Fishing on the Net
By Bonnie Nelson
Travel Etiquette
Summer is coming and some of you may be vacationing abroad. Have you ever wondered if you are making the correct gesture in another country? Gestures have different meanings in different countries. A gesture is a form of non-verbal communication made with a part of the body, used instead of or in combination with verbal communication. Gestures allow individuals to express a variety of feelings and thoughts, from contempt and hostility to approval and affection. Most of us use gestures and body language in addition to words (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gesture).
Gestures do not have universal meanings. Even the simplest gesture like pointing at someone can offend if it is not done correctly. In the USA and western European countries it is very common for people to point with an extended finger but in Asia this is considered very rude and it is safer to use the whole hand (http://soc302.tripod.com/ soc_302rocks/id6.html).
Here are just a few examples. When you travel it is important that you spend a little time learning what gestures are appropriate (http://www.everythingesl.net/inservices/body_language.php).
1. Beckon with index finger. This means ìCome hereî in the U.S. To motion with the index finger to call someone is insulting, or even obscene, in many cultures. You may receive a bad reaction when you beckon to someone in the Middle or Far East; Portugal, Spain, Latin America, Japan, Indonesia and Hong Kong. It is more acceptable to beckon with the palm down, with fingers or whole hand waving.
2. Point at something in the room using index finger. It is impolite to point with the index finger in the Middle and Far East. Use an open hand or your thumb (in Indonesia).
3. Make a "V" sign. This means "Victory" in most of Europe when you make this sign with your palm facing away from you. If you face your palm in, the same gesture means "Shove it."
4. Smile. This gesture is universally understood. However, in various cultures there are different reasons for smiling. The Japanese may smile when confused or angry, but in other parts of Asia, people may smile when they are embarrassed. In yet other countries a smile may be reserved only for friends.
5. Form a circle with fingers to indicate ìO.K.î Although this means ìO.K.î in the U.S. and in many countries around the world, there are some notable exceptions: In Brazil and Germany, this gesture is obscene. In Japan, this means ìmoney.î In France, it has the additional meaning of ìzeroî or ìworthless.î
Sometimes just a little knowledge about gestures can go a long way to maintaining peace and misunderstandings. Take the time to check out what is appropriate in the country you are visiting.
Bonnie Nelson is a freelance writer living in Fountain, CO. If you have comments or questions, email her at waltbon@comcast.net
CONTACT THE WRITER • WALTBON@COMCAST.nET
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