This document discusses the importance of being aware that gestures can have different meanings in different cultures. Three examples are provided: 1) Smiling in Japan may indicate anger or confusion rather than friendliness. Public displays of affection like hugging or kissing are also unacceptable. 2) A clenched fist against an open palm in China is a polite greeting gesture, not a sign of anger. 3) Showing the soles of your shoes in Thailand is seen as insulting. The key message is that harmless gestures at home could be interpreted as insults abroad, so travelers should learn about appropriate body language in other countries.

1. BODY TALK

2. Are you going on holiday abroad this yearAre you thinking about learning a few phrases to get by

3. Well, you should learn a little about gestures too,because what you say with your head and hands at home can mean something completely different in another country.Imagine this:

4. You are hugging your friend in the street in Tokyo when you see a Japonese person smiling and you smile back.

5. Did you know that the Japonese may smile when they are angry or confused and that kissing or hugging in public is unacceptable in Japan?

6. You are in China and your friend is introducing you to her father.He stands opposite you,holding his right hand in a fist against his left palm and nodding slightly. You feel nervous!

7. Have you done something wrong?A clenched fist almost always suggests anger.Well,in China this gestures is a polite way to great someone.

8. You are in Thailand.You are sitting in a bus with a soles of your shoes showing.Whoops!Be careful.This is insulting.

9. You are invited to a family meal in Greece.You are deep in conversation with your friend and you nod your head to show you agree,as all English people do.However,he looks confused and a little surprised.

10. The world of gestures can be very confusing.A harmless gesture in one country can be a terrible insult in another country.

11. So when you are abroad,be very aware of what you are saying with your body!