When visiting different countries around the world you have to take caution of the kind of gestures you use. Some have different meanings in different countries so you must be careful not to get into trouble.
While Western culture has become used to the thumbs-up as a positive, informal signal, generally indicating a job well done, there are cultures where a thumbs-up may land you in trouble. In most of Latin America and West Africa, as well as Greece, Russia, Sardinia and the south of Italy, the thumbs-up basically means the same as the middle finger. Also, it’s generally not recommended to use the thumbs-up around the Middle East as an insult out there.
Opening your palm to your target and stretching out your fingers seems harmless enough to most Westerners. Most people would think you’re waving. In Greece, however, the gesture is known as a moutza, and is one of their most traditional manual insults.The gesture is also an insulting one in Pakistan and many parts of Africa. The Japanese use a very similar sign to insult their old enemies, the Koreans roughly translating as ‘animal’.
Curling your index finger towards you in a summoning motion is a gesture used to beckon people to follow you. Beware, however, of using this gesture in the Philippines – it’s a method of
communication considered worthy only to use on dogs, and is actually punishable by arrest. Worst of all, they’ll break your index finger in order to prevent you from committing the same crime again!
While many people assume that maintaining eye contact is a sign of courage and honesty in Zimbabwe it is rude to maintain eye contact. In Lebanon raising a closed fist into the air is making a rude gesture while to nod your head means yes. To signal no, point your head sharply upward and raise your eyebrows.
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