Masaryk University

MASARYK UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Body language and gestures across cultures

Bachelor Thesis

Brno 2010

Supervisor: Written by: Michael George, M.A Ondřej Korchan

Announcement

I declare that I wrote up this bachelor thesis on my own and I used only the sources listed in the bibliography.

…………………………..

Ondřej Korchan

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my supervisor, Michael George, M.A. for his guidance during writing the thesis, his kind support, patience during consultations and valuable advice.

Korchan, Ondřej. Body language and gestures across cultures: bachelor thesis. Brno: Masaryk University, Faculty of Education, Department of English Language and Literature, 2010. 41 p. Supervisor: Michael George, M.A.

Abstract

The bachelor thesis deals with body-language as a form of non-verbal communication, gestures and differences in using gestures in different cultures. Interpretation of same gestures differs often in various parts of the world. Knowledge about the importance of body language and its potential usage in practice are included as well.

Anotace

Bakalářská práce se zabývá řečí těla jako formou komunikace, gestikulací a rozdíly v používání gestikulace v různých kulturách. Interpretace stejných gest se mnohdy velmi odlišuje v různých částech světa. V práci jsou rovněž zahrnuty poznatky o důležitosti řeči těla a jejich potenciální využití v praxi.

Key Words

Body language, non-verbal communication, spacing, handshake, O.K. , gestures, differences in cultures

Klíčová slova

Řeč těla, neverbální komunikace, osobní prostor, podání ruky, O.K., gesta, rozdíly v kulturách

Contents 1 Introduction ...... 7 2 Body language ...... 8 2.1 Is our body able to speak? ...... 8 2.2 Pretending of body language ...... 9 2.3 Several well-known facts about human non-verbal communication ...... 9 2.4 Nine basic signals we can read in people’s faces ...... 10 2.5 Inter-cultural differences in interpretation and explanation of smile ...... 11 2.6 Personal territory ...... 12 2.7 Spacing ...... 12 2.8 Cultural factors that influence areal spacing ...... 13 2.9 Spacing in city and at the countryside ...... 14 3 The most popular gestures ...... 16 3.1 Basis of gestures and their origin ...... 16 3.2 Shrug ...... 16 3.3 Circle of fingers, alias O.K...... 16 3.4 Thumbs up ...... 17 3.5 “V” for victory ...... 18 3.6 Handshake ...... 18 3.7 Dominant x submisive handshake ...... 18 4 Practical part, country-by country listing ...... 20 4.1 Non-verbal communication in lessons ...... 20 4.2 How can we learn to understand body language ...... 21 4.3 Are you sensible to body language? (self-evaluating test) ...... 21 4.4 Body language and gestures – concrete criteria that are significant for certain countries ...... 23 4.4.1 North America ...... 23 4.4.2 South and Central America ...... 25 4.4.3 Middle East ...... 27 4.4.4 Africa ...... 29 4.4.5 Asia and The Pacific Islands ...... 31 4.4.6 Europe ...... 34 5

5 Conclusion ...... 38 6 Works Cited ...... 39

1 INTRODUCTION

This thesis deals with the most important aspects that are helpful for our understanding another people from their gestures, mimics and body language. It is important for future teachers to be aware of this topic and not to forget that except for the things that are said in front of an audience, the enormous part of impression creates how the speaker moves, looks, what the whole body does during a presentation. In the theoretical part the most often used body language is described and its connection with thoughts and unconscious. Nine basic signals as identifiers of speaker’s feelings are described in this chapter as well. The next important rule we should follow is spacing, since if we stand too close or too far from the person we communicate with, it could make the addressee feel bad. Another part of thesis are world-wide used gestures (such as thumbs up, ok sign, handshake etc.), their origin and differences in meaning of the same gestures in various countries. Although these gestures are used in the entire world, in every-day situations, most people have never thought about these gestures’ origin, reasons why are they so popular, which famous people used these gestures for the first time and made them so popular. The last chapter deals with how the body language could be taught in lessons, self-evaluating test of people’s ability to perceive body language and concrete examples of how continental, as well as national, influences have changed the meanings of common gestures. There are also described frequent body movement, known to various country, some tips of gestures and situations we should avoid in order not to look like a stranger, rude, or uneducated person.

2 BODY LANGUAGE

2.1 Is our body able to speak?

Body language is said to be much more honest than words. And it is a fact, anthropologist Albert Mehrabian writes that just seven percent of the information we get during a conversation is gained from words while thirty eight percent is gained from tone of voice. Other sense, such as smell and touch take a part at this process as well (Thiel, 8). It is also declared, that on average we do not speak longer than twelve minutes in a day and the average duration of a sentence is no longer than 2,5 seconds. According to Birdwhistell it means, that almost 65 percent of the information we get from speaking is not gained from words (Thiel, 9). The information, that we gain from verbal communication are just brief facts, whereas non- verbal communication is what we get and what is supposed to create a picture into our soul, which means attitudes, dispositions, real feelings. Experts in body language are able to recognize what kind of movement a speaking person will do if they listen to his/her tone of voice. Our hands, arms, shoulders and legs do not express any less than our tongue. Similarly to multiple-meanings words, also our gestures might have more meanings. Significant meaning is what gestures get only in connection with another gestures and aspects of body language in particular situation, which is the same as multiple-meanings words compared to single- meanings words. Body language as such has its own grammar and punctuation. Every gesture has the same value as a single word. Although it seems to be rather difficult, body language is a matter of instinct Observation of children who are born blind, who have never seen gestures, proves that there are two ways of gestures: born and learned (Thiel, 9) The entire life is based on communication, therefore is it very important for us to learn to express ourselves as accurate as possible. Only in case we are able to express our opinions, attitudes and requests can we expect we will reach the goals we have specified before.

