An incident also took place in Hong Kong a few years ago because of a hand signal miscommunication. A television station there took an annual picture of all the contracted entertainers before the Chinese New Year. As a joke, famous Kung-fu actor who held his fist with his middle finger stuck out on top of the head of an actress who stood in front of him. When his photo appeared in the newspapers, the station received dozens of calls from Westerners living in Hong Kong complaining about the indecent gesture. To them, when the middle finger is used, there is only one interpretation – indecency. When he applied this gesture, according to his explanation, he meant to suggest that his friend had grown horns on her head for fun. The actor refused to apologize because his gesture was not intended to be an insult as the gesture is not considered indecent in Chinese society. 

As for gift-giving taboos, we need to keep in mind that in Muslim countries gifts should be presented with the right hand only because the left is considered unclean. While a bottle of wine would be a welcome gift in many countries, such a gift should be avoided in Muslim countries, which have strict religious prohibitions against alcohol. If we are invited to someone’s home, flowers for the host are usually appreciated the world over. However, in much of Europe and China, chrysanthemums are associated with funerals, and red flowers have a strong romantic connotation. These should be avoided. 

To many Chinese people, a fan is a forbidden present because it has the identical sound as “separation.” If a person gives a fan to his or her friend, their friendship will stop or diminish from that time. Therefore, it has become a phonologically linked taboo to give friends a fan in Chinese society but for Korean, they didn't think the same with Chinese because of different phonologically-linked taboos. Chinese and Koreans might have been sharing more animal-linked taboos than either shares with Americans. 

There is in taboo in Japan where it is considered rude to stare. Prolonged direct eye contact is considered impolite or even intimidating. For example, if a Japanese woman avoids looking someone in the eyes, she is not showing a lack of interest nor is she demonstrating a lack of self-confidence, instead, she is being polite, respectful and appropriate according to her culture.

To add, back in the old days, especially for Chinese wedding, white dress was not allowed as white dress was for a funeral. Therefore, all individuals involved had to wear black formal costumes. Later, the color changed to red. Now under Western influence, white is the customary formal color for brides and sometimes for bridegrooms too.

Explanation: 
In Latin America, there is less physical distance between people, softer handshakes, more touching and abrazos, and greater use of hand and arm gestures.  Business dress tends to be more fashionable and, in some cases, more colorful (especially in tropical regions where Guayabera style shirts are worn to the office). 

Nonverbal language is very important in face-to-face communications because it conveys feelings, intentions, and reactions.  Latin Americans may seem emotional and excitable to their U.S. counterparts,  while U.S. Americans may come across as cold and distant.  Even in non-face-to-face communications such as via e-mail , fax, or telephone, the absence of nonverbal signals may create a problem.  Not being able to see each other, the parties may misinterpret the true meaning or tone of written messages. 

Nonverbal language in Spanish culture is different from nonverbal culture in the United States.  A thumbs-up to someone in the United States might mean something else in a different country.

For example, the hand gesture we use for "come here," the hand palm up with the index finger extending in and out three or four times, has a very different meaning in Latin America. It means that you are very romantically interested in the person and is considered a solicitation. To motion to someone in Latin America "come here" extend your hand palm down and move all four fingers in and out together three or four times.

In South America, when a known thief enters the room, making this gesture allows all others in the room to know his true intent. To make this hand gesture, simply sweep your arm across the table as if you were trying to gather any money that might belong to some one else. Repeat this gesture a couple of times to really get the point across.

Gestures:
South Africans are very expressive people by nature and the use of hand gestures during conversation is common.  The following are several hand gestures used: 
Firstly,raising the right hand in a first is regarded as a symbol for black power. Next,holding both hands out in a cupped position is a gesture meaning what “the gift you may give me, will mean so much that I must hold it in two hands.Moreover,placing your right hand over your mouth when yawning is considered polite.In addition,extending your hand with your palm facing outward and closing it so that your finger tips touch repeatedly so it looks like a “flapping is used to tell someone that their car blinker is on. Furthermore,beating upon your breasts with your hands is viewed as a form of prayer among members of the Bantu tribe.Lastly,spitting in the direction of a deity is regarded as a adoration. 

