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In informal situations in Brazil, people may greet each other with a kiss on the cheek

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In Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, there are parties in the first week of each semester (calouradas)

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People like to eat cheese bread every day.

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Cali is known as the world capital of salsa. People in Colombia also dance a lot.

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In RS, french bread is called "cacetinho", but that is a bad word in other states!

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Argentina have a lot rock bands in spanish. Some are very famous, like: Los Fabulos Cadillacs, Soda Stereo and Los abuelos de la nada.

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In Korea, when eating with your family or extended family, it is considered ill-mannered when you take the first bite of the food. You should let the eldest of the family member eat first, usually the father.

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💬 1 🔁 24 ❤️ 110 · Korean Culture- Dining · These culture related answers differ between each family as some families tend to be more traditional whilst others aren’t. The answers to these questio…

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The australian accent don´t pronounce the letter R after a vowel. "Car" tuns into "Cah" when pronounced

Fonte: KTS - Accents; https://accent.ktspeech.work/an-australian-accent/#:~:text=Rhoticity,with%20a%20feeling%20of%20despair.

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In Peru there are more than 50 types of corn, of different colors: white, red, black... among others.

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A custom in Japan is to take off your shoes when entering a house. It's a very old tradition.

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The Dalmatian dog breed originates from the Dalmatia region of Croatia.

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The angolan portuguese sounds diferent of brazilian portuguese in words that sounds more open, because this words sounds more close in angola. Like "Troféu" is "Trofêu" there

Fonte: https://sistemas.uft.edu.br/periodicos/index.php/portodasletras/article/download/16784/23056/90530#:~:text=5.1.&text=A%20an%C3%A1lise%20comparativa%20das%20variedades%20do%20portugu%C3%AAs%20no%20Brasil%2C%20Portugal,como%20a%20palataliza%C3%A7%C3%A3o%20de%20consoantes.

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In Santa Maria, in winter, there is a custom of "lagartear", that is, enjoying the sun in a lazy way.

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Nada melhor que lagartear no sol comendo bergamota. https://t.co/YkqqQJvA8r

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Nada melhor que lagartear no sol comendo bergamota. https://t.co/YkqqQJvA8r

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While the thumbs-up gesture typically means "good" or "okay" in many cultures, it's considered offensive in Iran and can be taken as a vulgar gesture in Greece.

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In our last article, we explored if body language is really a language. And whether you just nodded in approval or raised your eyebrows, you just proved that nonverbal communication is universal.

It's also essential to convey emotions, enhance your language and bridge linguistic and cultural gaps.

Now, the fact that nonverbal communication is used around the world does not mean it's the same everywhere. Just like traditional languages, body language varies greatly from country to country.

From the champions of hand gestures, Italy, to the 34 bows of the Land of the Rising Sun, please give the thumbs-up to a tour of body language around the world!

What is body language?

Body language is the unspoken language we use through gestures, expressions, and movements. It adds depth to our words, showing emotions and intentions. It bridges gaps in cross-cultural communication and enhances your connection with others. Nonverbal communication includes facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, and touch.

It's studied through kinesics, proxemics, haptics, chronemics, and oculesics. Body language can support or contradict words, and sometimes, our true feelings leak out unintentionally. And of course, context matters for interpreting body language.

Does culture impact body language and non verbal communication?

Some aspects of nonverbal communication are universal, like basic facial expressions. For instance, a smile can work wonders pretty much anywhere!

However, others vary culturally. Different cultures have their own set of norms, values, and social expectations, which influence how people express themselves nonverbally.

We'll cover this in depth below.

Body language in different cultures around the world

As mentioned, culture has a significant impact on nonverbal communication. Sometimes, nonverbal is even contradictory from one country to another. Some gestures are even considered offensive and can lead to an embarrassing faux-pas.

Hence the importance of culture training if you work with people from different nationalities.

Never make a circle with your index and thumb at a French restaurant, or worse - tragic music - stick your chopsticks upright in China, South Korea or Japan!

