What gestures are used in the cards. Gestures around the world

The human body obeys certain biological laws, so speech and gestures are closely related. When communicating, the key role is played not by words, but by the movements that accompany this or that phrase. Sometimes they are so predictable that one voice is enough to determine facial expressions and accompanying movements. This fact became known only towards the end of the 20th century, when studies by behavioral scientists were published.

Currently, interest in sign language has increased markedly. Meanwhile, beginners often make a serious mistake - they single out one gesture and immediately draw conclusions, forgetting about hundreds of other things.

Nations differ from each other not only in culture and verbal language, but also in their understanding of non-verbal. In different nations, the same gesture takes on several meanings, sometimes even opposite ones. Consider the well-known “OK” gesture or circle, which is formed with the help of fingers. It appeared in the 19th century with the help of the American press, which promoted the reduction of titles by the first letters.

There is no consensus about the history of this gesture. Someone believes that it was formed as a contrast from the word knockout (eng. K.O.). Others say it's short for Old Kinderhook, the birthplace of US President Martin Van Buren.

In English-speaking circles, it is customary to perceive a circle of fingers as the meaning of "everything is fine." However, if you show "Ok" to the French, they will take it for the number zero; the Japanese will think about money; in Tunisia will be interpreted as a threat to life; and Brazilians will see a hint of homosexuality.

The thumb that is raised up also has several meanings. For example, in America and England, this is how it is customary to stop a taxi, and in Greece this position of the fingers means “Shut up”. So, when preparing for travel, do not forget to learn the generally accepted gestures in order to avoid an awkward situation.

Other Causes Affecting Nonverbal Signals

To understand sign language, you need to remember that gestures cannot be read individually. They can be compared to puzzle pieces - only the assembled parts will show the picture. For example, scratching the back of the head means lying, but it is possible that the person is just hot, restless, or embarrassed.

Or in winter a man walks down the street with his head down and his arms crossed. This will be a sign that he is cold, and not his critical attitude. On the other hand, if you see such a person in negotiations or an interview, then the first meaning will be correct. An accurate result is given by the environment, analysis of facial expressions and external signs autonomic nervous system, that is, all the pieces of the puzzle. Let's take a closer look at the gestures most often encountered in a conversation:

• palm movement;
• spire-like position of the hands;
• laying hands behind the back;
• handshake;
• clasped fingers;
• arms crossed on the chest.

Also, some of these gestures are exceptions and can be considered as an independent element.

palm movement

Hand gestures are a hidden and complex signal of non-verbal communication that can be analyzed separately from other gestures. When a person is frank, he unconsciously opens his palms partially or completely. This phenomenon lasts only a couple of seconds, so you need to carefully watch your hands. And, on the contrary, if he is lying, he hides his arms or crosses them over his chest in order to feel more confident. If you deliberately open your palms and at the same time deceive, the body will react to the inconsistency of words and gestures - sweating will begin, the eyes will go down and the lips will close tightly.

In addition to truth and lies, they are able to convey another meaning. When you are asked for something, look at the palms of this person. Relaxed fingers and an open palm indicate goodwill and trust.

On the contrary, a lowered palm with outstretched fingers signals that a person feels his authority and puts himself in the role of a boss. However, you can not only observe the palms, but also use their properties to your advantage - in a normal conversation, gesticulate more with open palms, they will cause a feeling of sincerity and arrange the interlocutors.

Spike hand position

This gesture is often used by self-confident individuals and people in leadership positions. You can clearly see this by looking at photos of politicians on the Internet. There are two types of spire-like position: spire up and spire down.

• The first version of the gesture is used when expressing an opinion or voicing ideas.
• The second option shows that the person is listening carefully.

But in both cases, this gesture speaks of subordination and an "omniscient" position. It is curious that successful women use the second option in gestures, and men both. By itself, the spire-like position of the hands is considered a positive gesture, but if it is followed by a chain of negative gestures (crossing the arms on the chest or a leg thrown over the other leg), then it also becomes negative.

