Body language around the world

云南紅河州瀘西縣瀘源普通高級中學 陳光和

世界各地的文化具有差異性，肢體語言也是一樣的。 同一種肢體語言，在不同的國家

表達的含義可能是不同的。 了解這種差異對我們和外國朋友的溝通有很大的益處。

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難詞探意

1. linger /?l??ɡ?(r)/ v. 逗留

2. triple /?tr?pl/ adj. 三倍的

3. intimate /??nt?m?t/ adj. 親密的

4. confidential /?k?nf??den?l/ adj. 秘密的

We all use many forms of non-verbal communication to send messages. But the implied meanings of these common signals vary greatly across different countries. Here's a rundown of the most unusual examples across the globe.

Greetings

In New Zealand, it's a traditional Maori hello to press nose to nose instead of using the globally familiar handshake.In various parts of India, it's common to greet one another by touching feet. Though there are variations across the continent and different ways interpreting this, it's generally a sign of showing respect to elders. Handshakes, hugs or even a hearty backslap is common in places like the US and the UK, but in parts of Europe such as France and Italy, the handshake is a slightly more personal greeting. It's common tolingerfor longer, for which some visitors may feel uncomfortable.

In Italy, France and Spain, the double cheek kiss is a common way of greeting, but can often take people by surprise. If it's your first time in the Netherlands, the Dutch prefer atriplecheek kiss.These simple signs of greeting are considered toointimatein some countries of Asia. Lips are also used as body language in many other places. For example, in the Philippines and Latin American cultures, natives use their lips, rather than hands or fingers, to point.

Hand and arm gestures

Hand and arm gestures are common across the world, but their use and meaning can really convey incredibly different information. Hand signals are the most commonly misinterpreted of all gestures, and can easily land you in hot water.

As standard, Italians use their arms and hands to gesture constantly while talking, whereas in Japan, this is considered impolite. Italians are also known to tap their noses to signify “watch out”,but the college students in the UK will know that a tap of the nose means you're discussing something private andconfidential,which is “none of your business”.

If you're in Belgium or Northern Italy, be sure to avoid brushing one of your hands underneath your chin when speaking—it's a vivid way to tell someone to go away! Do you think the thumbs-up sign is a universal hand gesture for “great”? Well， hopefully you haven't visited Greece or Sardinia yet, where it's considered to be rude.

In the US, a “V” sign (made the same way as a peace sign, but with the palm facing inwards)means victory. In the UK and Australia, however, a “V” sign with the palm facing inwards is an offensive and non-verbal swear—so whether you're planning to study in Manchester or Melbourne, take note.

Head movements

Similar to hand gestures, head movements and facial expressions are sometimes interchangeable across the globe. In many parts of Eastern Europe, the standard nodding and shaking signifying “yes and no” respectively are switched, which can get very confusing. In Japan, staring for too long is considered rude, invasive or even an act of aggression.

Reading

Check

1. Where do people greet one another by touching feet?

A. In Japan. B. In India. C. In Italy. D. In Spain.

2. Which of the following is considered acceptable in Italy?

A. Greeting by using a “V” sign.

B. Greeting by pressing nose to nose.

C. Using arms and hands to gesture while talking.

D. Brushing one hand underneath the chin while speaking.

3. What does tapping the nose in the UK mean?

A. It is a sign of warning.

B. It is a sign of approval.

C. It is a sign of showing respect to elders.

D. It is a sign of talking about something private.