Information from CultureGrams by Janeen Ward https://padlet.com/jward8/9txraim2kg This is information we found interesting from CultureGrams.com. (All information is copied or adapted from the CultureGrams Website.) en-us 2013-11-12 17:27:02 UTC 2025-11-18 10:29:02 UTC hello@padlet.com http://d262le4z25sx36.cloudfront.net/portraits/notebook.jpg Janeen - Greenland jward8 https://padlet.com/jward8/9txraim2kg/wish/141893031 Much of Greenlandic communication is nonverbal, relying on body language and facial expressions. Greenlanders may often be perceived as reserved or quiet because of this subtle body language. Lifting the eyebrows is generally a sign of approval or consent. It is also a way to greet a familiar acquaintance. Wrinkling the brow and/or nose is a way of saying "No" or "No thanks." Wrinkling the nose may also mean "I don't understand" or "I'm not sure." However, when telling a story in a social setting, Greenlanders will often use exaggerated gestures to show distance, events, and people. Actions may also be pantomimed.

]]> 2016-12-05 21:44:55 UTC https://padlet.com/jward8/9txraim2kg/wish/141893031 Bryanna- Papua New Guinea https://padlet.com/jward8/9txraim2kg/wish/362343760 Head, eye, and eyebrow gestures carry important meanings in Papua New Guinea. For example, one might answer the question "Where are you going?" by slightly lifting the head, raising the eyebrows, and moving the eyes in the direction planned. Simply raising the eyebrows can show agreement or acknowledgment. A short hiss and sideways motion of the head indicate disgust or derision. A "tsk-tsk" noise (made by the tongue on the roof of the mouth), accompanied by shaking the head from side to side, can mean surprise, awe, or sympathy. The "thumbs up" sign is considered offensive to some. Staring at a person of the opposite sex is very offensive.

To flag down a public motor vehicle (PMV, a bus or truck used for public transportation), one points to the pavement or waves a hand down and toward the road. Shaking the open hand, palm angled downward, is a gesture of refusal meaning "I don't want any," "No," or "Sorry, the bus is full." Members of the same sex, particularly men from the Highlands region, often hold hands briefly in public as a sign of friendship, but public affection is not acceptable between members of the opposite sex. 

]]> 2019-05-21 22:54:35 UTC https://padlet.com/jward8/9txraim2kg/wish/362343760 Alexis- Fiji https://padlet.com/jward8/9txraim2kg/wish/362343769 Among iTaukei (indigenous Fijians), tilting the head down and avoiding eye contact while speaking to someone shows respect. Staring is considered offensive. One indicates agreement by raising the eyebrows, closing the mouth, and making an "mm-mm" sound (similar to a sound that would mean "no" in the United States). A "thumbs up" gesture means "good" or "okay."


Pointing directly at someone while speaking to him or her is considered rude. Standing with hands on hips is thought to be aggressive or brash. Pointing the bottom of one's foot at another person is considered impolite. Among iTaukei, it is especially offensive to touch someone's head (except for a child's); one must say Tulou if it happens by accident to restore respect to the person. Tulou is also said when walking among people who are gathered and conversing.


One beckons by waving all fingers of the hand with the palm facing down. Public displays of affection, even for married couples, are usually frowned upon. People practice a custom called cobo (pronounced "thombo") when accepting a gift, presenting yaqona (see Visiting), or excusing oneself when reaching above a person's head. Cobo involves clapping cupped hands three or more times.





]]> 2019-05-21 22:54:43 UTC https://padlet.com/jward8/9txraim2kg/wish/362343769 Jasmin-Brazil https://padlet.com/jward8/9txraim2kg/wish/362344100 Brazilians often use gestures to communicate and express feelings. Gestures often accompany greetings. One beckons by closing the fingers of the hand into the palm facing up. Pulling down the lower eyelid with an index finger signifies disbelief or caution. One may tap the fingers horizontally under the chin to indicate that another person does not know what he or she is talking about or is exaggerating. The “okay” sign used in the United States, with the thumb and index finger forming a circle, is considered an offensive gesture.

Brazilians tend to stand close and touch each other often during conversation. Eye contact is important. Passing between conversing individuals is considered rude. Men often stare at and make comments about women passing by, but such behavior is becoming less acceptable.

]]> 2019-05-21 22:56:46 UTC https://padlet.com/jward8/9txraim2kg/wish/362344100 Jada and Sam- India https://padlet.com/jward8/9txraim2kg/wish/362344466  Excessive hand gestures or verbal articulation is considered impolite. Indians beckon with the palm turned down; they often point with the chin. To say "yes" or "okay," people may bob their head side to side. Particularly in the north, the right hand is used for passing objects, eating, and shaking hands, as the left is traditionally reserved for personal hygiene. Grasping one's own ears expresses repentance or sincerity. Whistling is very impolite. Women do not wink or whistle; such behavior is commonly considered unladylike. Public displays of affection are inappropriate. One's feet or shoes should not touch another person, and if they do, an immediate apology is necessary. Footwear is removed before entering a temple, mosque, or Sikh shrine. When entering a Sikh shrine, all people cover their heads. Women also cover their heads in temples. ]]> 2019-05-21 22:59:53 UTC https://padlet.com/jward8/9txraim2kg/wish/362344466 https://padlet.com/jward8/9txraim2kg/wish/362344913 Babila - Cameroon
 Cameroonians use the right hand for greeting, eating, and passing objects. A person who uses the left accidentally or out of necessity apologizes. One points with head gestures or by puckering the lips. Legs may be crossed at the ankles but not the knees and not in front of those with higher authority. In some areas, women do not cross their legs in front of men. For all, it is important to keep the soles of the feet from pointing at others. A quick head nod indicates agreement. Nodding upwards quickly and audibly taking in breath means “yes,” and shrugging and shaking the head side to side means “no.” Cameroonians make clicking sounds with the tongue to indicate agreement or astonishment. People often display pleasure by dancing spontaneously. Grief may be shown by placing the hand on one's opposite shoulder and bowing the head or by resting hands on top of the head (one hand on top of the other). People beckon by waving all fingers with the palm down. A hand extended with the palm facing upward is a request that something be shared. A hand extended and cupped upward indicates that someone is stingy. Public displays of affection are not acceptable, but peers of the same gender may hold hands or arms while talking. ]]> 2019-05-21 23:02:19 UTC https://padlet.com/jward8/9txraim2kg/wish/362344913 Jada and Sam- Sweden https://padlet.com/jward8/9txraim2kg/wish/362344951  Eye contact is important during conversation. Swedes avoid excessive hand gestures when speaking. Chewing gum, yawning, or having one's hands in the pockets when speaking to another person is considered impolite. Although in the past people seldom embraced in public or put their arm around another's shoulder, the population in general is becoming more casual, and such displays of friendship are increasing. ]]> 2019-05-21 23:02:29 UTC https://padlet.com/jward8/9txraim2kg/wish/362344951