Our current world is becoming what we call a "global village". As we become increasingly interconnected, it becomes more important to learn how to communicate with people from different parts of the world. When visiting foreign countries or interacting with people from other cultures, communicating effectively becomes necessary. Unfortunately, the focus is often put on learning verbal communication in a foreign language. As a result, most people completely skip a vital aspect of the interaction- gestures.
Gestures in different cultures tend to vary significantly and one gesture can be interpreted a hundred different ways depending on where you go. Being unaware of the meaning of certain gestures around the world can sometimes lead to serious misunderstandings.
Here are the Top 9 popular hand gestures in different cultures you should know.
1. THUMBS UP
(Photo: Memphis)
Thumbs up is a common gesture used to signify approval, agreement, or affirmation in many Western cultures, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is made by extending the thumb upward while keeping the fingers curled into the palm. In some contexts, a thumbs up can also indicate a "good job" or "well done."
Should avoid this gesture in IRAN and PARTS OF WEST AFRICA
“Unfortunately, in Iran and neighboring countries like Afghanistan, the thumbs-up is equivalent to the middle finger!” explains Dana Hooshmand, an author for Discover Discomfort, a language-and culture-learning resource. In America, the middle finger is the profane one; in Iran, it’s the thumb.
Though it’s certainly good to have this knowledge, and you should try your best to avoid making any offensive gestures, Hooshmand assures that you likely won’t incur any real wrath if you slip up. He added: “Political tensions notwithstanding, the vast majority of everyday Iranians are gregarious, worldly, and educated, and are more amused than offended if a visiting American makes an innocent mistake.”
2. THE CHIN FLICK
(Photo: mondly.com)
The chin flick gesture involves extending the arm, making a fist, and then quickly flicking the underside of the chin with the knuckles.
In Belgium, Northern Italy, and Tunisia, this gesture means "get lost". Used as a hand sign to communicate macho grandstanding, it is referred to as "la barbe" or "the beard" in France.
Should avoid this gesture in ITALY
In Italy—northern Italy in particular—it’s an aggressively dismissive gesture, meaning (in the most polite terms) that you just don’t care. Though this one doesn’t have a common non-offensive equivalent in America, it is worth noting that a similar gesture does mean “thank you” in American sign language. (You touch your lips with your fingertips before bringing your hand down, rather than flicking your chin). It’s worth including as one of the better-known international rude gestures among Americans.
3. THE “V” OR PEACE SIGN
(Photo: VistaCreate)
The "V" or peace sign is a hand gesture made by extending the index and middle fingers while keeping the others curled into the palm. It was a common gesture that was used to signify victory before the 1960s. Its meaning began to change to peace during the Vietnam War and the Hippy era. Despite its age, the gesture still signifies peace and every other collective human sentiment of unity and harmony.
Should avoid this gesture in UK, SOUTH AFRICA & AUSTRALIA
Although it's generally considered a friendly and non-threatening gesture that can be used in many different situations. However, in some countries, such as the UK, South Africa, and Australia if you turn your palm inward while making the "V" sign, it is considered an insult. Therefore, you should be aware of cultural differences when using this gesture while traveling abroad.
4. THE FIG
(Photo: Adobe Stock)
The fig or "Fico" gesture is a hand gesture made by curling the fingers into a fist with the thumb protruding between the index and middle fingers. It is commonly used in Italy and some other Mediterranean countries, and is similar in meaning to the middle finger gesture in English-speaking countries. This gesture is also used to symbolize ladyparts in some countries.
Should avoid this gesture in INDONESIA, TURKEY, RUSSIA, ITALIA, AND OTHER MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES
In the above nations, the fig gesture is considered extremely vulgar and offensive.
5. FOREARM JERK GESTURE
(Photo: Dreamstime.com)
The forearm jerk gesture involves extending one arm forward with the palm facing down and then making a quick upward motion with the forearm. This gesture is commonly used in Greece and other Mediterranean countries and is used to signal disbelief, rejection, or dismissal. It can also be used to indicate anger or frustration.
Should avoid this gesture in SOUTH EUROPE and BRAZIL
Most countries in southern Europe or Brazil use this as an insult, and it's commonly used by soccer fans to send an offensive message to the opposing team's fans.
6. CROSSING FINGERS
(Photo: Dreamstime.com)
Crossing fingers is a gesture where the index and middle fingers are crossed over each other, forming the shape of an "X". This gesture is commonly used in many Western cultures to wish for good luck or to show that one is hoping for a positive outcome. It is often used in situations where there is uncertainty or anxiety, such as before an important exam or job interview.