 

The question "How do I greet someone when I’m in Italy?" can be easily answered, but it is important to understand that there is not just one way to do so. Italians often greet friends with a tight hug or a kiss on each cheek, but you will also find people greeting with a shake of hands, a nod, a slap on the back or a smile. Nevertheless, there are some frequent gestures used when people meet and it can be useful to understand them. When Italians meet, they frequently kiss one another as a form of greeting: a peck on each cheek. While the standard is indeed  a kiss on each cheek, this can vary depending on the region and individual habits. Usually, you'll start with a kiss on the right cheek, followed by one on the left. Some will go for a third kiss and, in rare occasions, you may find someone giving a single kiss, on the right cheek.

 

Be careful though: whereas the number of kisses may be quite flexible, there is a strict convention concerning the side you should first start from. When kissing, you always lean right first, but if you're not sure and you don't remember which is the right thing to do just wait for the other person to start. And don’t think that men don't kiss! In Italy two male friends greet each others with pecks on the cheeks, too, or with a slap on the back.

 

It is important to note, however, that when meeting for the first time Italians are unlikely to kiss because it is seen as a more intimate type of greeting, denoting friendship or a prior acquaintance. When meeting someone for the first time a hand shake (la stretta di mano) is more appropriate.

Shaking hands is a recognised greeting in almost every Western culture. La stretta di mano is used between people who are introduced for the first time and simply want to say through a means of nonverbal communication, "Nice to meet you” (in Italian, we say "piacere").

The number of languages currently estimated and cataloged in Nigeria is 521. This number includes 510 living languages, 2 second languages without native speakers and 9 extinct languages.

The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country post-colonization by the British. The major native languages spoken in Nigeria represent three major families of African languages - the majority are Niger-Congo languages, such as Yoruba, Ibo, the Hausa language is Afro-Asiatic; and Kanuri, spoken in the northeast, primarily Borno State, is a member of the Nilo-Saharan family. Even though most ethnic groups prefer to communicate in their own languages, English, being the official language, is widely used for education, business transactions and for official purposes. English as a first language, however, remains an exclusive preserve of a small minority of the country's urban elite, and is not spoken at all in some rural areas.

Meeting and Greeting

Nigerian Communication Style

Due to the ethnic make-up of the country, communication styles vary. In the southwest, where the people are from the Yoruba tribe, people’s communication employs proverbs, sayings and even songs to enrich the meaning of what they say. This is especially true when speaking their native language, although many of the same characteristics have been carried into their English language usage. The Yoruba often use humour to prevent boredom during long meetings or serious discussions. They believe that embedding humour in their message guarantees that what they say is not readily forgotten.

Nigerians living in the south of the country tend to speak more directly. You may also find their tone slightly louder than elsewhere. They may raise their voices even more and become emotionally excited when they feel passionately about a topic. At the same time, a harsh tone is considered unwelcoming and even hostile. Nigerians prefer facial expressions that imply empathy and believe an indifferent facial expression indicates that a person is ignorant or obnoxious.

Generally speaking, Nigerians are outgoing and friendly. Communication commences with polite inquiries into the welfare of the person and his family. Such social niceties go a long way since. Therefore, foreigners who take the time to get to know the Nigerian as a person are considered friends and welcomed into a Nigerian’s inner circle of family and close friends.
Nigerian communication can also be indirect and may rely on non-verbal cues. Many use gestures when communicating. They may smile to mask their true feelings, especially when disappointed or confused. Many employ indirect eye contact to demonstrate their respect for the other person. It is common to gaze at the forehead or shoulders of someone they do not know well. Very direct eye contact may be interpreted as being intrusive unless there is a longstanding personal relationship.

At the same time, there are some Nigerians who are extremely direct communicators and have no difficulty stating what is on their minds. Therefore, it is a good idea to observe the situation carefully before determining what behaviour is appropriate.

In general, Nigerians start with the general idea and slowly move into the specific, often using a somewhat circuitous route. Their logic is often contextual. They look for the rationale behind behaviour and attempt to understand the context. They tend to examine behaviour in its total context, not merely what they have observed.

There are several practices we perform in our daily life which is out of intended harm in other hand could violate taboos in other countries.

Touching, patting or hugging other men in public is socially unacceptable.

Putting elbows on the table while eating is inappropriate. Always put knife and fork parallel on your plate with the utensil handles facing right to indicate that you are full.

Do feel "at home" and make yourself comfortable when invited to an Australian house. Their hospitality tends to be very informal, and you will be encouraged to serve yourself too.