You have no idea what I'm talking about? Check out these gestures that can get you in trouble abroad. You'll thank us later!

Below is an overview of body language cultural differences. We won't mention laughing, as it universally expresses joy, amusement and connection. Unless it's a sarcastic or evil laugh, of course!

Keep in mind that these are generalizations, and individual variations exist within each country and culture - sometimes even between regions or genders. Context also matters. Finally, globalization and increased cultural interactions are leading to more cross-cultural understanding and shared interpretations of facial expressions.

Facial expressions and head movements

North America

Smile: Happiness, friendliness, agreement.

Eye contact: Sign of attentiveness, confidence, and honesty.

Nodding: Agreement or understanding.

Raised eyebrows: Surprise or curiosity.

Frowning: Displeasure or sadness.

Laughing: Joy and amusement.

Europe

Smile: Similar to North America, although some countries might smile less than what you're used to in America - Especially some Nordic countries and Russia, where smiling is limited with strangers.

Eye contact: Generally interpreted as attentiveness and honesty. Uncommon in Russia.

Nodding: Agreement or acknowledgment.

Frowning: Displeasure or concern.

Asia

Japan: Controlled smiling, blushing can signify embarrassment or shyness.

China: Smiles can indicate politeness, respect, or discomfort.

South Korea: Minimal smiling, nodding to show understanding.

India: Nodding can mean acknowledgment more than agreement, and the famous head wobble can have many different meanings.

Thailand: Smiles used frequently, even in awkward situations - I'd say in Indonesia too, when they don't know something. Which can be misleading when you're trying to get train directions and schedules, trust me!

Middle Eastern Countries: Limited smiling with strangers, eye contact varies.

Middle East

Smile: Reserved for close relationships, less common with strangers.

Eye contact: Varies across cultures, can show respect or challenge.

Nodding: Often slower and more deliberate, indicating agreement.

Frowning: Used to display attentiveness rather than displeasure.

Latin America

Africa

Australia and Oceania

Hand gestures

North America

Thumbs up: Approval, agreement, or positivity.

Peace sign (V for Victory): Generally means peace or victory.

Europe

A-OK Sign (thumb and forefinger forming a circle): In some countries, it means "okay" or "good," but can be offensive in others. In France, as mentioned, it can mean "zero".

Crossed fingers: Symbolizing luck or wishing for good fortune.

Asia

China: Beckoning gesture (palm down and to the side, fingers moving toward you): Used to call someone over.

South Korea: The same gesture can be seen as rude.

Middle East

Hand on heart: Used to show sincerity or emphasize a statement.

Hand to mouth: Can indicate surprise or disbelief.

Latin America

Horns gesture (index and pinky finger extended): In some countries, it's used to ward off the evil eye.

Africa

Cupped hand to mouth: Used to call someone silently.

Open hand gesture (fingers spread): A gesture of sharing or giving.

Australia and Oceania

Thumbs up: Similar to North America.

Waving: Common gesture for calling attention or saying hello.

Silence

North America

Silence in conversations: May indicate discomfort, awkwardness, or a pause for reflection.

Silence in public spaces: Generally seen as normal, with no specific cultural connotations.

Europe

Silence in conversations: May be perceived as listening attentively or needing time to think. In Nordic countries, it's not uncomfortable at all and there's no need to fill it. Actually, small talk is completely overrated. My friend from Helsinki reminds me of that everytime I keep chattering!

Silence in public spaces: Considered normal, with variations based on context. For example, in countries like Spain or Italy, it's unlikely to find a silent public space.

Asia

Middle East

Silence in conversations: Pauses are common, allowing speakers to gather their thoughts.

Silence in public spaces: Considered normal, with variations based on cultural practices.

Latin America

Silence in conversations: Pauses are common for reflection or thoughtful responses.

Silence in public spaces: Similar to Southern Europe, pretty unlikely.

Africa

Silence in conversations: Used to show attentiveness or respect for the speaker.