2.2 Pretending of body language

If we deal with body language, we should know the answer to one basic question. Is it possible to pretend body lanugage? The answer is “no” , since if we try to cheat, we will be revealed by dissagreement between gestures, signals of our body and words. For example open hands are connected with fairness, but in case a cheater shows his/her open hands, keeps smiling and lies at the same moment, it will be revealed by very trifling signals. Sometimes he/she has narrowed pupils or corners of mouth move. These signals are in contradiction with gesture of open hands and frank smile. Consequently, the listener does not trust to the person who talks. Of course there are examples of people who intentionally pretend body language so as to get certain advantages. If we think of Miss World, Miss Universe, every participant moves in an accurate learned style to make honest impression. Competitors may attract judge according to what extent are they able to create possitive impression. Although even experts in body language are not able to pretend false signals for very long time, because their bodies begin make signals subconscious at their acting. Some politics are able to pretend body language so as to get electors on their side. If we need to cover lie, we use our faces. We try to smile, we nod, we blink. All of these in order to mask unsincere words. Yet, our body speaks absolutely different language that is in contradiction with signals we tried to focus on. To sum it up – permanent pretending of body language is very difficult, though it is very profitable for us to learn using positive and “opened” gestures and reduce gestures that might carry negative signals during our communication. If we are aware of these facts, we can feel better in society and we will be more attractive for people we speak with(Pease,17).

2.3 Several well-known facts about human non-verbal communication

Those who are acquainted in another people’s emotions usually have the most extended differentiation ability for details in non-verbal communication and belong to the most popular persons in society. They are very sensitive. Another important thing is smile,that affects behaviour of the addressee since it activates feed-back. Percentage of probability from that we are able to recognize basic emotions out of face zones: in 79% is it enough to see eyebrows and forehead to identify surprise; in 67% is it enough to see only eyes to recognize fear and sadness; in 98% is it enough to see inferior part of face to recognize happiness. Moreover, 9 when we take a look at another person, we look in his/her face, 75% of that time do we look at the triangle between eyes and mouth, 10% at forehead and hair, in 5% we notice his/her chin and only last 10% of time belong to remaining parts of body. When men meets another person, he usually comes closer than women. Furthermore, it does not matter whether the other person is a man or a woman. Another important fact is that repertoire of gestures differs in various cultures. In 1963-1964 the frequency of touches by people sitting in cafés was observed by Mr. Jourard. There are 180 touches by people in San Juan(Puerto Rico), 110 touches by people in Paris, only 2 touches in Gainesville (Florida) and no touch by people in café in London (Vybíral,77).

2.4 Nine basic signals we can read in people’s faces

Human face – both by children and by adults consists of 25 various muscles that creat expression of our feelings and mood. Scientist identified by using high-speed film, reading the activity of brain and another methods specific gestures, expressions, sounds, that are connected with every singal. Studies of babies prove, that babies take a look at human face more than at any different impulses. The part, they concentrate the most on are eyes and mouth. Babies do subconsciously look for these signals. There are still discussions about this topic but there are nine basic signals we can read in face. Interest – is expressed by lifted eyebrows, concentrated look and listening; mouth might be lightly opened Pleasure – it creates smile, lips are extended in side-direction or downwards Surprise – it is connected with lifted eyebrows, eyes are widely opened, blinking, mouth opened in a spape of letter “O” Unrest – eyebrows lifted in curved shape, crying, corners of mouth downwards, tears and rhytmic sobbing Anger – expressed by scowl, eyes narrowed, mandibles clenched and the face turns red Abashment – drooped eyelids Satiety – children curl lips, stick out their tongues Aversion against smell – upper lip and nose goes up and a had turns away(Holinger,29). 10

2.5 Inter-cultural differences in interpretation and explanation of smile

Non-verbal communication is important in any interaction between people and even higher degree of importance does it reach in connection with different cultures. Generally, we tend to look for non-verbal impulses in case we do not understand what had been said (verbal communication), which very often happens because of inter-cultural communication, because of using foreign languages. We can not forget that our non-verbal behaviour is derived from our cultural consideration. Different cultures tend to classify verbal and non-verbal behaviour with various level of importance and according to the level of non-verbal communication importance, we can divide them into low-context cultures, such as the U.S.A. , Canada (these states tend to consider non-verbal communication to be less important) and high-context cultures, e.g. Japan or Columbia ( in these countries the understanding of non-verbal parts of speech is very important in order to understand the entire meaning of what had been said. Therefor is it obvious that “ it does not matter what we say, but how do we say it”. Yet, some items of non-verbal communication are common in various cultures(Bäumlova,71)

Research shows that emotions connected with enjoyment, anger, anxiety, sadness, impatience and surprise are expressed in similar ways by people arround the world. Nevertheless, the intercultural differences show according to the fact, which emotions are in certain culture considered to be prefered, acceptable and by whom were they expressed. For example in China and Japan could be the auspicious expression of face ( which is the expression of happiness in the entire world ) marker of anger or sadness, since people in Japan are not supposed to show emotions publicly and even if they are happy, they are not supposed to smile. Another example is, how do the Japanese explain their absence at business meetings. If they missed because of the death in a family, they might express this excuse with smile on their faces, which is in fact based on a cultural opinion, that it is not polite to influence another people by pain or suffering. On the contrary, in western cultures could similar smile be understood as conflicting and suspicious since the smile on face is always understood as an utterance of happiness and satisfaction.