Laying hands behind the back

Refers to the gestures of a confident person. When a person puts his hands behind his back, he unconsciously exposes vulnerable parts of the body, such as the neck, heart and abdomen. This pose is usually taken by the police, high ranks and bosses. You can benefit from this gesture: putting your hands behind your back in moments of stress will make you feel confident and calm.

However, in a pose where the hands are clasped behind the back, an additional gesture may appear that completely changes the picture. If a person at the same time wraps his fingers around his wrist and squeezes them tightly, then he feels anger or disappointment. The higher the zone of girth of the wrist with the fingers, the more he experiences negative feelings, and also loses control over himself.

Handshake

When people greet each other through a handshake, they convey information about their character and predetermine the outcome of their meeting. There are three types of handshakes:

• Dominance: During this handshake, the other person's hand is above your hand and slightly turned palm down. At the same time, he tightly clasps your hand with his fingers. Such a greeting communicates that he is in control of the situation and feels his superiority. In 80% of handshakes, it is the powerful people who reach out first.
• Submission: differs from the first handshake in that now your hand is on top and his palm is in an open position. In this case, the other person unconsciously puts himself in the background, and the leading position goes to you.
• Equality: with such a handshake, there is a struggle between two leaders - both hands are in the same position, which causes a feeling of respect and understanding.

However, you should not draw conclusions about a person until you take into account the circumstances. For example, musicians, actors, artists and other creative individuals do not like to shake hands strongly, as their hands help to earn a living. Perhaps, when meeting, they will touch your hand with their fingertips and this will be enough for them. There are situations when a person is ill with arthritis, then he is physically forced to lightly shake hands.

interlocked fingers

At first glance, it seems that this is a gesture of trust and disposition. But no, if you see someone's hands with clasped fingers, the person is disappointed and angry. The closer the hands are to the face, the more negative emotions a person feels. In this state, he does not want to listen to anyone, and any contact will cause aggression.

Here you can use a little trick. For example, let him hold some object (a piece of paper, a pen, a phone) so that he opens them. Then emotions will not be confirmed by gestures and the person will become more relaxed.

Arms crossed on chest

A universal gesture, something like a "defensive" pose, protecting from the outside world. In crowded places it can be seen quite often: at the bus stop, in line, subway or bus. A sense of security and an uncomfortable situation are reasons for crossed arms. In addition, a person crosses his arms over his chest when he disagrees with something.

If they nod in response to you, and keep the “defense” with the help of their hands, then the interlocutor is actually against what you are talking about. In this case, you should find out the reason for his disagreement and win the person over with a gesture with open palms.

Gesture simulation

It is almost impossible to fake the signals that the body sends along with speech. For experienced liars, this takes years of practice, provided they lie every day. Then their ability to harmonize with the body is dulled, and the body lives separately from the words. An ordinary person will immediately betray his lie through movements.

If he comes forward with open palms and a charming smile, while experiencing negativity, then his smile will turn into an asymmetrical one and his eyebrows will rise mockingly.

However, in some cases, people are specially trained in the art of gestures. For example, such lessons are given to participants in beauty contests so that the movements of their hands, fingers and body are graceful and friendly. As a result, their photos will be the most sincere, and the judges will be more disposed.

In the same way, highly paid photo models are trained, because no program can change a photo with a stone face into a welcoming and lively one. Despite special studies and practice, the signals of the human body cannot diverge from words for a long time. Therefore, even professionals are not able to imitate gestures for more than a few minutes. So any person will be successful if he starts learning to read body language and apply this knowledge to his own advantage.

When preparing to travel, we try to learn as much as possible about the country we are going to. We look at the weather forecast, take a phrase book with us, check the political situation in the region, but often forget about the elementary - sometimes not knowing some details about the people living in the country of our holiday can put us in an awkward position, or even cause us trouble . In order not to get into trouble, you need to familiarize yourself with the sign language, which can be interpreted in each country in its own way.