Silence in public spaces: Generally seen as normal, but cultural norms can vary.

Australia and Oceania

Silence in conversations: Pauses might be seen as a moment for reflection.

Silence in public spaces: Generally similar to North America.

Greetings

North America

Handshake: Common greeting in professional and social settings.

Hugs: Common among friends and family.

Europe

Cheek kisses: Common in many European countries - as la France bien sûr - number of kisses varies.

Handshake: Common, varying in strength.

Asia

Japan: Bowing is common for greetings.

India: "Namaste" (hands pressed together at chest level) is a common greeting.

Middle East

Handshake: Common, but varies between men and women due to cultural norms.

Cheek kisses: Common in some Middle Eastern countries, varying based on the region.

Latin America

Cheek kisses: Common greetings, varying number of kisses.

Handshake: Common, can be more relaxed than in some other cultures.

Africa

Handshake: Common, often accompanied by a warm grip and shoulder pat.

Hugs: Common among friends and family.

Australia and Oceania

Handshake: Similar to North America and Europe, common greeting.

Hugs: Common among friends and family.

Check out this article for verbal ways to say hello in 113 languages.

Touch

North America

Europe

Hugs: Just for close friends and family.

Arm linking: Indicates closeness or camaraderie.

Asia

Japan: Limited physical touch.

China: Physical touch varies.

Middle East

Latin America

Hugs: Common among friends and family.

Africa

Australia and Oceania

Hugs: Common among friends and family.

Shoulder touch: Indicates camaraderie or support.

Personal space

North America

Personal space: Generally larger, especially in public settings.

Queueing: People maintain distance while waiting in lines.

Europe

Personal space: Varies across countries; Northern Europe tends to have larger personal space, Southern Europe generally has smaller. In the Nordic countries, social distancing was cool long before Covid!

Public transport: Personal space may be limited due to crowded transportation.

Asia

Personal space: Generally smaller, especially in crowded urban areas.

Crowded environments: Limited personal space in markets, public transport, etc.

Middle East

Personal space: Smaller, especially in social and conversational settings. Might vary across genders.

Close conversations: Standing closer during conversations is common.

Latin America

Personal space: Smaller, especially in social interactions.

Close conversations: Standing closer during conversations is common.

Africa

Personal space: Varies across regions; personal space is often smaller in social settings.

Crowded places: Close proximity in crowded environments is normal.

Australia and Oceania

Personal space: Larger, similar to North America and Europe.

Respect for space: People tend to maintain distance in social interactions.

Posture

Posture is pretty universal. Generally speaking, an upright posture is considered attentive, respectful and engaged, while a relaxed posture indicates comfort and informality.

13 examples of unique body language across different cultures

Bowing in Japan

In Japan, bowing is a traditional way of showing respect and politeness. The depth and duration of the bow can vary. Bowing is a fundamental part of Japanese culture, conveying messages and social status without the need for words.

And it's not as easy as it might seem. Once, I tried to bow to greet my Japanese colleagues, and they burst out laughing. Not sure what I did wrong, but here is a guide for you.

Thumbs up in Iran and Greece

While the thumbs-up gesture typically means "good" or "okay" in many cultures, it's considered offensive in Iran and can be taken as a vulgar gesture in Greece.

Head wobble in India

As seen above, the head wobble, a side-to-side movement, is common in India and can mean different things depending on context. It might signal agreement, acknowledgment, or simply be a neutral response.

Finger tapping in Japan

Tapping your temple with your index finger in Japan signifies that someone is acting arrogant or thinks they're clever.

Tongue clicking in South Africa

In some South African cultures, a tongue click is used to get someone's attention or emphasize a point. If you were looking to learn an unusual nonverbal language, check that out.

Hand clapping in Spain

In Spain, rhythmic hand clapping, known as "palmas," is a form of communication and expression often used in flamenco performances.

Foot tapping in Morocco

In Moroccan culture, tapping your foot while seated can indicate impatience or frustration. Actually, I also do that to answer my rabbit Ginger when she thumps at me!