It is against law if vacuuming house between 10pm and 7am during weekdays and 10pm and 9am during the weekends.

The thumbs-up gesture is commonly used in many cultures to signify "well done". However, thumbs-up gesture is vulgar in Australia. It means essentially "Up yours!" or "Sit on this!" when the gesture is thrust up as a typical hitchhiking gesture would be. Nowadays, Australian has approved the usage of this sign but it is still considered as a grave insult if you move it up and down.

Similar to the peace sign (the V sign), which generally means victory in most of the countries, is also conveying absolutely different meaning in Australia especially when this gesture is being shown with your palm facing inward, it is basis indicating "Up yours!".

Taboos is a custom that is prohibiting or restricting a particular practice or forbidding associated with a particular person, place or thing. 
The standard American hand gesture for OK (touching the thumb with the index finger) is not recognized in France. 
If one of your students covers their mouth with their hands it means they have made a mistake. 

The Germans are very efficient and they are great timekeepers. It is considered extremely rude to be late, much more so than in other European countries. 
Avoid chewing gum in both in class and in public. 
Do not discuss personal wealth with anyone. 
The American hand gesture for OK actually refers to a personal female body part in Germany, so avoid using it. 
If you are dining out with other teachers or friends then you should wait until everyone has received their meal and everyone is ready to eat before you start eating. 
It is thought to be bad luck to wish another person a happy birthday before the actual day. 


Do not chew gum in the classroom or in public. Also avoid eating while you walk as this is considered rude. 
If you are being introduced to a large group of teachers at your school you should take the time to shake each individual's hand. A communal wave or nod of the head is not really an acceptable greeting to Italians. 
The standard American sign for hunger (placing your hand over your stomach) means a different thing in Italy. It actually means that you dislike a certain person or thing, so avoid using it. 

 

Although Russian kissing each other’s cheeks and hugging most of the time even though they just met each other, it’s always appropriate to stick with handshake. Please take note that whenever you shake someone’s hand, be sure to make an eye contact with a firm handshake when you greet them. However, avoid shaking hands at the doorstep because Russian believes that it brings bad luck

 

Do not make OK sign, instead use thumbs up to show your approval. Making a circle with the tip of your thumb and index finger is considered rude in some countries including Russia. If you did an OK sign, nobody in Russia will understand, so use thumbs up for showing reassurance.

 

Maintain a close distance when talking is normal in Russia, avoid standing too far away from each other. Russian tend to stand closer during conversation because this is to show that you are interested in meeting and talking with the person.

 

Keeping your hands in your pockets are taken seriously in Russia, especially in a business setting, the best way is to keep your hands where they can see them. They believe that keeping hands in pockets is considered sloppy.

 

Slouching is a sign of rudeness in a social Russian setting. So whenever you attend gatherings you must straighten your shoulders and people will respect you.

 

Dont put your shoes on the seats because this is considered rude, so keep your feet off seats everywhere in Russia. Plus, shoes are meant to be on the floor so it should be where it should belong to. 

 

 

 

  

            Nonverbal Communication has been characterized as correspondence without words. It incorporates evident practices, for example, outward appearances, eyes, touching, and manner of speaking, and also more subtle messages, for example, dress, stance and spatial separation between two or more individuals. Taboos are known as a social or religious custom disallowing or denying talk of a specific practice or prohibiting relationship with a specific individual, spot or thing. 

            In USA, eye contact shows the level of consideration or interest, that impacts attitude change or persuasion, controls cooperation, imparts feelings, characterizes force and status and has a focal part in overseeing impressions of others. 

            Next, touch is socially determined. Be that as it may, every society has a reasonable idea of what parts of the body one may not touch. Essential message of touch is to influence or control — secure, support, oppose (i.e. embrace, kiss, hit, kick). Plus, in USA, handshake is regular ( even for strangers ), hugs, kisses for those of inverse sex or of family ( usually ) on an inexorably more cozy premise. Note differences between African – Americans and Anglos in USA. Most African Americans touch on greeting but are irritated if touched on the head ( good boy, good girl overtones ). 

Countries: Saudi Arabia

Explanation:

 

 Saudi Arabia is one of 22 countries that is under the Arab World and located in Western Asia. The Arabs are known for their gestures and hand movements as a way of communication. There is a saying about how important non verbal communication to the Arab that goes like “To tie an Arab’s hands while he is speaking is tantamount to tying his tongue.” 