For example, there are countries (Great Britain, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, countries North America), where everything you say will be understood by the interlocutor literally. France, Japan, Spain, Greece, Italy, Saudi Arabia, China, South Korea- on the contrary, much more important, have subtext, nuance, accompanying gesture. Here the meaning of the phrase does not always depend on the spoken word. For clarity, compare the gestures of the American actor Clint Eastwood, who slightly moves his finger in order to draw his Smith and Wesson, and the “theater of facial expressions and gestures” of the Frenchman Louis de Funes. In other words, where the literal meaning of what was said is in the first place, the gesture is of little use. They will look at you carefully and with pity, waiting for specific words. Where you are used to paying attention to nuances, you can express your thoughts with interjections and expressive gestures.

1. Head gestures and touching the head, ears

2. Gesture "everything is ok"

3. Protruding thumb

• For hitchhikers around the world, it serves to stop passing vehicles.
• Raising your hand in front of you will mean "Everything is fine," pulling your hand up pointing your thumb over your shoulder means "fuck you." So it is mainly used in Europe.
• In the Middle East, in this way they are sent to where the legs grow from. In Iran, this is considered an offensive gesture, the equivalent of which is the extended middle finger. In Saudi Arabia, by making a rotational movement with your thumb up, you say "roll out of here."
• In Greece, this gesture means "shut up".
• The thumb raised up, with the remaining fingers clenched into a fist, in China means the number 5, in Indonesia - 6.

4. Tongue, lips, chin

5. Gesture V ("victory", victory)

Two fingers raised in the form of a letter V in England and Australia in only one form are perceived as a peace-loving sign, if at the same time the palm is turned away from itself. Otherwise, this gesture is an insult, equivalent in strength to a raised middle finger.

Churchill himself sinned with such a "wrong" gesture.

6. Palms

7. Show "goat"

8. Cross your fingers for good luck

• Indeed, crossed index and middle fingers in Europe are a symbol of good luck.
• And in Vietnam, this gesture is indecent and means female genitals.

9. "Kukish" or "fig"

10. Eyes and eyebrows

11. Legs

12. Beckon with your index finger

13. "Insulting Finger"

This is how the ancient Roman phrase “digitus impudicus” is literally translated, which called the combination of the middle finger put forward (with the index and ring fingers compressed). This gesture is almost the most ancient gesture known to scientists. Few people know that the first person in history to use this gesture as a sign of dissatisfaction with the speech of his opponent was the ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes. He showed a gesture that is considered obscene today to the orator Demosthenes. It happened around the 4th century BC. Thus, we can safely say that the age of the “gesture f” is more than 2400 years. According to the American expert in the field of gestures Desmond Morris, the middle finger in this context is a phallic symbol, hence its "offensive" meaning. It is believed that the obscene gesture was “brought” to the United States by Italian emigrants in the 19th century. For the first time in America, it was recorded in 1886, when the players of one baseball team demonstrated it to their rivals as a sign of hatred.

14. Gifts

You should also be very careful when choosing gifts.

• In no case should you give a watch to a Chinese. In China, the clock is synonymous with the word "death".
• It is also impossible to wrap a gift in white paper - this is also a deadly sign.
• You should not give white flowers to the people of Bangladesh - in this case, you will be charged with the duty to bury the recipient of your gift.
• According to Japanese custom, the gift is not unwrapped in the presence of the recipient. However, in modern times, more and more Japanese people are beginning to adhere to Western etiquette, especially if they communicate with foreigners. Any gift in Japan is wrapped in white paper and tied with a paper cord. In official cases, special paper is used. An inscription corresponding to the occasion must be made on the convolution. The giver writes his name at the bottom of the bundle in the middle, the name of the person to whom the gift is made is written at the top left.

