Nonverbal Communication in a Different Culture

Nonverbal behavior can only be interpreted in a particular cultural context. Here are five common nonverbal behavior and how behavior is interpreted in the State or different Geographical regions. You should always be careful in using nonverbal behaviors outside of your home country.
1. Avoiding Eye Contact
- In the United States, this indicates a sense of shame or fraud.
- In Libya, it is a tribute to a woman.
- In Japan, this is done in recognition of a higher authority
2. Crossed his legs when sitting
- In the United States, this is done at the convenience of reasons.
- In the Arab countries, is an insult to show the soles of the feet.
3. Showing Palms
- In the United States, this is a form of greeting, such as atatu wave handshake.
- In Greece, this is an insult.
4. Integrating the thumb with her index finger to form the letter "O"
- In the United States this implies "OK"
- In the Mediterranean countries this means zero or holes.
- In Japan it means money.
- In Tunisia, this means "I'll kill you"
- In Latin America, it is obscene gesture
5. Standing close to someone when talking
- In the United States it is regarded as a nuisance, and the speaker will be regarded as a pushy person.
- In Latin America and Southern Europe this is the normal distance in the conversation.

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