Foreign Body Language

Body language is in some way a new language as well. It's a highly unusual language though. It falls out of the category of all possible foreign languages for it isn't characterized by spelling, grammar, syntax or even vocabulary.

Body language has its certain signs and peculiarities which are perfectly well-known to experts only. Body language is expressed via certain bodily waves or moves performed by our limbs...

For instance, the most trivial universally used examples are waving your hand when going away or, on the contrary, meeting someone; sticking out your tongue when you are naughty or displeased; sticking out a finger at someone when you are trying to point him or her out; waving your head back and forth meaning yes; wriggling your ass when you are dancing and many other ways of 'speaking' body language such as O.K., Thumb-up or Thumb-Down, Hands on Hips, Curled Finger, Stop Sign et cetera.

However, what do these universal examples of nonverbal expression of your thought have to do with the notion of foreignness? They are well known all over the world and require no translation or further explanations when performed or noticed.

There are special body signs which are known and used in certain countries only. In other countries these signs are either of a totally different meaning or not used at all. For instance, in most civilized countries it's considered normal for men to shake hands whenever they meet or congratulate each other etc.

However, in some Islamic countries, it's very common for men to kiss each other (on the cheeks or even lips!) and hold hands in these situations... Sounds like a homosexual behaviour, doesn't it?

Another examples of a foreign character of body language is the fact that in the United States and Europe people typically prefer direct eye contact, whilst in Asian countries (Korea, Japan, Thailand) such type of eye contact is viewed (excuse the pun) as rude and inappropriate.

We all remember that famous V-ictory sign performed and popularized by Winston Churchill. A highly intellectual ex-president of the USA George Bush once tried to boast his knowledge regarding this sign in Australia in public. However, mister ex-president gave the sign with the outside of his hand towards the crowd.

Oh well, he confused it a little bit, what's so exquisitely wrong with it? Nothing would've been wrong if Australian people hadn't perceived this sign in their own way (for it bears special meaning in Australia). The naughty irony of fate suggested that instead of transparently hinting at peace, George Bush advised dudes from Downunder to go and f***k themselves. Being very open-minded and tolerant people, Aussies forgave and forgot as ever...

The conclusion is obvious – be careful when educationlessly waving your limbs at different directions!