This document discusses cultural differences in nonverbal communication across various regions of the world. It notes that certain gestures considered normal or polite in some cultures, such as displaying the sole of one's foot, can be seen as extremely rude in other cultures like many Middle Eastern Islamic countries. Additionally, it highlights differences in personal space norms, with Latin Americans typically standing closer (15-30 cm) when speaking than Americans (60 cm). The document also provides examples of gestures signaling agreement in Asian and Japanese cultures that differ from Western gestures.

1. 1. This gesture that is so popular in
the United States is extremely rude
in many parts of the world.
Pick the country where this gesture
is rude.
– A. Australia
– B. Spain
– C. Middle Eastern countries
– D. All of the above

3. 2. True or false: Asians may
show disagreement by
squinting and sucking air
through their teeth.
True
False

4. True. Many Asians find it
difficult to actually say the
word no, and instead more
comfortably indicate their
displeasure or disagreement
with a gesture.

5. 3. In the United States, people are
generally comfortable standing with
about sixty centimeters of space
between them. What is the normal
speaking distance in much of Latin
America?
A. 15 to 30 centimeters
B. 10 to 20 centimeters
C. 100 centimeters
D. 60 centimeters
E. 200 centimeters

6. In Latin America, many people
stand approximately fifteen
centimeters away from each
other when speaking.

7. 4. True or false: In Japan,
tapping one's finger repeatedly
on the table signifies
agreement and support of a
speaker's statement.
True
False

8. True. This type of "mini-
applause" was reportedly
started in one of the courts of
a Japanese emperor.

9. 5. A British professor was a guest
lecturer at a university in an
Islamic country. During his
address, he unthinkingly insulted
the audience by displaying a part
of his body. What did he show the
audience that was so offensive?
– A. His teeth
– B. His left hand
– C. The sole of his foot

10. C. The professor's failure to
respect Muslim decorum
resulted in a student protest
and newspaper headlines
denouncing British arrogance.