This document discusses how body language varies across cultures. Body language includes gestures, greetings, and postures, which can be interpreted differently in different parts of the world. Some gestures seen as polite in one culture, like a thumbs up, may be rude in another. Similarly, ways of greeting like hugging, kissing, or bowing depend on factors like gender, age, and familiarity. It is important to understand these cultural differences in body language to avoid unintended offenses when visiting foreign countries or interacting with people from other cultures.

1. Body language
…. across cultures

2. Body language
Body language is a non-verbal, sub-consciously
interpreted and generated set of body movements,
postures and gestures.
Since body language is not as neatly defined as a normal
language is, it can be understood and interpreted in many
different ways.
This ambiguity and the insight it gives into the human
psyche is what makes it an interesting subject to study.

3. Body language
(cont’d)
There are a number of reasons for these
differences:
• time
• economic status
• social status
• gender
• cultural differences
It is very important to understand how body
language varies across cultures around the world.

4. Body language
determinants
Greetings
How people of different cultures greet each other
Gestures
Different gestures mean different things in different
cultures. Knowing these differences is important.
Postures
Interpretations of postures vary across cultures

5. Greetings
The way two people greet one another varies
widely and depends on the following factors:
• how well they know one another location
• gender
• age
It is very important to know how to greet people
of other cultures appropriately, especially if you
are visiting a foreign country.

6. Greetings (cont’d)
• The hug: This is a common form of greeting in
many cultures, even among men.
• The kiss: Some cultures greet people by kissing
them on the cheek, twice or three times. This is a
very common form of greeting in France and
parts of Africa, even among men.
• The handshake: This is a formal greeting between
people who do not know one another.
• The African handshake: This form of handshake
involves gripping the other person’s hand three
times.

7. Greetings (cont’d)
• Rubbing noses: In New Zealand, among Maori
people, this is called “Hongi,” meaning
‘sharing breath’.
• Bowing: In Japan, this can range from a slight
nod in the head to a full bend.

8. Innocent yet
rude gestures
• Thumbs up: In the US, and in Africa, a thumbs
up means “OK” or “good”. However, it is
considered rude in Australia, Brazil, South
Italy, Germany, Greece, and some Islamic
nations.
• Putting your hands in your pockets: might be
common in some places, but is considered
impolite in many regions around the world.

9. Innocent yet rude
gestures (cont’d)
Pointing your feet towards a Buddha statue is a
serious offence in Buddhist countries.
In some cultures, we point our fingers to show
direction. In the Middle East and Russia, is a
no-no. It is preferable to show a direction with
an open palm.

10. Innocent yet rude
gestures (cont’d)
• In Japan, slurping your food and burping is
considered good manners as it implies that you
have enjoyed the food. In most other cultures, it
is considered bad manners.
• In some countries like Germany, it is very
important to be on time. Being late, even for an
informal meeting, is considered very rude.
• Some African cultures believe that taking
photographs of them steals their souls.

11. Innocent yet rude
gestures (cont’d)
• Crossing your fingers in some countries, is
generally a sign of good luck, but in some
South American countries, it is considered
offensive.
• Snapping your fingers to get someone’s
attention is considered rude in countries such
as France and Belgium.

12. Gestures with
multiple meanings
The OK sign has multiple meanings.
• In America, it may mean approval.
• In Brazil, Italy, Germany, and Greece, it is a
very offensive insult.
• In southern France, it might also mean “zero”
or “worthless” depending on the facial
expression.

13. Gestures with
multiple meanings (cont’d)
Shaking the head sideways
• In the US, it means “no”
• In Bulgaria, it means ‘yes’.
Nodding the head up and down
• In the US, it means “yes”.
• In Bulgaria it means “no”

14. Postures
• Postures are a very important form of body
language, and like gestures, are generally
involuntary.
• Like gestures, postures carry different
meanings across cultures.

15. Postures
Crossing legs when sitting: A survey found that
American men regarded their European
counterparts as slightly feminine. This is attributed
to the way they sit.
• American men cross their legs in an ankle-on-knee
fashion
• European men cross their legs in both the ankle-on-
knee fashion and knee-on-knee fashion.
• In America, the knee-on-knee fashion is
something women do.

16. Conclusion
Actions and postures speak louder than words.
In today’s world, where globalisation is an
unstoppable phenomenon, knowing and
understanding body language, its interpretation
around the world, and its cultural significance is
very important in building and maintaining good
business relationships.