15. How to count on the fingers

16. Say hello and goodbye

The only universal way to win over a partner is a smile, it is used and correctly perceived in any country and any culture. Smiling is the most effective form of communication, and ultimately the best compliment we can give our interlocutor is a sincere expression of interest in him and his problems. Going to visit other countries, do not forget your smiles.

Gestures, like speech and facial expressions, are an integral part of our lives. There are many different gestures that are performed with the hands or fingers, but the meanings of some of them may differ from each other. different regions, countries, and may also be used infrequently in everyday life. Therefore, you should know and learn to recognize the main commonly used hand and finger gestures.

Main groups of gestures

The main groups of gestures include:

reinsurance

These gestures are aimed at trying to cope with their fears of some kind. These include biting your fingertips, knuckles, or nails (uncertainty), rubbing your thumbs together with your hands together, rubbing your neck, and pinching your skin.

readiness

Readiness gestures express a desire to quickly end the conversation and leave or perform the proposed action. It can be hands pressed along the body or in a sitting position, one hand rests with the palm on the knee, and the other with the elbow.

frustration

The state of the body, in which desires do not correspond to the available possibilities, and as a result, a disorder in the normal mental state of the body. Frustration gestures include rapid breathing, fingers clasped and tense (until the knuckles turn white), the palm of one hand clenching the fist of the other, intense stroking of the neck or hair.

credulity

Gestures of gullibility are aimed at the disposition of the interlocutor, more often you can see them in the relationship "boss - subordinate". The use of this gesture speaks of absolute confidence in one's words. These gestures are characterized by palms folded into a dome, support of the chin with folded palms, fingers can be tightly pressed or connected by tips, respectively, in pairs.

Authoritarianism

Authoritarianism is the desire to subjugate an opponent. She is characterized by aggressiveness, cruelty, an overestimated level of self-esteem. The gestures of authoritarianism include hands folded behind the back with the chin held high, the desire to be “above” the interlocutor with all its appearance.

Nervousness

Gestures that are nervous show the anxiety and anxiety of the one who shows them. Nervousness gestures include covering the mouth with the palm of the hand and waiting for a reaction to what was said, hands raised in a pyramid and covered with the palms of the mouth in this position, or frequent changes in the position of the palms and hands.

self control

Self-control gestures are aimed at maintaining peace of mind and curbing the desire to hit the interlocutor or perform some kind of action that is better to restrain from. This can be hands laid behind the back (one palm tightly squeezes the other) or squeezing the armrests of a chair until the knuckles turn white.

dominance and subordination

Such gestures are aimed at expressing superiority (both physical and mental). More often, dominance can be seen with a handshake (a handshake with effort, the opponent slightly turns the palm so that it is on top). Also, the hand can be in the pocket, and the finger remains outside, or the hands are folded on the chest with the fingers exposed.

Secrecy and suspicion

These gestures appear when your interlocutor does not have the slightest desire to continue talking, wants to leave as soon as possible, or simply does not trust. Such gestures include a mouth clamped with a palm and a look from under the forehead or eyes averted to the side, rubbing the bridge of the nose, forehead or ear with the index finger.

preening

Preening or courtship is aimed at the desire to interest the interlocutor of the opposite sex, showing the comfort of being in his company. This can be smoothing hair, a relaxed posture with hands resting freely on your knees, adjusting or loosening a tie, stroking a jacket or jacket.

pacing

Different ways of pacing correspond to different states of a person. Ragged pacing and active hand gestures betray nervousness, uniform and rhythmic pacing is characteristic of a person actively moving towards his goals, shuffling gait - laziness and uncertainty, uniform fast pacing with hands folded behind his back - expectation.

Boredom

Boredom gestures are fairly easy to recognize. Blank stare, lack of response to environment, mindless drawing on paper, clicking with a pen are a group of gestures of boredom.