So the result is quite obvious. Although some face expressions are similar in certain cultures, their interpretation remains to be specific according to the background. It is therefor necessary to be aware of cultural values(Bäumlova,72)

2.6 Personal territory

Each person has his/her personal territory which includes the area that he/she feels comfortable in. The size of this territory depends on the place we were born at, it is culturally influenced. While people from certain cultures, such as Japanese, are used to overcrowded conditions, another people prefer “open space” and they like keeping distance. More details about this topic deals in this thesis with people from western countries. Another aspect, that is significant for personal territory depends on caste he belongs to(Lewis,95).

2.7 Spacing

Radius of “air bubble” is by a person belonging to the middle class, white skinned person living in a city territory of Australia, New Zealand, England, Northern America and Canada almost the same. We can divide it in four various spaces. 1) Intimate area ( from 15 to 45 cm ) is the most important out of all personal areas. We protect this area from unknown people and only persons we trust (e.g. parents, boyfriends, girlfriends, children) may enter here. Area that is closer than 15 cm is marked as closed intimate area and we get in contact with another people only during immediate physical contact. 2) Personal territory ( from 46 to 120 cm ) is an area that is usually kept between people talking at parties, meeting of friends, business meetings etc. 3) Social area ( from 1,2 to 3,6 metres ) is the space we keep between ourselves and unknown people. We do not go closer than 1,2 metres in case we talk to the postman, we speak to the shop-assistant, new employee neither the person we meet for the first time of our life. 4) Public area ( more than 3,6 metres ) is a distance we use any time we speak to a group of people. This is a natural distance in that we feel comfortable in, although we speak to unknown people(Lewis,101)

Owercrowded places, such as concerts, cinema, in an elevator, bus or tram always affects our intimate area, which has its concrete consequences. It is intersting to observe people’s reaction in case their intimate area had been affected. People from Europe, who were brought up in western cultures follow in elevator several unwritten rules such as: 1) We are not allowed to speak to someone, even to a person we know 2) Come what may, we are not supposed to keep eye-contact with other people 3) We should keep “poker face” ( we are not allowed to express any feelings ) 4) If we hold a book or a newspaper, we should pretend reading it 5) The denser the crowd is, the less physical exercise we do 6) We take a look at numbers of floors at the display above the door(Pease,21).

2.8 Cultural factors that influence areal spacing

Situation: Young couple that moved from Denmark to Sydney became members of Sydney Sports Club. In a few weeks, there were several women in a club who complained about the young man from Denmark, because he came too close to them and that is why they did not feel well when they were together with him. On the contrary, men who were members of the club claimed, that the young woman from Denmark definitely behaved as if she wanted to be in a physical contact with them(Pease,23). The situation described above claims the fact, that many Europeans keep their intimate area closer than 30, almost 20 centimetres. Even less in some cultures. Young couple from Denmark found it absolutely common and felt absolutely well despite their standing 25 cm from the Australians. They realized that they entered intimate area but did not find anything strange about it. Moreover, the couple from Denmark used much more often eye-contact which was another missunderstanding for the people from Sydney and this behaviour made them feel uncomfortable. If we enter the intimate area of person of a different sex, we express that we are attracted to this person. If the person we come closer to wants to refuse this, he/she makes one step back so as to keep usual distance. If the person is attracted, he/she stays at the same place and allows the person to stay in his/her intimate area. That was similar in our example, since what was typical behaviour for young couple was perceived as an attempt to sexual contact. On the

13 contrary, the couple from Denmark thought that people from the sports club are unfriendly and unemotional since they went back so as to keep distance that was natural for them. Situation 2: There was an international conference where two americans, discussing something, were standing about between 46-122 cm from one another for the whole time. Few minutes later, there was a pair – an american and a Japanese and they slowly moved through the whole room during their speech. The american receded from the Japanese, while the Japanese came closer. Both of them tried to keep culturally acceptable areal spacing. Since the intimate area of the Japanese was only 25 cm, he went towards the american for the whole time. However, it was the American’s intimate area in that he wanted to stand alone and that was why he receded(Pease,24). This situation claims, why do the Americans and the Asians look at one another suspiciously during their business meetings. Europeans and Americans find the Asians to be too familiar, obtrusive. On the contrary, the Asians find Americans and Europeans to be too unapproachable, reserved. Not being aware of this cultural difference may lead to very confusing missunderstandings.

2.9 Spacing in city and at the countryside

People brought up in rare-populated areas, such asi countrysides, need more personal space than people brought up in heavy-populated areas, such as cities. According to how far do people stand from each other when they shake hands, we can come to a conclusion where do they come from. The inhabitants of cities keep their “air bubble” 45 cm around their bodies. This is the spacing between the wrist and the body when they stretch hand to shake another one’s. Hands of both people meet at a neutral territory. People brought up at a countryside keep their “air bubble” even more than 100cm around their bodies, which is the average spacing of their body and wrist when they shake hands. Moreover, these people tend to stand firmly at the ground and lean their body towards the other person. On the contrary, people from cities prefer to make one step towards the person. People from backcountries may even be used to keep their bubble about six metres. They are not used to shake their hands, but just to wave (Pease,25). Summary: People around you will be either accomodating or averse to you according to the way you will interfere their personal area. That is the reason why people who touch shoulders

14 very often ( even if they meet unknown people ) are rather unpopular. We are also not supposed to touch people we are speaking with during an interview. The distance that people keep from one another is influenced by many factors. Before we judge any person, we should realize all criteria mentioned above.

3 THE MOST POPULAR GESTURES

3.1 Basis of gestures and their origin

Most of basic gestures looks rather simillar in the entire world. If people are happy, they smile, if they are sad or angry, they scowl, if they shake heads it nearly always means agreement and confirmation. It is supoosed to be inborn gesture, since even blind and deaf people use it. If we shake our heads from one side to another it expresses disagreement and it it is valid in almost any country as well. It is supposed to be learned at the very beginning of our childhood. If a child is fed up with breast milk, it turns its head aside and refuses mother’s breast. If a child does not want to be fed any more, it begins to move it’s head from one side to another to stop mother’s attempts to put another bolus in it’s mouth. This is how the child learnes quickly that by turning of head he/she can express disagreement and refusal.