As much as the Saudis love physical contact to express their friendliness, there are some taboos that differs them with other cultures. For example, compare to the Western that promotes gender equality in every context, Saudis or any other Arabian countries believes that men and women are two different entities thus physical contact among two different genders are strictly prohibited. In contrast, the physical contact among men is publicly normal to the Saudis compare to thus in Western, so the act of Saudis men walking hand in hand symbolize nothing more than just a sign a friendship.

The left hand is considered unclean in the Arabic culture, so always use the right hand when touching, eating, or gesturing. Showing the bottom of your feet is extremely offensive for the Saudis. Besides that, direct pointing and thumbs up gesture is also considered rude in Saudi Arabia. 

 

In American, through eyes contact, they regularly look specifically into each other's eyes when talking, conveying informality, suddenness, and equality in their trade of glances. At the point when eyes move and abstain from meeting those of the other individual, Americans may sense lack of engagement or maybe even deception. However, an absence of steady and solid eye contact might be an indication of appreciation or modesty in different societies

American’s usually will takes turns in conversation and use of silence. The way conversation gets passed between people varies greatly between cultures, and it is the length of sustained eye contact that cues a conversational turn taking. Americans tend to make medium-length eye contact before looking away, and they use a longer direct gaze to cue changing speakers. Being a task-oriented culture, Americans tend to want conversation to get to the point, where other cultures will use it to build relationship. The use of silence suggests really hearing, considering, and valuing what is being said by the other person and is critical in cross-cultural interactions to establish trust.

Therefore, American's dependably make utilization of humour, grinning, and chuckling in their association. A wise interpreter will abstain from translating humour for the justifiable reason that jokes and sarcasm don't interpret well crosswise over societies. In a few societies, humour can even be seen as hostility or dominance. For Americans, since they are individualistic and certain, have a tendency to do a ton of put-down humour. They love to poke fun at themselves as well as other people. This can be mistaken for individuals from different societies where close consideration is paid to preserving the dignity of all people in a given interaction.

Finally, in American culture, there’s a big difference between a wry smile and happy smile, just as in many Asian cultures a ‘masking smile,’ with corners of the mouth turned down, is a polite way of letting you know what you are doing is not appropriate. Moreover, typically, laughter can be a sign of embarrassment rather than a response to humour in the US. Reading facial expressions and body language is second nature to people from Asian cultures, however goes unnoticed by many Americans unless they make a concerted effort to pay closer attention in cross-cultural situations.

As a conclusion, getting to be delicate to the clues of information of non-verbal communication can help us to communicate more successfully with understudies or researchers from different societies. We can comprehend what they are stating notwithstanding when they are not talking. Then, we can figure out how to be more delicate with our own particular bodies, to see what messages they are sending and to consider ourselves to be others see us. 

Since the Japanese strive for harmony and are group dependent, they rely on facial expression, tone of voice and posture to express their feelings. They usually rely on non-verbal messages more than the spoken word as words can have several meanings. The context in which something is said affects the meaning of the words. Therefore, it is important to understand the situation to fully appreciate the response.

In crowded situations the Japanese avoid eye contact to give themselves privacy. It is considered rude to stare into another person's eyes, particularly those of a person who is older or high-ranked than you. Japanese always respect their elders in every occasion.

While eating, do not place your chopsticks straight on top of the rice bowl. It symbolize respect for the dead which usually when someone died, you pay respect for the dead by placing the food that way. If you perform that kind of act while you eat, it is consider rude and disrespect for others. 

Do not enter the house with your shoes on. Always open your shoes when you wanted to enter someone’s house. Japanese is very fond of their cleanliness. They are often 

Tipping is strictly forbidden. Usually some places like in a taxi or in the restaurant there are boxes for people placing tips. But in Japan, it is usually not a customary in Japan. 

“Mind your space” could be a Swedish motto. While minding hers, a Swede would expect you to mind yours. Maintain a distance of two arm-lengths between you and the person with whom you are conversing. I have seen so many Swedes crawl backwards being forced by their advancing foreign conversation partners! Embassy receptions provide a lot of occasions for such observations.