Grade

Appreciative gestures show a person thoughtful and dreamy. They can be divided into gestures:

• interest (supporting the cheek, scratching the chin and bridge of the nose, index finger on the chin, the rest along the neck, arms hanging freely on something leaning on);
• disinterest (lowered head, and hands clasped at the neck).

Protection

Protective and defensive gestures are used during times of threat and stressful situations. Hands folded on the chest, palms clenched into a fist - this is a gesture of protection.

openness

If a person is open to others, then the gestures accompanying his words will indicate a disposition towards an opponent in a conversation. Open palms, shrugging (accompanied by opening the palms and moving them to the sides) - this can be attributed to openness.

Popular gestures

Gesticulation in conversation is very common, but the meaning of some movements may not be entirely clear, or simply unnoticed. Commonly used gestures include the following:

thumb up and down

The most common meaning of these gestures is approval and disapproval. But there are cases of using these gestures with a different designation. For example, you can stop a vehicle with your thumb. A sharply raised thumbs up for the British and Australians will look offensive and condemning sexual orientation. In Greece, you can “send” with the same gesture, while among the Arabs it is associated with the male phallus. Also, for Russians, British and Australians, a raised finger means the number "5", and for Italians, the number "1".

Forefinger

The name of this finger speaks for itself. A finger pressed to the lips is “silence”, raised up is “attention”, raised up and swaying left and right is denial, a raised finger and swaying up and down is a threat or teaching. If a finger is twisted at the temple, then this is the designation of a fool. In Iran, the palm is turned up and the index finger is up - "Fuck you."

Middle finger

The middle finger held vertically, and the thumb protruding to the side or pressed to the palm, is considered an insult in many countries, and means "Fuck you ...". In the Middle Ages, the middle finger was used as a definition of a passive homosexual. This gesture is one of the oldest with originally preserved meaning.

Two fingers or "V" sign

The fingers forming the letter “V” with the back of the palm facing the pointing one means “Victory” in the countries of Europe and in Russia in particular. If, when showing this combination of fingers, the palm is turned towards itself, then this means the number "2", but it is worth considering that in some countries (Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand) such gestures are an insult to intimate preferences.

three fingers

Three fingers protruding everywhere indicate the number "3", regardless of the rotation of the palm. During the Second World War, the Germans used this as a greeting from the commander-in-chief when taking the oath. Now this fingering expresses the word "Victory".

Goat gesture and tongue between fingers

"Goat" is used by the people to protect against the evil eye. More commonly known as the "rocker goat", and the tongue between the fingers carries the more cheeky meaning of such gestures. In Russia, this gesture is used to denote a cuckold and to intimidate children with a “horned goat”. If the “goat” is shown to someone, gradually approaching, then this means that an attack will now occur.

Thumb and little finger or "Shaka" gesture

The most commonly used designation for this movement is "Call me". If, with such a combination, the thumb is brought to the lips, and the head is sharply thrown back, then this is an offer to drink, and for drug addicts this gesture (without tipping the head) means to smoke. In Asian countries, "Shaka" is the number "6", in Colombia - a wish for good luck, and in Hawaii, among extreme athletes, this is considered a greeting.

Ok or thumbs up

The most common value is "Everything is OK" (OK). This gesture came into use from America. As well as the values ​​of the index and thumb, folded in a ring, is the number "0", for the Japanese such a sign means money, and for Italians - "Worthless". If you show such a gesture to the inhabitants of the Mediterranean countries, then you will offend a person by considering him a representative of a non-traditional orientation.

Clasped fingers

Linked fingers indicate a person who is very difficult to convince of something, interlacing fingers - a "barrier" between opponents. Depression, protest, hostility (depending on the force of squeezing the fingers), self-doubt are also designations for such a gesture. To convince a person of your point of view, you need to try to disengage his fingers, for example, by giving him something in his hands for consideration.

