12.2. Читання Gestures in Different Cultures

Nowadays people enjoy travelling throughout the globe getting to its farthest corners. It often happens that they are unfamiliar with the language of the country they are visiting. And then hand-language may appear rather helpful. But you should be aware that hand gestures in different cultures may imply different meanings. It is very important to understand the meaning of different gestures, if you happen to visit a new country.

Peace Sign

The peace sign, or victory symbol, is created when an individual balls up his hand, extending the index and middle fingers to form a V. The sign is usually shown with the palm facing outward. This sign was made famous by Winston Churchill during World War II, when he used it to signify victory. Americans in the 1960s used it to signify peace. If a European uses the sign, but turns the palm to face inward, the gesture becomes vulgar.

Signaling Okay

Place the thumb and the index finger in an “O” shape, and extend the rest of the fingers into the air. The resulting gesture means “Okay” or signifies approval in the United States. In Japan, however, it signifies money, and in Brazil or Germany, it’s downright rude. Nod head up and down to say “Yes.” In Bulgaria and Greece, this gesture means “No.”

Thumbs Up

The thumbs-up sign is simply a balled fist with the thumb extended into the air. Americans and Europeans use this gesture as a sign of approval. They also use this gesture to try to get a ride in a passing vehicle. Other cultures, however, find the sign insulting.

Pointing Finger

A pointed finger has mixed messages for many cultures, even Americans. When the hand is balled into a fist with the index finger extended, the gesture may be used to indicate an item at a distance. If the finger is pointed at a person, it is seen as accusatory for some Americans and for Middle or Far East cultures. Other cultures consider the person gesturing to be attempting dominance over the recipient of the gesture.

Crossing your Fingers

Many western cultures make this gesture when wishing for good luck. A hand with the index and middle fingers crossed is even the logo for the UK’s National Lottery. In Vietnam, however, this is an obscene gesture.

Вправа 2. Визначте, чи є вірними такі висловлювання.

1. In Greece, nodding your head means “come here”. 2. Winston Churchill used the V-sign to signify peace. 3. If you are in America and want somebody to give you a lift, wave your hand to the driver. 4. Crossed index and middle fingers mean wishing good luck in Europe. 5. In Japan, “O”-shaped sign means “zero”.

12.3. Письмові завдання

Вправа 3. Заповнть пропуски у питаннях про вашу країну дієсловами: have, celebrate, open, play, wear (2), lock, take off (2), drive, put on, cover. Дайте відповіді на запитання.

1. Do families in your country ___ Thanksgiving Day? 2. Do women ___ long skirts? 3. Do families ___ their meals together? 4. Do people ___ their doors when they aren’t at home? 5. Do men ___ hats when they go out and ___ them ___ when they enter the building? 6. Do women ___ their heads with kerchiefs? 7. Do families ___ games together in the evening? 8. Do people ___ their shoes and ___ slippers when they enter a house? 9. Do men ___ doors for women? 10. Do women ___ cars?