Should avoid this gesture in VIETNAM and PARTS OF AFRICA
However, it's important to note that in some cultures, such as Vietnam and parts of Africa, crossing fingers can be seen as a rude gesture, and in some countries, such as Greece, it can be interpreted as a sign of infidelity.
7. TOUCHING SOMEONE’S HEAD
(Photo: bodylanguage)
Touching someone's head gesture involves placing the hand on top of another person's head. In the United States, patting someone’s head (especially that of a baby or little kid) can be a sweet, loving gesture, and ruffling someone’s hair is a playful one.
This gesture is considered disrespectful or even taboo in many cultures, including those of Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia. In these cultures, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and touching it can be seen as a violation of personal space or an insult to one's dignity. In some cases, touching someone's head can even be seen as a curse.
Should avoid this gesture in THAILAND, SRI LANKA, and CAMBODIA
This gesture is considered disrespectful or even taboo in many cultures, including those of Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia. In these cultures, the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and touching it can be seen as a violation of personal space or an insult to one's dignity. In some cases, touching someone's head can even be seen as a curse.
Especially in Thailand, it can be a serious offense. So keep your hands away from others’ heads to avoid disrespecting or soiling this cleanliness. Likewise, the feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body, so pointing with the toe of your foot is insulting in Thailand.
8. HANG LOOSE
(Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Hang Loose gesture involves extending the thumb and pinky finger while curling the three middle fingers into the palm. It is commonly used in Hawaii and other Pacific Island cultures, as well as in some surfing communities around the world.
The gesture is used to signify a laid-back or relaxed attitude or to express a sense of camaraderie or solidarity with others. In some cultures, the gesture may have different meanings, such as representing the "devil horns" or "rock on" hand gesture in some parts of the Western world. However, in general, the hang-lose gesture is considered a friendly and non-threatening gesture that can be used in many different situations.
Should avoid this gesture in WESTERN EUROPEAN NATIONS
These gestures, generally positive and “cool” in the United States, can get you in trouble in some Western European nations. “Hang loose”—thumb and pinky in the air with the other three fingers folded down—and “rock on”—where it’s your index finger and pinky—run into trouble because they can also mimic horns. Torben Lonne, a diving instructor for Dive.In who travels internationally quite a bit, learned this firsthand on a trip to Sardinia. “There were some surfer-looking types hanging out on the beach, and as I walked past I gave them the ‘hang loose’ gesture and a smile. Immediately the guy started gesticulating and yelling at me as if I offended one of his relatives.”
Moreover, using ‘hang loose,’ or any form of hand gesture that resembles horns, symbolizes…a husband whose wife is cheating on him and it’s public knowledge. More literally, the “horns” are supposed to represent a castrated bull.
9. HAND POINTING WITH INDEX FINGER
(Photo: Philippine Primer)
Hand pointing with the index finger involves extending the index finger and pointing it at an object or person. This gesture is commonly used in many cultures around the world to indicate a direction, emphasize a point, or call attention to something.
Should avoid this gesture in JAPAN, INDONESIA, and MALAYSIA
As a little kid, you may have been chastised that “it’s rude to point!” especially if you dared pair the gesture with laughter. But, while it can be inconsiderate in the United States in certain circumstances, an index finger point is always rude in Malaysia. As a matter of fact, because it can be offensive in some cultures, employees at Disney parks are actually trained to avoid pointing with their index fingers. Instead, if they must point to something, they use two fingers. At Disney, which is actually in Malaysia, the common alternative is to point with your thumb (particularly your right thumb).
In some cultures, such as Japan and Indonesia, pointing with the index finger can be considered rude or disrespectful, especially when directed at a person. In these cultures, it is more polite to use an open hand or the entire arm to indicate a direction or call attention to something.
If you wish to learn more about hand gestures in different cultures, check out this video:
In conclusion, it's important to be aware of hand gestures and their cultural significance when traveling abroad. While some gestures may be considered friendly and non-threatening in one culture, they may be seen as rude or offensive in another. By understanding the cultural context in which hand gestures are used, travelers can avoid unintentionally causing offense or misunderstanding. It's always best to err on the side of caution and be mindful of cultural differences, as this can help to ensure positive interactions and a more enjoyable travel experience. Have a lovely trip!
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