Rubbing your thumb on the tips of others

This gesture means "Money" or the expectation of a monetary reward for a service rendered, showing, as it were, rubbing a bill between the fingers, checking it for authenticity. Sometimes this gesture is used when trying to remember something, and in case of success, it is accompanied by a snap of the fingers. If the rubbing of the fingers occurs with effort, then this indicates the containment of raging emotions.

intertwined fingers

Two crossed fingers means protection from the evil eye, or the hope of hiding deceit, as well as luck. Basically, the fingers are intertwined on both hands and hide from the opponent in the pockets or behind the back. In Vietnam, with this gesture you will insult the interlocutor.

Closed thumb and forefinger

The use of closed fingers is subconsciously aimed at drawing the interlocutor's attention to an important aspect of the conversation. This gesture is accompanied by the movement of the brush back and forth, and the palm is directed towards you.

Connected fingertips

Fingertips connected to each other mean a person who is confident in his words. There are two options for connecting the fingers: the first, when the "spire" is directed upwards (speaking), the second, when the "spire" is directed downwards (listening). When, during a conversation, the opponent connects his fingertips, this indicates that he has already made a decision on your issue, and arms or legs crossed at this moment - this is a probable refusal. Most famous person The one constantly used by him is German Chancellor Angela Dorothea Merkel.

The gesture of humility on the icons

A well-known sign depicted on Christian icons, meaning "humility" (interpretation "blessing"). In this gesture, the fingers are folded in a specific way, in which the tip of the thumb touches the tip of the ring finger, and the middle and index fingers are slightly raised, while the hand itself is folded on the chest and bent at the elbow. To reveal the true biblical meaning of this gesture, it is necessary to turn to religious literature. This gesture is believed to be a blessing.

Finger rubbing other parts of the body

Rubbing the chin, forehead or middle part of the head determines - thinking, the back of the head - at this moment the interlocutor does not know what is being said. If the opponent rubs his nose with his fingers, then this means uncertainty, and if he pulls his ears, cheeks or buttons with his fingers, then this is an indicator of secrecy or an attempt to deceive.

Hands behind back

If your interlocutor's hands are clasped behind his back, then he is trying to calm down and pull himself together. But the most common interpretation of this gesture is that a person is confident in himself and his abilities. Scientists have proven that if you put your hands behind your back in any stressful situation, it will become much easier, tension will come to naught and confidence will be added.

Hands in pants pockets

Hidden hands indicate that your interlocutor is trying to hide something, lie, or he is simply not interested in your conversation. The more open the hands, the “cleaner” your interlocutor’s thoughts are. These actions should not be confused with hidden hands in pockets in the cold. If an opponent constantly keeps his hands in his pockets in any situation, then this is probably just a habit.

Russian alphabet in sign language

The deaf and dumb alphabet has its own specific sign, corresponding to the usual letters from our alphabet. There is nothing difficult in recognizing these "letters". Basically, letters show names, titles and rare words for which there are no signs. Gestures can show both individual letters and whole words. In total, there are about 2000 "words" of gestures.

V Everyday life we don't notice how much we gesture. For us, it's just a habit, so we don't think about it when we show something.

Once abroad, some of these habits can play a cruel joke on you. A harmless gesture can have an indecent or even offensive meaning to a person. Therefore, at first, until you get acquainted with local customs, it is better to "keep your hands to yourself."

Any communication begins with a greeting. Usually we just say hello, and handshakes are common among men all over the world. However, in some parts of the world, traditions are still different, so be prepared for an unusual greeting if you find yourself in one of these states:

• : You may be grabbed by the thumb.
• Muslim countries: there is a tradition among the representatives of the stronger sex to clasp each other by the waist.
• France: possible kisses on the cheek from a complete stranger.
• Lapland(parts of Norway, Sweden and Finland): they rub their noses when they meet.
• Asian countries: Greeting by placing the palm of your hand.

Thumb gestures

You probably remember that in Ancient Rome thumb summed up the results of gladiator fights. Therefore, until now, lowered down, it means dissatisfaction with something, and raised up - approval.