3.2 Shrug

Shrug is a great example of generally valid gesture symbolizing that a person does not know, what is being spoken about, or he/she does not understand it. Although it seems to be very easy, it is rather complicated gesture that consists of three parts: wide-open palms, shrugged shoulders and lifted eyebrows.( see picture xx in appendices)

3.3 Circle of fingers, alias O.K.

This gesture spread at the beginning of the 19. Century in the United States. One of medium that influenced this quite a lot was newspapers because there were strong attempts to use common-used phrases. There are many legends about the meaning of “O.K.” Some people claim that it is used as a contraction of words “all correct” ( since it’s first letters are pronounced as O.K. ). Another theory claims that it is used as a contradiction of K.O. which means “Knock-out” in box and there is even a theory that claims that “O.K.” is used as a contradiciton of words “Old Kinderhook” according to the birthplace of the eighth american president Martin van Buren. This place is situated approximately 25 miles south of Albany. Martin van Buren used this contradiction as his advertising slogan. It will probably never be 16 discovered, which of thories mentioned above is correct but it seems, that the circle made of thumb and index finger really symbolizes letter “O” from the O.K. contradiction. Meaning of O.K. contradiction is absolutely standard in all english-speaking countries and it is being spread to European and Asian countries very fast. However, the gesture itself has different origin and meaning in some other countries. In France, for example, it means “zero” or “nothing” , in Japan is it a symbol for money. In countries situated around the Mediterranean sea is it a sign of an “opening” and it is used as an insulting gesture with meaning that a particular man ( whom the gesture is shown to ) is a homosexual. In order to avoid embarrassing situations, we should be aware of all its meanings(Lewis,24)

3.4 Thumbs up

In Great Britain, Australia and New England the thumb up carries three basic meanings. First it is used by hitchhikers, second as a symbol that everything goes well, third, if it is lifted fast, it is insulting gesture symbolizing penis or “go to hell”. In some countries, such as in Greece, its meaning will be expressed as “up yours”. What could happen if an australian hitchhiker is standing with his thumb-up by the road in Greece? If people from Italy count from one to five and use their fingers, by number one lift they thumb up, by number two index finger. On the contrary, most of Americans, Australians and British lift the index finger to count number one, middle-finger for two. In this case, the thumb works for number five(Pease,13) Contrary to popular belief- the thumbs up gesture did not spare a gladiator's life in Ancient Rome. A plebeian's pointed thumb or pollice verso (whether the thumb was pointed up, down, or somewhere in between we don't know) meant the combatant was to be slain. A hidden thumb, folded out of sight, or the pollice compresso meant he was to be spared. The famous scene in "Spartacus", where the Emperor signals a warriors life would be spared by the upturned thumb, was flawed by mistranslation through the ages. In much of the world today, the thumbs up means, "O.K.", "Right On”. But in Iran, Afghanistan, Nigeria and parts of Italy and Greece it is an obscene insult, especially when combined with a sweep of the arms. It most places it roughly means, "Sit on my phallus, asshole," (CAN IT BE WRITTEN HERE?) and carries the same stigmatism as the middle finger. In southern Sardinia, where this gestures is noted for being particularly obscene, a hitchhiker would be well advised not to wave his thumb in the air expecting a car to pick him 17 up, or he may find himself under the wheels of a large truck (http://www.ooze.com /finger/html/foriegn.html).

3.5 “V” for victory

This gesture is popular in Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain and it’s meaning is “up yours”. However, Winston Churchill, used this gesture in meaning of “Victory” during World War II. The difference is rather simple. Churchill lifted his hand with index finger and middle finger in the shape of V, palm of his hand oriented towards people. In case the palm of hand is oriented towards the speaker during the “V” sign, this gesture is insulting. Most of european inhabitants understand this gesture as “victory” no matter what the orientation of palm is. Hence, if a British shows to the European palm inwards orientated “V” the European will be wondering what kind of victory is the person thinking of. In some parts of Europe, including Czech Republic, this sign means only number two, so if someone is sitting in a pub, this gesture shown to the waiter will be understood by him as a requirement for bringing two beers(Lewis,25)

3.6 Handshake

Handshake’s origin comes from the times when people lived in caves. When two cavemen met, they lifted their hands shown palms in order to prove that they did not hold any weapon. Gesture of lifted hand has changed during the centuries and it it is the origin for many similar gestures, such as lifted hands as a greeting, palm put at the heart ( in Japan ). Today’s form of old-fashioned ritual is handshake. In most of english speaking countries is it used both as a greeting and as a farewell. The usual number of handshake is between five and seven(Thiel,60)

3.7 Dominant x submisive handshake

Assuming that we meet certain person for the first time and we want to make most-common greeting, we will shake our hands. By this handshake we can express one of three basic attitudes. First of them is dominance : “ I can gain control of this person, he/she will do what I want”. Second attitude is submission: “ This person tries to gain control of me, he/she wants me to listen to his/her commands”. The third attitude is equality: “ I like this person, we will get on well with each other”. All attidudes mentioned above are expressed unwittingly. The way of handshake influences the result of our meeting imediately. Dominance will be expressed by turning palm of our hand downwards. Palm does not have to be orientated plumb towards the floor, but in comparison with palm of the person we shake hand with it is orientated downwards. This is the way we suggest that we are going to gain control of situation. Study of 54 managers showed that 42 of them are used to shake their hands precisely how it is described in this paragraph.(see picture xx in appendices) Submission, on the contrary, will be expresed by turning palm of our hand upwards. It is a good way how to suggest to another person that he/she is the leader and we do agree with his/her gaining of control. This gesture is in fact rather similar to the way the dogs express their submission, when they lie down on back and show their larynx(Pease,31)