“Minding your space” also applies to gesticulating. Swedes keep their body language and hand gestures to a minimum, rather than relying on nonverbal forms of communication. You see, waving with limbs (and by the way, talking too loud) is in a way “taking somebody else’s space without asking for permission”.

With the exception of the handshake, Swedes do not like physical contact with anyone. Do not back slap, embrace, or touch a Swede unless you know him well enough to know that he does not mind.

Avoid having your hands in your pockets as you talk to someone – it can be looked at as “a bit arrogant”, especially by the elderly. Younger people though are not likely to judge you harshly for doing so.

Explanation: It is always important to educate yourself on the local customs before traveling somewhere, out of respect. There is an English proverb "In Rome you must do like the Romans do". For the foreigners in Thailand, it is by no means necessary to fully adapt to Thai customs and traditions, but they should strive to know the main rules of taboo, to be observed when dealing with Thais. The Thai culture is shaped by Buddhism, who as the national religion presents a connecting element of all Thais. But to understand the everyday culture, it is also important to take into account the great importance of animism in the daily activities of the Thais. There are a lot of serious taboos in Thai culture that we should be aware of before we travel, so that we can avoid offending any locals who we meet along the way. There are some important dos and don’ts to keep in mind. 

             First and foremost, we can’t disrespect the King or the Royal Family in anyway, whether verbally or in written communication. This is actually a violation of the Lese Majeste laws and can get us arrested. Secondly, we should be friendly and smile at the local people when we walk by. Thailand is known as the land of smiles and it is a wonderful and friendly place. Thirdly, we must stand-up whenever the national anthem is being played. For example, this will happen in the movie theater before the start of the film, or during a public event when a member of the Royal Family is present. Next, don’t deface any of the Thai money, because it has a picture of the King’s face on it. Moreover, we have to be respectful around images of Buddha. All images and sculptures of Buddha are considered to be sacred, so don’t pose with them, deface them or disrespect them in anyway. In addition, don’t wear our shoes into a temple where a Buddha statue is kept because it is not appropriate. We should take them off and leave them at the door, as there should already be a pile of shoes from others. 

            Besides, we need to speak quietly and act calm when visiting a temple. It is not the place to be running around or making jokes. Also, we can’t wear revealing clothing when visiting a temple, as it is very disrespectful. We should have our shoulders, legs and cleavage covered. If unsure, there are usually signs at the temple entrance showing what appropriate and inappropriate clothing entails. The most important things is don’t touch the Buddhist monks if we are a woman. They are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to directly accept anything from a woman. If a woman needs to give something to a monk, she must first give it to a man who will then give it to the monk. Then, do remember that the bottoms of the feet are considered offensive in Thai culture and that pointing the bottom of our foot at someone is very rude. Keep this in mind when sitting on the floor or lying down. Last but not least, don’t touch a Thai person’s head. The head is a sacred part of the body and touching it is a very uncomfortable violation of the person’s personal space. These are just a few important things that we will need to keep in mind when visiting Thailand.

            In Singapore, it is quite differ from Thailand. Singaporean culture is an amalgamation of traditional cultures (Chinese, Malay and Indian) with some Western influences. It is still evolving, especially with the large influx of foreigners. There are some taboos in Singapore. First of all, we can’t cut queues. Singaporeans are obsessed with forming neat, orderly queues. We might not aggressively challenge people who cut queues, but it would definitely offend us. Secondly, we strictly can’t spit or littering. These actions are in fact against the law, and offenders can be fined up to $500. Next, don’t speaking loudly or behaving rowdily. We are a generally well-behaved bunch, and normally keep to ourselves or our group of friends. Being too noisy on public transport, or at middle and high end restaurants can be considered quite rude and would attract a lot of attention.

 

            Besides, being racism is not allowed in Singapore. Singaporean society takes pride in its harmony, racial & religious, which has been achieved with consensus-building. We are reminded too of the fragility of this harmony, which racism could threaten. For instance there is some awkwardness when people question the under or overrepresentation of certain races in the military, law enforcement and emergency services. Singapore has many different cultures and religions. The Muslims and Hindus believe that the left hand is unclean. Consequently, eat only with your right hand, and avoid touching things with your left hand if you can use your right hand instead. Also, many Indians and Malays believe that the head is the “seat of the soul”, so don’t touch anyone’s head or face, even if stroking the hair of a child.Feet are also believed to be unclean, so don’t move or touch anything with your feet, and never cross your legs or feet so the sole of your shoe is pointing at someone.Among Indians, rocking the head from side to side actually signals agreement, although Westerners may interpret this gesture as meaning, “no.”