If you raise your thumb up, it can mean that everything is fine, or in this way you can even tell someone that he is doing great. But in some countries of the world it may be perceived differently:

• Germany: the average German will perceive simply as the number "one", such gestures are used when counting.
• Greece: a thumbs up indicates an unwillingness to continue the conversation further.
• Uruguay, Iran: may have an indecent meaning, as it indicates a desire to perform acts of a sexual nature.
• USA: with a wave of the hand with such a gesture, they stop a taxi and catch a ride, and the approval is shown with an OK sign.

Index finger gestures

Nature itself gave us a second finger in order to indicate something. For example, if you bring it to your lips, you can silence the audience. To focus attention on something, you just need to raise it. But for Muslims, a raised index finger means that Allah is one, and he is in heaven.

The beckoning gesture with which we urge a person to approach is considered offensive in many Asian countries. In the Philippines, for example, they can even be arrested for this.

An equally interesting gesture is the scrolling of this finger at the temple. If this makes it clear to us that you doubt the mental abilities of another person, then in other countries it may have a different meaning:

• Holland: they will think that you are a gifted person and so point to your mind.
• Italy: this is how the most eccentric people are distinguished.
• Argentina: this sign can call you to the phone.
• Peru: means busy mental activity.

Raised middle finger

If not for American films, perhaps we would not even know the meaning of this indecent gesture. However, middle finger signs have spread densely around the world. There is hardly a people for whom this gesture would mean something good. Most often, this is how an unpleasant conversation or an unresolved dispute ends. In some countries it may be shown as a joke, while in others it is considered extremely offensive.

For example, in Germany, you can get a hefty fine for showing the middle finger.

As for Thailand and, there such a gesture can be understood as the possibility of providing sexual services. So be careful.

An analogue of an indecent gesture is a hand bent at the elbow, with the palm of the other hand placed on the bend.

Two-finger gesture, or V sign

If you ask what the two fingers raised up, index and middle, mean, then the answers different peoples world will be very different.

We use this symbol to represent the number 2. For the Germans, the gesture symbolizes victory, for the French, peace. But the Greek and the resident of Australia may be offended, because for them it means "get out."

"Shish" in different countries

The widespread use around the world has given this obscene gesture several names. For example, in our country it is also called “fig”, “muzzle”, “fig”, and is boldly considered an analogue of the American “f * ck”, only not so offensive. This design of three fingers is rightfully the best argument in the dispute.

But, again, its meaning in different states can be perceived differently:

• Japan, China, Korea: Perceived as offering services of a sexual nature.
• : Counts as a threatening gesture.
• Turkey: manifestation of aggression.
• Brazil: good luck, protection from the evil eye.

Gestures with the open palm of the hand

Reminds me of a stop sign. If you see him on our road, it will really be a reason to stop. In other situations, it can mean the number 5. Many peoples use it as an assurance of the veracity of their words, during an oath.

But, for example, in Greece, this gesture can seriously offend your interlocutor. The story begins from ancient times, when a person who committed a crime was marked with a face - this was done with a palm. Since then, this sign has been considered indecent by them.

"Yes" and "no" in different countries

In the standard sense, nodding the head means “yes”, and moving it in a horizontal plane to the sides means “no”. However, there are peoples who stand out here:

• Bulgaria: to say "yes", you need to tilt your head left and right with a direct look; to answer "no" - sharply throw your head back.
• Greece: drawing an arc with the nose, while the head goes to the side, and then slightly up - this is “yes”; tossing the head with a characteristic smacking - "no."

In any case, being abroad, in an environment unusual for you, be careful, look closely at the reaction of others to your actions. Well, if you came for adventure - forget about it altogether, and enjoy the unexpected turns of fate.

When you travel abroad and do not know the language of the country you are visiting, sign language often comes to the rescue.

With it, you can catch a taxi, buy groceries in a store or ask for directions.

