Roger Axtell identified a variety of gestures and their appropriate uses in cultures around the world. His collection of examples shows that the same gesture can have very different meanings. The list below is there to give you some examples of his research. Please research and explain a gesture (that is not listed below) that also can have mixed meanings based on the culture, make sure to identify all ways it can be misread. What can be done to safeguard the potential hazards of this type of miscommunication?
The “two-fingered salute.” In most of the contemporary world flashing the index and middle finger in a “V” shape, the palm outward signifies “victory” or “peace” (depending on the vintage of the communicator). However, in England, Australia, and several other countries, a simple turn of the wrist (flashing the sign with the palm toward the communicator) changes this gesture to a highly insulting one: a two-fingered version of our “one-fingered salute.”
“The fig.” Brazilians clench their fists with a thumb jutting between the index and middle fingers to signal good luck and help in warding off evil spirits. In Greece and Turkey, however, this same gesture is quite insulting, whereas in Holland and Tunisia, it has sexual connotations.
“Hook ‘em Horns.” Texans, especially Austinites, know that an outstretched index and pinky finger signal a cheer for the University of Texas Longhorns to do well on the playing field. This same gesture signals a curse in Africa, a good luck sign in Brazil, and an Italian chide that the recipient is being cuckolded.
Signaling that someone is “crazy” can take on a variety of forms. In Germany, it is done by rotating the forefingers back and forth around one’s temples. Italians send the same message by tapping their hands to their foreheads. To complicate matters, in Holland a forefinger to the temple means “intelligent,” whereas a forefinger to the forehead signals “crazy.” The common North American gesture of a circular motion around the temple actually signals “There’s a phone call” among Argentineans.
“Nice job!” Flashing a “thumbs up” to a friend usually signals that the person has done well or that the communicator wishes good luck. In Australia, however, it is considered the equivalent of the “two-fingered salute” discussed above, whereas in Japan it signals “five,” in Germany it indicates “one,” and in Bangladesh, it is considered obscene.
“Pointing” is accomplished in North America and Europe by using the index finger. In Malaysia, the thumb is preferred, whereas in Japan and China, an open hand is used.
The “hand sweep.” Moving one’s hand and arm across a table in a sweeping motion signals “someone is stealing” in Latin American countries. In Peru, this same gesture means “pay me.”
Extending the palm of the hand toward someone might be a way of saying “no more” or “no thanks.” In Greece, however, it is an extremely insulting gesture mimicking shoving dirt (and other brown matter) into someone’s face.
Axtell, R. E. (1991). Gestures: The do’s and taboos of body language around the world. New York: Wiley.