There are many types of non-verbal communication which including space and distance, physical contact, facial expressions, gestures and eye contact. Most of the Malaysians have the most common gestures and facial expression. They tend to avoid speaking in a loud voice and standing while being introduced to someone. They will look each other in the eyes while communicating.

For gestures of non-verbal communication, people would tend to make some hand movements that imply

some symbols such as lifting one of the fingers of the opposite hands, place softly or pointing softly and etc.

For personal appearance, people tend to find a way of grooming themselves. The traditional Malay greeting of 'Salam' resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly touches his friend's outstretched hands, and then brings his hands to his chest to mean, " I greet you from my heart". The visitor should requite the "Salam". "Salam" is not practiced by the rest of the community though, so a normal handshake will do.

Greeting gestures of Malays

These are gestures of non-verbal communication that Malays would do to emphasize the contents for people to understand.

Greeting gestures of Chinese

Greeting gestures of Indians

Furthermore, most of the Malaysians rely on non-verbal communication which tends to be more subtle, indirect whereas they do making hints or implying at a point instead of making a direct statement. This allows the person showing demands and maintaining harmony in their relationship.

Artifacts are the result of conscious management of general appearance, dress and physical surroundings.

Portuguese Culture | American Majority Culture

Physical appearance and physical surroundings are important and provide visual cues as to status and tone of conversations.For example, formal as opposed to informal occasions will require different attire and types of venues.Note: The Portuguese Culture is generally more formal in dress and appearance (e.g. children may be expected to observe a period of mourning evidenced by wearing black for several months) | Physical appearance and physical surroundings are important and provide visual cues as to status and tone of conversations.For example, formal as opposed to informal occasions will require different attire and types of venues.

Chronomics refers to the study of nonverbal communication that relate to attitudes about time management.

Portuguese Culture | American Majority Culture

Relaxed attitude towards time. (This does not reflect a relaxed attitude towards achievement). | Concern over how time is spent.
Tardiness and/or a last minute change of plans are acceptable. (e.g. things will get done in good time) | Punctuality is very important. (e.g. time is money)

Haptics refers to the study of touch such as handshakes, embracing, hugging, patting and kissing.

Portuguese Culture | American Majority Culture

Touching is common. Kissing on both cheeks is common among family members, relatives, friends and acquaintances. | Touching is avoided. Kissing is reserved for family and intimates.
Handshaking, kissing, hugging, patting, embracing and holdings hands are common forms of greeting.
| A firm handshake is the most common form of greeting among non-relatives.

Kinesics refers to the study of body language and gestures such as head nodding, hand gestures and signals, and eye-to-eye contact.

Portuguese Culture | American Majority Culture

Eye Contact:
Direct eye-to-eye contact by children is generally considered disrespectful.
| Eye Contact:
Children show respect through direct eye-to-eye contact.
Greetings:
Students usually greet teachers at the preschool and elementary level with a kiss on both cheeks. Young children may address the teacher as Senhor/a Professor/a (Teacher! Teacher!). This is considered respectful. At the secondary level, they call the teacher /stoura/ (phonetic spelling)
 | Greetings:
Students greet teachers informally by saying, “Hi….” or more formally as Ms.___, Mrs.___, or Mr.___.

Proxemics refers to the study of personal and physical space. Personal space refers to the distance people allow between themselves and others in order to feel comfortable. Physical space refers to how people will arrange furniture and other artifacts as a way of reinforcing personal space.

Portuguese Culture | American Majority Culture

Personal space and physical space are not emphasized. (e.g. a person will stand less than a foot away from the other when conversing. It is considered rude if one steps back) | Both personal space and physical space are emphasized. (e.g. people stand three feet from each other when conversing.)
Physical closeness as well as occasional touching of another person is common. | Americans expect a large personal space ‘bubble’ and regard infringement of one’s personal space as rude or threatening.

Silence and time refers to the study of nonverbal communication cues relating to the waiting time people will allow between utterances in a speech act.

