Body Language

As a teacher, possibly in a foreign country, you should be aware of the body language and gestures of your host country.

To take an example, in America and the UK giving a thumbs up sign means approval or "well done". In Iran, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Sardinia though it is an obscene gesture and making it in the classroom or public will cause a lot of problems.

So, it is wise to do some homework about your host country and find out what you can - and cannot - do to stay out of trouble.

Video

This video is all about how you might inadvertently insult your students.

Gestures to Avoid

• Afghanistan: thumbs up
• Asia: pointing; body contact
• Austria: hands on the lap whilst eating
• Belgium: pointing with the index finger; hands in pockets whilst speaking; blowing your nose or yawning in public
• Czech Republic: elbows on table
• Finland: leaving food on the plate; yawning in public; standing with arms folded
• France: chewing gum, yawning or scratching in public; snapping the fingers of both hands
• Germany: hands in pocket; chewing gum
• Greece: open hand palm pushed towards someone; the OK sign of thumb/forefinger
• Guatemala: clasping or holding hands together
• Hungary: "clinking glasses" to say cheers
• Iran: thumbs up; blowing your nose in public; slouching in a chair; showing the sole of the shoe
• Ireland: not buying a round of drinks when it's your turn!
• Japan: four fingers pointing; shows of public emotion; standing with open mouth; crooking finger ("come here")
• Latin America: demonstrating size using two fingers
• Netherlands: leaving a meal in the middle to go to the toilet
• Nigeria: thumbs up
• Pakistan: a single closed fist; eating with the left hand
• Poland: chewing gum
• Sardinia: thumbs up
• Saudi Arabia: bare body parts
• Sweden: putting on your coat before you leave a host's house
• Switzerland: slouching
• Thailand: touching another person's head; touching the foot; pointing the foot at someone
• Turkey: crossing your arms whilst talking; showing the sole of your shoe; the OK sign of thumb/forefinger
• The United Kingdom: two fingers in the shape of a V, palm in; jumping the queue

These, of course, are just a few. Research well wherever you go to avoid offending anyone and, possibly, getting yourself in trouble.

Gestures to Use

Almost universal and perhaps the most useful and least misunderstood gesture is the smile. Use it often and it will make your life easier and more pleasant.

However, in some cultures it is a mark of frivolity or a show of sadness or anger.

Which means that you can never be too careful to learn about gestures.

See Also

Touching - appropriate and inappropriate touching