Perception of Gestures in Different Cultures

PERCEPTION OF GESTURES IN DIFFERENT CULTURES RESEARCH REPORT

CLASS: Research techniques
YEAR: 2011/2012
STUDENT: Ida Sotlar Hvalec, 506428

RESEARCH REPORT

CLASS: Research techniques
YEAR: 2011/2012
STUDENT: Ida Sotlar Hvalec, 506428

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………….………..2 2. HUMAN COMMUNICATION…………………………………………………….…………2 3. DEFINITION OF GESTURES…………………………………………………………………..4 4.1 MEANINGS OF THE SAME GESTURE AMONG DIFFERENT CULTURES……..5 4.2 THUMB UP……………………………………………………..5 4.3 STOP SIGN………………………………………………………5 4.4 THE O.K. SIGN…………………………………………………6 4.5 THE FIG…………………………………………………………..6 4.6 THE V SIGN……………………………………………………..6 4.7 THE MIDDLE FINGER……………………………………….7 4.8 THE WANKER………………………………………………….7 4. CONCLUSION……………………………………………………………………………………….8 5. BIBLIOGRAPHY…………………………………………………………………………………….9 6. APPENDIX……………………………………………………………………………………………10

INTRODUCTION
In everyday life we come in touch with many people. And even if we do not establish a conversation we still receive or only decipher some nonverbal signals from them. And during a direct personal contact with others more nonverbal symbols are exchanged. And most of the time we are not even aware of this process. We use gestures to indicate or support our thoughts. And sometimes nonverbal language that we are utilizing reveal more about us than we would thought.
When we come across a person with a different cultural background it is the nonverbal part of communication that we notice first. What the person is wearing, how does he walks, his face expression, etc. This signs form a first impression about the other human being. But when you actually come in touch with this person the nonverbal and verbal signs are exchanged during a conversation. And if you do not want to offend the interlocutor you should be aware and familiar with his culture in order to avoid unintentionally doing so. And often the hand gestures are the ones that cause miscommunication. Because a thumb up sign can indicate approval in your culture but can have a completely different meaning in the culture of your correspondent.
The first thing I wanted to research was how the meanings of the same gesture differ among cultures. And the question appeared: ‘’is there any gesture that holds the universal meaning?’’ And this report is the presentation of my findings about the topic. But before that, some basic explanations about human communication and gestures are needed.
HUMAN COMMUNICATION
Human is a social being and interaction with other beings has a crucial meaning in one’s life. People need to communicate in daily life in order to gain information or physical objects that they need for their existence. Human communication exists since the beginning of mankind and has developed from simple sign language and gestures into a complex, integrated unit of verbal and nonverbal signals, which we use on daily basis. (Kendon, 1980)
Human interaction consists of two parts: verbal and nonverbal. Both are equally complex and important. However verbal communication, the main factor of it is language-written and spoken, is often considered to be learned and can be perfected during life process. Babies start the process of language learning with a few simple words and later they combine these words into simple sentences. And with education they learn the principles of grammar, gain vocabulary, etc. So every individual without speech or hearing disabilities is able to learn and improve his verbal skills, to that matter that he can fully control the thoughts he is expressing while talking or writing.(McNeill, 2005)
The nonverbal communication is usually understood as a process of sending and receiving information through wordless signals. It is also a learned skill but it is more complex to perfect it and control it while interacting with other people. Nonverbal messages can be communicated through body gestures and postures, facial expressions and eye contact. Nonverbal and verbal communication has a very strong and direct connection with each other. Paralanguage- voice quality, rate, pitch, volume, speaking style and prosodic features such as rhythm, intonation and stress are all nonverbal elements of speech which is verbal communication. Written messages also include nonverbal elements such as handwriting style, spatial arrangement of words and the physical layout of a page (colours, fonts, etc.). Functions of nonverbal communication are: expressing emotions, expressing interpersonal attitudes, to accompany speech in managing the cues of interaction between speakers and listeners, self-presentation of one’s personality and to support verbal messages. (Bull, 2001)

Communication is mutual process in all the cultures around the globe; however perception of its elements varies from culture to culture. Learning languages of other nations in today’s world is a must and for that matter there is many chances and opportunities to learn them and use them. But when it comes to nonverbal communication of different cultures there is no special courses where you can learn what kind of signs are acceptable in certain cultures. And often you can send a wrong nonverbal message to a person with different cultural background. This applies mostly to body gestures and postures, eye contact, facial expressions and paralanguage.

