‘up yours’.
Nonverbal Communication in the U.S.A
Greetings are casual and quite informal - A handshake, a smile, and
'hello'.
Stand while being introduced. Only the elderly, the ill and physically
unable persons remain seated while greeting or being introduced.
Handshakes are usually brief. Light handshakes are considered distasteful. Use a firm grip. Eye contact
is important when shaking someone’s hand.
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.