4 PRACTICAL PART, COUNTRY-BY COUNTRY LISTING

4.1 Non-verbal communication in lessons

Not too much attention is paid to non-verbal communication in our schools. Teachers usually do not favor the nontraditional exercises in their lessons and if the pupils are not taught to express an emotion only with gestures in the first classes at elementary schools, it will of course be difficult to expect them to do so in later years. Therefore is it necessary to get pupils used to doing these activities at the very beginning of their compulsory school attendance. Although teachers are not aware of the importance of this, it is a real mistake since every exercise that deals with this topic is a very popular activity among students. Non-verbal communication could also be made in a form of competition, it helps to develop of imagination, concentration, introspection and self-evaluation. Most of students and learners are interested in the behaviour of their classmates, which may have positive effect on interpersonal relationships in a particular class. Pupils may try various situations that will not surprise them in their future lives. Exercises focussed on the development of non-verbal communication might be scheduled in any part of a lesson. However, the best function will they fulfill by the motivation and practise. The choice of a concrete exercise depends on many factores that the teacher should realize such as: ≥ the goal we want to reach ≥ the time necessary for explanation, setting, realization and evaluation of an exercise ≥ the number of pupils ≥ abilities and skills of pupils ≥ inter-personal relationships in the class (Vopalecka,11).

Exercises can be elaborated separately, in pairs, in groups or by the whole class. It is sufficient to be ordered continuously through the whole school year long.

4.2 How can we learn to understand body language

We should spend at least 15 minutes a day by observing gestures of another people and realizing our own gestures. It is possible to practise anywhere where people meet one another. An extremely suitable place for observing a wide spectrum of people’s gestures is an airport. People express their eagerness, anger, happiness, impatience and many other feelings. Another possibility are business meetings and parties. Once we are able to read and understand body language, we can come to the party, spend the whole evening sitting alone and have an interesting experience from looking at another people’s rituals. Another great study material is a TV. We can turn off the sound and try to understand what is the story about just from the TV screen. To check whether our thoughts were correct we will turn the sound on every 5 minutes. Though the sound is off, we will soon be able to look the whole story and understand it precisely at the same moment, which is in fact the basic way how the deaf people handle their handicap (Pease,18).

4.3 Are you sensible to body language? (self-evaluating test)

Evaluate every statement with number of points from 0 to 4. 0 = I don’t agree, I don’t dissagree; 2 = I partially agree ; 3 = I agree to some higher extent ; 4 = I strongly agree ; 5 = I absolutely agree 1. If you are introduced to a new person, you try to do your best to make an impression as a nice person 2. It makes me sad when I see someone who is alone at the party 3. I like to discuss everything with my girl/boyfriend 4. It makes me angry when I see that someone is mishandled 5. I believe in honest express of my feelings 6. When I watch a movie, I put myself in a plot quite enough 7. I am pleasured when I can meet new ( unknown ) people 8. I can not be happy in the community of unhappy people 9. I like making new friendship 10. If someone is upset, I am able to recognize it imediately 11. I prefer working in a team instead of working alone

12. Lyrics in a love song touch my heart often 13. I prefer parties to going to the cinema 14. I do not mind spending my vacancy alone 15. I am upset when I see someone crying

Number of points: 0-25 : It seems you are rather independent at the others, you do not like emotional scenes and you always try to control your feelings. Nevertheless, that is what makes it difficult for you to read another people’s body language. When you meet someone, you probably deal with your own impression more than what impression does the other person make on you. 26-45: Your solicitude and ability to get on with another people is at an average level. However, it seems you strive after improvement of your skills in body language reading less than you should. You rely on interpretation of well-known expression of feeling and you deal more with verbal than non-verbal communication. 46-60: You either have already got or you could soon reach a very advantage level of ability in body- language reading. The number of points you reached shows clearly that you are interested in another people and you are empathic enough to understand their feelings. Regardless of number of points you reached, you can be sure that your hidden skills are able to possess using and interpretation of body-language. Assuming that you will apply appropriate amount of time and effort (Lewis,195)

Cultural Gestures

The translated definition of body language varies across countries. There are various attitudes, language and behavior in every culture and in case we are unfamiliar with these aspects, we may often suffer from culture shock. With these different meanings from country to country it is easy to see how misunderstanding may occur. Culture gives concrete meaning to manners, different hand gestures, how close we may stand when conversing, and even handshakes and greetings. Hence, culture influences every aspect of nonverbal communication. Both visual and verbal communication are defined by the culture from which they were created, moreover

22 are they linked by common origins and similar paths of development. Continents and specific countries that are displayed below with their flags show concrete examples how continental, as well as national, influences have changed the meanings of common gestures. There are also described frequent body movement, known to each country. (http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/id6.html)

4.4 Body language and gestures – concrete criteria that are significant for certain countries

1. Basic Courtesies and dining etiquette 2. Simple hand gestures 3. Spacing 4. Rude or hostile signs 5. Waiting in line 6. Shaking Head 7. Nodding Head 8. Waving 9. Handshake 10. Hellos and Good-bye

4.4.1 North America

CANADA

1. It is polite to maintain good eye contact. Men rise when women enter the room. It is considered bad manners to eat while on the street. 2. No excessive gesturing. 3. People stand about a half-meter apart when conversing. 7. Women greet with a slight nod. 9. Men greet with a firm handshake. 23

MEXICO

1. National drink in Mexico is tequila. 4. Hands on hips is a sign of hostility. 5. Patience is important. 9. Women (initiate the handshake) and men greeting with a warm and soft handshake. 10. With friends, men greet with the abrazo, a slight hug with a few pats on the back; women lightly hug and pretend to kiss the cheek.