Portuguese Culture | American Majority Culture

Taking turns to speak is not the rule. People will interrupt a conversation and many people will speak simultaneously. | Taking turns to speak is the rule. People will not interrupt or speak while others are speaking.
It is acceptable to be silent for longer periods when one or more people are together. | People become uncomfortable when there is a lull in the conversation.

Crossed arms mean different things in Vietnamese and American culture.

Pointing with one’s finger should never be done in Vietnam. This is disrespectful and condescending. Also, the head should never be touched by other people. It is viewed as the most important part of the body.

Regarding personal space, Vietnam and the U.S. are actually pretty similar. One of my sources said that an arms length is usually preferred between people in Vietnam. It is pretty similar here in America. People don’t like others invading their personal space. It creates an awkward mood if someone is standing too close while conversing.

If I were a businessman in Vietnam, I would definitely have to learn how to behave properly. Respect seems to be one of the most important things in Vietnam, so it would be essential for me to show respect to other workers and bosses.

 Hugs
Close friends and relatives receive cheek kisses and hugs upon greeting and farewell. A hand wave and verbal word takes place in more informal settings. Sensitivity and grace, a “warmth of heart,” is a national trait. Body distance when talking may be  closer than any other countries.

Gestures
Impolite gestures:
OK Sign-thumb and forefinger touching and creating a circle shape, this is considered to be vulgar
Pointing index finger-Though people may point this way, some consider it uncultured. But if you must point, it's better to use your entire hand instead of your finger.
Hands in pockets/folded across chest- Speaking to a superior or the elderly in this posture comes across as rude.
 Gum- Chewing gum in the presence of superiors or elderly is impolite.
Spread or crossed legs- In public, when sitting, avoid resting one ankle on the other or spreading your legs in a wide fashion.

Positive Gestures
 “Thumbs up” Often means approval
 Eye contact- Use frequently in conversations yet avoid a constant, “boring down” on the person you talk with
 “Fig” (clenched fist with thumb between index and middle finger knuckles) Often this sign means “nothing” or “you will get nothing.” · Chivalry- Many Ukrainian women expect men to open doors and help carry heavy items. 

 

Country : Brazil

 

Non verbal communication is Nonverbal Communication is a language without words, sometimes called body language. It comprises a diversity of culturally derived behavioral displays.

 

1. Artifacts are the result of conscious management of general appearance, dress and physical surroundings.

- Physical appearance and physical surroundings are important and provide visual cues as to status and tone of conversations.For example, dressing in black is usually a sign of mourning.

2. Chronomics refers to the study of nonverbal communication that relates to attitudes about time management.

- Relaxed attitude towards time.Brazilian people they do not care about time n they will spend it as they wish.Tardiness and/or a last minute change of plans are common. (Things will get done.)

3. Haptics refers to the study of touching during conversation such as handshakes, embracing, hugging, patting and kissing.

- Touching is common. Kissing on both cheeks is common among family members, relatives, friends and acquaintances.Handshaking, kissing, hugging, patting, embracing and holdings hands are common forms of greeting.

4. Kinesics refers to the study of body language and gestures such as head nodding, hand gestures and signals, and eye-to-eye contact.

- Eye Contact: Avoiding eye-to-eye contact shows respect.

- Greetings: Students usually greet teachers with a kiss on both cheeks. Young children may address the teacher as, “Tia” (Aunt).”

5. Proxemics refers to the study of personal and physical space. Personal space refers to the distance people allow between themselves and others in order to feel comfortable. Physical space refers to how people will arrange furniture and other artifacts as a way of reinforcing personal space.

- Personal space and physical space are not emphasized. For example, a person will stand less than a foot away from the other when conversing.It is considered rude if one steps back. Physical closeness as well as occasional bumping of another person is common.

6. Silence and time refers to the study of nonverbal communication cues relating to the waiting time people will allow between utterances in speech or conversation.

- Taking turns to speak is not the rule. People will interrupt a conversation and will speak simultaneously.It is acceptable to be silent for longer periods when two or more people are together.

Malays are proud of their country, their ancestral background and their economic success. Ethnic tensions exist between Malays (60%) and Chinese (31%) over preferential quotas. Chinese feel these policies make them second-class citizens; Malays support these policies, which they feel are their only way to overcome traditional dominance. The Chinese dominate the business community and live in urban areas, while ethnic Malays generally inhabit rural areas.
Body Language

Example: