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in diagnosing and treating pain from an expressive hypochondriac or a stoic victim? |
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Tip 1019: Touch or refrain from touching, as appropriate. |
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People stand close in some cultures and feel offended when those of other cultures pull away; other talkers keep a comfortable distance and feel invaded when colleagues come too close. Touching is taboo in some cultures (British, German, Japanese, Asian, Indonesian, Indian, Pakistani) and welcomed in others (Spanish, Latin American, Italian, Jewish, Arabian). The touchers hug, embrace, and pat each other to show goodwill, affection, concern, or trust. The nontouchers refrain for the same reasons. |
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Tip 1020: Gesture and move with care. |
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The United States "OK" sign conveys zero or worthlessness in France, money in Japan, and an obscenity in Russia and some South American cultures. A pointed finger, perfectly normal to Anglos, shows rudeness to Asians, Africans, Belgians. As a seminar leader in Malaysia, I had difficulty remembering to point with my closed palm and thumb. Waving is an insult in Greece or Nigeria, and a welcome in most western cultures. Snapping your fingers is considered vulgar in Belgium and France; it's a pasttime in the United States. Pointing the soles of your feet in the direction of a Thai will offend, but propping your feet up on the desk of a Canadian may show camaraderie and relaxation. |
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Be alert to watching gestures of others and aware when those of other cultures seem offended at your own gestures. Better, if you plan to visit a particular country, study a travel guide for appropriate or inappropriate gestures. |
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Tip 1021: Translate, "Yes" and "No" with care. |
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In various cultures, all the following gestures can mean yes: a raised head and chin, a nod forward, rocking the head from shoulder to shoulder four times, wagging the head from side to side, a backward nod with raised eyebrows, a smile. |
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Nos may be communicated by a finger wagging from side to side, a palm-down hand shaking side to side, a backward tilt of the head, a hand waved in front of the face, a clicking tongue. When traveling, these yes and no gestures are the first to master; otherwise, you may be buying more than you can pay for or selling more than you own. |
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