Chapter 06: How Worldly Are Your Nonverbal Communication Skills?

Chapter 06: How Worldly Are Your Nonverbal Communication Skills?

How well can you match the following nonverbal behaviors to their meanings in different cultures?

  • OK. (United States)
  • This is worthless. [vulgar] (France)
  • Please give me money. (Japan)
  • You’re an a**hole. [vulgar] (Latin America)
  • We’re a couple. (United States)
  • We respect each other. (Arab countries)
  • Hook ’em horns. (United States)
  • A sign of the devil. (Italy)
  • I’d like to smear excrement over your face. (Greece)
  • Please stop, or tell it to the hand. (United States)
  • I’ve got your nose! (United States)
  • Come here. (United States)
  • You are as lowly as a dog. [vulgar] (Asia)
  • I defy or reject you. [vulgar] (Australia, Greece, the Middle East)
  • I agree. (United States)
  • OK. (United States)
 

  • Thumb and forefinger form a circle, while the other three fingers are spread out.

          • Two men hold hands in public.

              • Pinkie and pointer finger point straight up, while thumb holds the two middle fingers down.

                  • Palm is held flat out toward another person.

                      • Hand is in fist with thumb poking out between the forefinger and middle finger.

                        • Palm up, thumb holding all fingers except the pointer, which alternately straightens and curls.

                            • Hand is in a fist with thumb pointing up.

                                   

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