UNITED STATES

1. Direct eye contact in social and business settings is very important. Gaps in conversation are uncomfortable. While dining, left hand is placed in lap, and right hand is used to eat with. Wrists are permitted on the table (while at a meal), but elbows are not. 2. By either raising the index finger or the hand (facing palm up) and waggling the finger(s) back toward the body means to beckon for someone. 4. Insulting gestures are the middle finger trust and forearm jerk. 5. Lines are treated with respect. 8. Extending the arm, palm facing down and waving the hand up a down at the wrist joint. A variation is to raise the arm, palm outward, and move the whole arm and hand back and forth. 9. It is proper to use a firm handshake with direct eye contact. 10. Women may briefly hug other women, and men may quickly kiss the cheek of a woman (http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/id6.html).

Another information valid for Americans claims that they tend to require more personal space than in other cultures. So if someone tries to get too close to an American during 24 conversation, he or she will feel that the person is "in their face" and will try to back away, so if the person we are speaking with backs away a little, we should not try to close the gap in order to avoid misunderstandings (http://www.edupass.org/culture/personalspace.phtml).

4.4.2 South and Central America

ARGENTINA

1. To make a toast, raise your glass (of red wine) and say "Salud". When finished eating, cross fork and knife in the middle of the plate. 2. To raise a fist in the air with knuckles pointed outwards is an expression of victory. 3. Stand closer than North Americans or Europeans do when conversing. 4. It is rude to yawn in public. Always pour with the right hand, never the left. Never pour wine by grasping the neck of the bottle with the hand and rotating the hand backwards so that the palm turns upward. Hands on hips translate to hostility or challenge. An obscene male gesture is to slap the inside of the thigh near the groin. 9. A warm handshake, and with friends, a light touch on the forearm or elbow. 10. Good friends will greet with an "abrazo" (http://soc302.tripod.com/ soc_302rocks/id6.html).

Unlike the Northern Americans, Argentines tend to stand very close to each other. Many Americans, especially, and some of Europeans, may find this annoying or rude. However, they will find it rude if you back away. Another difference is that you are never invited to an Argentine's home for a meal. It is not a common gesture and is considered to be too personal place for meeting. However, if you are invited, bring a gift. Flowers, chocolates, or a gift for the children have been suggested as good items. Do not bring wine, as it is considered to be too common. (http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/international_job_search/87030/3)

BRAZIL

1. Use good eye contact when conversing. Business cards are often exchanged, and business meetings usually serve strong black coffee. 2. To say, There arent any more, vendors will place their fingers extended and flip the thumb back and forth. Snapping fingers and whipping the hand down and out emphasize statements. Brazilians will pinch the earlobe between thumb and forefinger to express appreciation. 3. People stand relatively close when conversing or waiting in line. 9. Handshakes are warm; people tend to be affectionate. 10. Greetings are carried out with handshakes accompanied with touching of the forearm, elbows, and pats on the back(http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/id6.html).

Another fact about the men from Brazil is that if they greet each other, they shake hands, but during this handshake, they do not maintain eye contact. ( This is contrasting fact to Pease’s opinion since he recommends to keep eye contact during the handshake, and especially Europeans consider avoding eye contact rude). Usually these hand shakes will last for a long time. The exception to this is when a Brazilian is talking to someone of a different status or age. The younger or less powerful person will look away. (http://internationalbusiness.wikia.com/wiki/Brazil%27s_Nonverbal_Communication_Pattern s_and_Gestures

CHILE 1. Men rise when women enter the room. Yawns should be stifled or covered. Wine must be poured with the right hand. 2. Holding the palm upward and then spreading the fingers signals that someone is stupid.

COLUMBIA

1. To suggest that someone is stingy, tap the underside of the elbow with the fingers of the other hand. Place the knife and fork horizontally across the plate when you are finished eating. 9. Women hold forearms instead of shaking hands.

COSTA RICA

1. Local people bathe many times a day and guests are also expected to. 4. A rude gesture is to form a fist with the thumb protruding out between the index and middle finger. Fidgeting hands and feet are impolite. 10. Like other Latin countries, men greet with the abrazo and women will kiss the cheek.

4.4.3 Middle East

IRAN 1. Remove shoes when entering a home or mosque. 2. To signal to someone, put your hand out with your palm down, and curl your fingers in a scratching motion. 4. The thumbs up sign is vulgar. 6. To signal yes, dip your head down with a slight turn. 7. To signal no, move your head up and back sharply.

9. Shaking hands with a child shows respect toward the parents. (http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/id6.html). The thumbs up gesture is extremely rude in Iran,roughly equivalent to raising the middle finger in Westerncountries(http://iguide.travel/Iran/Courtesy/Obscene_Gestures)

ISRAEL

3. People stand close, and friends will touch while conversing. 4. Point down at the upturned palm of one hand with the forefinger of the other hand; this means that "grass will grow on my hand" before what has been said will happen. 9. There are warm handshakes.

LEBANON 2. To signal that someone is a homosexual, lick the little finger and brush it across the eyebrow. 3. People of the same gender stand closer together. 4. Raising a closed fist into the air is making a rude gesture. 7. To nod your head means yes. To signal no, point your head sharply upward and raise your eyebrows. 10. Greetings made be exchanged with the nod of a head; men will also tip their hats at women.

