If you need to get a child’s attention, it’s also the easiest place to tap them. Patting on the head in Sri LankaĪn open-palmed pat on the head of a child is a gesture of fondness in North America. The Japanese way to beckon someone looks like an American wave, palm out and fingers waving down. In Japan, the come-hither hand sign is highly offensive, too. This gesture is derogatory suggesting that you see them as a subservient inferior. In the Islamic countries, a thumbs-up gesture means “up yours”, the equivalent to the North American middle finger.Ĭurling your index finger to say “come here” is a no-no in many Asian countries. People will likely be more bemused than hurt if you slip up. It’s typically a child’s gesture, the Thai equivalent of sticking out your tongue. Try to avoid it in Thailand, though, where it’s a sign of condemnation. This hand gesture of agreement or approval is an easy reflex when language barriers are at play.
Thumbs-up in Thailand and in Islamic countries We use this hand gesture in North America to say “stop,” or, if you’re childish and petulant “talk to the hand.” In Greece, however, holding your palms out towards a person is a highly insulting gesture known as “the Moutza.” This hand gesture is said to be a remnant of Byzantine times, when people could taunt shackled criminals by smearing their faces with excrement. Backwards peace signs are to be avoided in polite interactions. While making a V with you index and middle finger is a sign of victory, if turned backwards, it is the nonverbal equivalent of “up yours” in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. Photo: Cubankite/Shutterstock Backwards peace sign in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia
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