Americans' Body Language

1. American Gestures

- COMMON GESTURES

1. Americans are a not touch (touch/not touch)oriented.

2. In normal social situations, Americans generally stand about 30 inches apart from one another, which is also considered their personal "comfort zone."

3. At sporting events or the theater, Americans usually slide into a crowded aisle while facing forward (forward/the people).

Gesture Meaning

Americans shake hands, and from an early age they are taught to do so with a firm., solid grip. When greeting one another.

American children are taught to look others directly in the eyes. When greeting and conversing. If not, means shyness or weakness.

Arm raised and the open hand "waggles" back and forth. Signaling "hello" or "good-bye." Or trying to get someone's attention.

Americans will often wave to another person and then turn to make hand scoop inward; or raise the index finger ) palm toward one's face, and make a "curling " motion with that finger. To beckon or summon another person.

Palm facing out with the index and middle fingers displayed in the shape of a "V." "Victory" or "peace."

Thumb and forefinger form a circle with the other three fingers splayed upward; it is used frequently and enthusiastically. "O.K." meaning "fine" or "yes."

Thumb up with a close fist. Meaning support or approval, "O.K." or "Good Going!" or "Good job!"

Fist raised with index finger and little finger extended. Texas rallying call "hook 'em horns." Baseball meaning "two outs."

Whistling Pretty woman, cheering at sporting events, applauding performances.

Nodding and shaking the head. Yes and No

Extend the forefinger and make a circular motion near the temple or ear. Something or someone is "crazy."

RIGHT, WRONG, OR RUDE

- Handshake - Although generally adopted around the world. Southeast Asians press together; Japanese bow; Middle Easterners and many Asians favor a gently grip.

- DIRECT EYE CONTACT - Asians, Puerto Ricans, West Indians, African American, Native Americans considered it to be rude, or disrespectful, or intimidating, or may indicate sexual overtones.

- WAVING - "No" to most Europeans. Europeans raise the arm and "Bob" the hand up and down at the wrist."

- BECKONING - Europeans and Asians raise the arm, palm facing down, and make a scratching motion with fingers. In Australia and in Indonesia, curling the index finger is used for beckoning animals.

- "V" FOR VICTORY--In England, palm facing inward toward the face is an obscene gesture.

- THE O.K GESTURE--In France it means zero. In Japan it means money or coins. In Brazil, Germany, and the former USSR., it is obscene gesture.

- THUMBS UP --Also used for hitch-hiking in American. In Nigeria a rude gesture. In Australia, if pumped up and down is an obscene gesture. In Germany and Japan, the signal for "one."

- WHISTLING--Throughout Europe, whistling at public events is a signal of disapproval, even derision.

- NODDING AND SHAKING HEAD--Opposite meaning in Bulgaria, parts of Greece, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Iran, and Bengal.

- CRAZY-- In Argentina, "you have telephone call.