Hand on heart in the Middle East

Gently placing your hand over your heart while greeting someone in the Middle East is a sign of sincerity and warmth.

Pointing with lips in Philippines

In the Philippines, it's common to point with the lips instead of using the finger to indicate something. In other countries, it may indicate that you want a kiss. Read the room!

Forehead nod in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, nodding is done by moving the head slightly upward instead of the usual up-and-down nod.

Hand talking in Italy

It's not a just a cliché. Italians use their hands to express feelings and ideas. From small movements to big gestures, hand talking is a natural way for Italians to show excitement, agreement, and lots more.

Rubbing noses in New Zealand

Called " hongi," this traditional Maori greeting involves touching noses and foreheads to exchange breath, symbolizing the sharing of life force.

Crossed arms in Finland

While crossed arms might generally signal defensiveness or closed-off body language, in Finland, it can simply mean a comfortable and relaxed posture.

Check out these other cultural differences in communication.

In the world of communication, words are just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface, nonverbal cues have proven to be the global emojis. After all, a simple gesture can mean the world-or trigger a conflict!

However, besides a few exceptions, body language around the world is often universally understood, especially facial expressions and emotions.

So, next time you're in a country where you don't understand the language, relax and remember: a smile can go a long way.

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Body language in different cultures around the world: A top guide

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Give a big thumbs-up to a tour of body language around the world. We explore cultural differences in facial expressions, hand gestures and more.

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China is one of the countries wiht the most biodiversity of the world. They have registered over 34,000 plant species and thousands of vertebrates. Like Brazil, they have a lot of different ecossistems and biomes in your territory

Fonte: https://www.biofin.org/china#:~:text=China%20has%20a%20total%20land,key%20habitats%20and%20threatened%20wildlife.

https://www.renewablematter.eu/en/wang-yao-this-is-how-china-finances-biodiversity#:~:text=China%20is%20one%20of%20the,in%202022%20made%20very%20clear.

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China has a total land area of 960 million ha. As one of the 17 Megadiverse countries, China has among the highest biodiversity assemblages in the world with a wide range of geographic and biological features from mountain chains to deserts, to grasslands, to forests ranging from boreal to tropical evergreen and mangroves, as well as extensive marine areas including important coral reefs. China also has more than 34,984 known higher plant species, ranking third in the world and 6,445 vertebrate animal species, accounting for 13.7% of the world’s total.

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In Muslim countries, eye contact has a gender dimension – it’s important that male and female employees do not indulge in too much eye contact, whereas between two males or two females strong eye contact demonstrates trust.

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Cross-Cultural Facial Expressions and Meanings - The Headshot Guy

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When You’re Working Across Cultures the Meanings of Different Facial Expressions and Gestures are Really Important. Here are Some Key International Pitfalls

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In the Netherlands there are more bicycles than people, with 1.3 bicycles per inhabitant

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Rivera is considered a free shop because it is a border city in Uruguay that is home to a large concentration of stores that sell imported products at tax-free prices.

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The language of Galicia is Galician, an Ibero-Western Romance language that shares a common origin with Portuguese. It became an official language in Galicia alongside Spanish.

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It's more common in Uruguay than in Brazil to greet people with a kiss on the cheek

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Austria must not be mistaken for Australia! This could upset Austrian people.

Fun fact: Vienna is not in Italy, it is actually in Austria.

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Argentinians speak very fast, maybe because they link words

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This is not exclusive to Japan, but bowing is more common thank shaking hands.

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It may be inappropriate to eat while walking in the street.

Besides that, it's more difficult to find trash bins or containers. It's even illegal to litter.

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Canadians prefer positive sentences (like You could do this...) instead of negative feedback. They wave to everyone to greet them. They use "eh?" instead of "right?" or "isn't it?"

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They stick out their tongues as a welcoming gesture.

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In Hungary, they don't tap glasses when they cheer because when Austria defeated Hungarians in the revolution, they celebrated in this way.