SAUDI ARABIA

1. Women are not allowed to drive. Avoid showing the sole of the shoe; it is considered the lowest and dirtiest part of the body. IT is not p[roper to expose bare shoulders, stomach, or legs. 2. Holding hands or taking someones elbow is a sign of respect and friendship. 4. It is disrespectful to cross legs. To place the palm down, fingers spread, with your index finger bent down and pointing outward is to insult someone. 6. Shaking the head from side to side means yes. 7. By tipping the head backward and clicking the tongue, people signal no. 10. Elders tend to greet by saying, Salaam; men greet with a hug and a cheek kiss. (http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/id6.html). The left hand is considered unclean and reserved for hygiene avoid gestures with the right hand. Do not point at another person and do not eat with the left hand (http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/saudi-arabia.htm).

4.4.4 Africa

EGYPT

1. Right hand is designated for eating and the left for bodily hygiene. Half closed eyes do not express boredom. Often women will walk slightly behind the men. People smoke and public; it is polite to offer cigarettes to those near by. Do not eat everything on your plate when dining. Also, only eat finger food with the right hand. 2. To ask, Would you sleep with me? tap two index fingers together, side-by-side. 3. Men and women stand relatively further apart, but men will stand closer together. 29

4. It is rude to show the sole of your shoe. 9. Handshakes are followed by a touch on the elbow.

NIGERIA

1. Respect punctuality. Sometimes important guests are greeted with applause. Wink at children to signify them to leave the room. 4. A vulgar sign is to hold the hand forward at shoulder or head level, with the fingers spread.

SOUTH AFRICA

1. Cover mouth when yawning. 2. Holding hands out in a cupped manner means that, "The gift you may give me (for carrying your bags) will mean so much that I must hold it in two hands"; this action is often done by porters. 9. Handshake is the most common form of greeting (http://soc302.tripod.com/ soc_302rocks/id6.html). Talking to someone in South Africa with your hands planted in your pockets is considered impolite. Also, try not to stand too close or point your fingers at someone when you're talking.( http://www.traveletiquette.co.uk/EtiquetteSouthAfrica.html )

ZIMBABWE

1. Applauding denotes appreciation and politeness. 4. It is rude to maintain eye contact. 10. Women and girls may often curtsey in greeting.

4.4.5 Asia and The Pacific Islands

AUSTRALIA

1. Men do not express emotions. Cover your mouth when yawning, and then say, Excuse me. Good sportsmanship is highly respected. 2. By turning the glass upside down and placing the glass squarely on the bar, you are saying that you can win a fight against anyone at the bar.

CHINA

3. People stand extremely close when conversing. Surprise is expressed with a quick and loud inhalation of air. Silence is respected. Hosts will often refuse a gift many times before acceptance; this is proper. The main guest always sits at the head of a table, with their back to the door, and the special guest always sits to the left of the host. 10. Greeting is usually just a slight nod and bow. Sometimes people will applaud; this should be responded with applause(http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/id6.html). 31

The gesture that is considered to be rude almost everywhere, picking your nose, is aceptable in China. However, it is more common among older generations since younger generations tend to be more „westernized“ and they do avoid doing this in public(http://www.eruptingmind.com/communication-gestures-vary-different-cultures/)

INDIA

1. Staring at the impoverished population is considered a way to humiliate. Before entering any sacred area, remove footwear. Address elders with the proper title. 2. People grasp their earlobes to express remorse or honesty. Signal to something with either the chin or whole hand. To apologize, tap on someones shoulder and then tap your own forehead. 9. Women should never initiate the handshake; women will often shake hands with other women but not men. 10. When greeting someone, say, Namaste and press palms together with fingers pointing upward.

JAPAN

1. Listening is a sign of politeness. When you receive the business card from the Japanese host, be sure to examine it carefully and avoid quickly putting it away. Place it on the table in front of you for further reference. Hold your business card with both hands, grasping it between the thumbs and forefingers. Present it with the printing pointing towards the person to which you are giving the card, and bow slightly. Your host will accept the card with both hands; bow slightly and then read the card carefully.

2. The ok sign is a money sign in Japan. Waving a hand, palm outward, in front of your face conveys, I dont understand or I dont deserve this (http://soc302.tripod.com /soc_302rocks/id6.html).

Many Japanese laugh or smile when they are embarrassed or make a mistake instead of apologizing or making an excuse. They don't mean to be rude. A smile is regarded as way to escape an uncomfortable situation. A laugh is considered to be a kind of apology. If you laugh along with them it means that you accept the apology. Japanese also sometimes smile when discussing sad topics because it is considered inappropriate to express private sadness(http://factsanddetails.com/japan.php?itemid=611&catid=18)

PHILIPPINES

2. Point by shifting your eyes or by pursing your mouth in that direction. Do not finish the food on your plate. 10. Greet with a quick flash of the eyebrows.

THAILAND

1. When entering a home, do not step on the doorsill. When passing in front of a person, especially an elder, lower the upperbody. 4. It is rude to put your arm behind someones chair or to pat his or her back. 10. The traditional greeting is to place hands in a prayer position with your head slightly bowed; this is called the Wai. The higher your hands, the more respect shown.

4.4.6 Europe

ENGLAND

1. To signal a waiter for the bill, make a motion with both hands of signing your name on a paper. Privacy is very important; do not stare. Tipping at bars is rare. 4. Loud behavior is considered rude. The victory sign with your palm facing in is considered vulgar. 5. Never cut in line (http://soc302.tripod.com/soc_302rocks/id6.html). Among friends, women are often kissed (by men and women) lightly on one cheek. Handshakes are firm. The use of first names is widespread. Titles such as “Mr” and “Mrs” are being used less frequently, even when children address adults. The English are in general a reserved people, who do not approve of loud or highly demonstrative behaviour (except in very informal gatherings). Touching is generally avoided. Manners are important, although standards are not as high among young people, who account for nearly one-fifth of the population. (http://www.referatele.com/referate/engleza/online11/England.php)

GERMANY

1. Always knock before opening a closed door. Do not chew gum while speaking. Men walk either to the left of or on the side closer to the street traffic of women. 2. Clasp your hands together and raise them above your head to show appreciation. The thumbs up sign means one. 8. Moving your hand back and forth means no. 9. It is improper to shake someones hand with their other hand in their pocket.