However, sometimes translation difficulties arise even with gestures familiar to us, which have a completely different meaning in other parts of the world.

Here are 10 typical gestures that may seem rude abroad.

1. Two-finger gesture "Victory"

The "Victoria" gesture, which is shown with the index and middle fingers in the form of the letter V, in many countries means victory or peace. However, if at the same time the palm is turned to the person, then in the UK, Ireland and Australia, the V-shaped gesture acquires an insulting gesture, which is non-verbal. equivalent to the phrase "back off!".

2. Hand gestures ("munza")

The outstretched palm, which is often used to say "stop," takes on a different meaning in Greece. Palms pointing towards the interlocutor, called "munza" is an insulting gesture that is used when they want to express extreme indignation or roughly speaking "send" the interlocutor.

This gesture has been left over from Byzantine times, when cinder was smeared over the face of a criminal to make him an object of ridicule.

3. Gesture "thumbs up"

This gesture of consent and approval often breaks down language barriers, and hitchhikers often vote for it on the road. However, in Thailand it is a sign of condemnation. Although the gesture itself is rather childish, like sticking out the tongue, it should be avoided. In Iran, this is an offensive gesture, the equivalent of which is the extended middle finger.

4. Beckoning gesture with the index finger

Calling the sign with the index finger, saying "come to me" is taboo in Asian countries. In the Philippines, this gesture applicable only to dogs and says that you consider the interlocutor below yourself. In addition, the use of this gesture can lead to arrest in this country.

5. Stroking on the head

Stroking a child on the head is usually a gesture of friendliness and tenderness. However, in the Buddhist religion, the crown is the highest point of the body, that is, the place where the soul lives. Touching the top of the head is aggressive invasion in the space of a child or an adult. This gesture should be avoided in countries where most people practice the Buddhist religion.

6. Gesture "OK"

Ring of thumb and forefinger "OK", meaning "everything is all right!" or "right", in France means "null" or "worthless". In Greece and Turkey, this gesture is very vulgar, having the meaning of a similar opening in the human body or serving allusion to homosexuality. In some Middle Eastern countries, such as Kuwait, "OK" means the evil eye.

7. Gesture "Fig"

The gesture "fig", "shish" or "fig" is not entirely harmless in nature, and is often used in case of refusal or disagreement. In Brazil, this is a more benevolent gesture used to good luck wishes and protection from the evil eye. In Turkey, it has an aggressive and rude nature, the equivalent of which is the middle finger.

8. Gesture with the left hand

In many countries people don't pay attention to what hand they offer something to other people. However, in India, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East, left hand considered "dirty" designed for wiping in the toilet. Even a left-hander should eat with his right hand, as only it is considered suitable for eating. The same applies to shaking hands and passing objects.

In Japan, giving with both hands is considered polite, while a one-handed gesture may suggest disdain.

9. Finger crossing

In many Western countries, people cross their index and middle fingers for good luck or the evil eye. In Vietnam, this gesture is offensive, especially if you are looking at it or addressing it to another person. It is believed that crossed fingers are the female reproductive organs.

10. Gesture "Goat"

The "Goat" gesture, or as it is also called "horns", "fingering" or "corn" is often used by musicians and their fans. However, you should not show this gesture in Italy, especially to a man, as he alludes to his wife's infidelity("cuckold").

Bonus: obscene "middle finger" gesture

This is the most famous and recognizable indecent gesture in the whole world, which is English language corresponds to the expletive "Fuck You" ("went on ...!"). In addition, it is one of the most ancient gestures, which was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as by monkeys.

Roughly speaking, a raised middle finger symbolizes the phallus, and pressed fingers - the scrotum. By showing it, you seem to be offering a "male sexual organ" to another person or rudely refusing the request. Also analogous to this gesture is elbow gesture when the left hand is placed on the fold of the right hand.

In Asian countries, however, the middle finger is sometimes used to indicate something.