10. Lightly tap knuckles on table to greet a large number of people at a table. To say goodbye, raise your hand upward, with your palm out and wave your fingers up and down.

GREECE

1. Make a puffing noise though pursed lips to accept a compliment. People smile when they are happy or sad. When men think women are pretty, they will stroke their chins with a finger. 4. The thumbs down sign is an expression of distaste with someones driving. The ok sign is vulgar. 5. There is often pushing and shoving in lines. 6. Tilt your head to your left and right sides to say yes. 7. Either by slightly nodding your head upward or lifting your eyebrows upward, signals no.

IRELAND

1. Women sit first. It is proper to sit with legs crossed at the ankles or at the knees; it is informal to cross your ankle over your knee. 4. To refuse to buy a round of drinks when it is your turn is considered rude. 5. Dont shove in line. 9. Use a firm handshake.

ITALY

1. In churches, women should cover their heads; do not wear short sleeves or sleeveless shirts. When dining, only men pour the wine. 9. Long handshakes. 10. In greeting, warm hugs and kisses are common.

SPAIN

1. It is proper for men to cross their legs; it is considered unfeminine for women to. Eye contact may denote romantic interest. 2. Stretch your arm out, with your palm downward, and make a scratching motion toward your body with the fingers to beckon for someone. 4. The ok sign is obscene. 9. Men and women always shake hands. 10. Both men and women use the abrazo to greet; women may accompany that with a check kiss.

SWEDEN

1. Eye contact is important. When men converse with women, they remove their hat. The male guest of honor sits to the left of the hostess, and the female guest of honor sits to the 36 right of the host. To make a toast, lift your glass and say, Skoal; the host always makes the first toast. When leaving a home, wait to put on our coat after your have stepped outside the door. 9. Firm handshake. 10. Men greet women by tipping their hat.

FRANCE

1. Business cards are often exchanged. Signal a waiter by tipping your head back and saying Monsieur. Catch a taxi by snapping your fingers. Eat sandwiches and fruit with a knife and fork. 2. The ok sign means, zero. To indicate someone is drunk, form a circle with your thumb and forefinger and place it over your nose. Playing a pretend flute says that another is being loud and annoying. 4. Chewing gum, yawning, scratching, having loud conversations, and resting feet on furniture are all considered rude. To express disapproval of anothers driving, raise your hand in the air, fingers up, and rotate your hand back and forth. To make a vulgar gesture, snap the fingers of both hands, or slap an open palm over a closed fist. 9. Light and quick handshake; women offer hand first (http://soc302.tripod.com /soc_302rocks/id6.html). Typical french gesture is the double kiss. Kissing on both cheeks is usual between close acquaintances who are greeting or family members, even in public. It is also an unwritten rule to start with the right cheek. One more gesture that french people do very often is handshake when they are first introduced, and whenever they enter or leave a room, and before and after a meeting. It would be considered impolite if you do not do so. (http://lerc.educ.ubc.ca/LERC/courses/489/worldlang/french/frenchcultandcomm.html)

5 CONCLUSION What people say is often different from what they think and feel. Those who are aware of people’s gestures, mimics and another non-verbal communication may understand both themselves and foreigners much better by observing them during the communication. In case people will try to think of how to make themselves more popular, how to attract an audience and force them to cooperation, how to communicate effectively, their social status can only get better. Books that deal with body language belong to popular-psychological literature and readers of these books are supposed to be people who want to make their communication skills better. Moreover, students of pedagogical faculty are trained to be the teachers, which means necessity to cooperate with large group of learners, students, and presenting of themselves in front of an audience should be every-day routine. Since English is lingua franca, this language enables people to communicate with people from opposite parts of the world. However, gestures and body language people are used to do in one part of the world might be forbidden and impolite in another part of the world and that is the reason why a visitor should be aware of these differences and should deal with them and researching information about them always before he/she wants to visit particular country. Another fact is that the first impression people make depends on many aspects, such as handshake, eye contact, spacing and if the visitor does not follow the rules he is supposed to follow, it might be reason for his/her problems and uncomfortable feeling in particular country.

6 WORKS CITED

Books

Bäumlová, B. Tajemství lidského úsměvu : odlišné interpretace úsměvu v rámci kontextových modalit. Praha: Triton, 2006.

Dytrtová, K. Celostní vnímání – tvar, zvuk, barva a gesto. Ústí nad Labem : Univerzita J.E. Purkyně v Ústí nad Labem, 2001.

Hlaváček, L. Že bychom si nerozuměli? Praha: AVIS, 1997.

Holinger, Paul C., Donerová, Kalia. Co říkají děti, než se naučí mluvit. Praha: Triton, 2003.

Janča, Jiří. Reflexní terapie – tajemná řeč lidského těla. Praha: Eminent, 1991.

Lewis, D. Tajná řeč těla. Praha: Victoria Publishing, 1989.

Moris, D. Bodywatching. A Field Guide to the Human Species. Equinox.

Pease, Allan. Body Language. London: Sheldon Press, 1997.

Thiel, E. Řeč lidského těla prozradí víc než tisíc slov. Bratislava: Plasma Service, 1993.

Vopalecká, L. Neverbální komunikace ve slohovém vyučování. Brno: Masarykova Univerzita, 2005.

Vybíral, Zdeněk. Psychologie lidské komunikace. Praha: Portál, 2000.

Wage, J. Řeč těla jako účinný nástroj prodeje. Praha: Management Press, 1997.

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