DEFINITION OF GESTURES
Dictionary definition: 1. a movement usually of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea, sentiment, or attitude 2. the use of motions of the limbs or body as a means of expression
(Merriam Webster Dictionary)

A gesture is a form of non-verbal communication in which visible bodily actions communicate particular messages, either in place of speech or together and in parallel with spoken words. Gestures include movement of the hands, face, or other parts of the body. Gestures differ from physical non-verbal communication that does not communicate specific messages, such as purely expressive displays, proxemics, or displays of joint attention. Gestures allow individuals to communicate a variety of feelings and thoughts, from contempt and hostility to approval and affection, often together with body language in addition to words when they speak.(Kendon, 2004)
In order to nonverbally communicate with a person with a different cultural background you have to gain intercultural competence that includes knowledge about the culture of the person you are communicating with. And when there is no background knowledge of the culture it often comes to misunderstandings or offenses that lead to uncomfortable and embarrassing situations.

MEANINGS OF THE SAME GESTURES AMONG DIFFERENT CULTURES
As mentioned before, most of the gestures hold completely different connotations when compared from culture to culture. One of the well-known gesture miscommunications is the one of a former president of the United States of America; George W. Bush. During his visit of Australia he gestured a peace sign to the crowd. Unfortunately for him he faced his palm inwards instead of outwards. This gesture is in Australia viewed as an obscene gesture. He signed to the crowd to go screw themselves. (Baxamusa, 2010)
Therefore, understanding the meaning of a gesture in a certain culture is very important and it helps a person to avoid misunderstandings. This part of the report will show how cultures percept same gestures in diverse ways based on the desk research and the interviews with 50 people. The interview is found in the appendix. So let’s look at the most commonly used gestures and

THUMB UP
This is a very common gesture in Western culture and is viewed as a positive, informal signal that indicates a job well done or approval of something. However, there are countries where the optimistic, positive thumb up gesture is considered as a rude, obscene gesture. In most of the Latin America and West Africa as well as Greece, Russia, Sardinia and south of Italy the thumb up basically means the same as a middle finger. In Middle East pointing a thumb up means you want to have a sexual relationship with a person you are showing the thumb to. This gesture is also used to signal hitch-hiking in Europe, Australia and America. (Wong, 2007)
However, the interview I have conducted with a Greek friend revealed that this gesture is not perceived as obscene any more but is viewed as it is in America-positive. And the same goes for two Russians I have talked with. They were not aware of the obscene meaning but they said that the thumb up means a good job. And my American friend confirmed that the thumb up in his culture is a gesture with a positive meaning.

STOP SIGN
When one raises the hand up with the palm facing towards the other person it means stop in America and Europe. When using this gesture you take the authoritative figure. The stop sign can also mean stay away or talk to the hand. The meaning of it changes depending on the situation it is being used for. The same gesture is used in Malaysia but explicitly to summon a waiter. If done to a random person it is considered as an offense. (Baxamusa, 2010)
All the people from America and Europe, which I have interviewed, confirmed that a raised hand up means a sign for somebody to stop talking or to stay away. According to them the gesture ‘’talk to the hand’’ has more of a childish meaning and is used mostly among teenagers.
THE O.K.
This hand gesture got popularised by scuba divers. They used it underwater to signalise each other great meal, as talking with full mouth would be impolite. However, in some European countries this gesture symbolizes a zero and when shown to somebody you indicate you think he is a failure. The gesture gets an even more insulting meaning in Brazil and Germany. It is perceived as an ‘’anus’’ and when showing it to somebody it means you believe he is an asshole or as an extension a homosexual. (Wong, 2007)
The gesture meaning was confirmed to be positive by people from America. Slovene people answered that the gesture indicates a zero and if shown to somebody it is an insult. However, the positive meaning of it is also coming into use. A correspondent from Germany said that this gesture used to be obscene in certain provinces of the country, but nowadays the gesture is used in a positive way.
THE FIG
This gesture of a fist with the thumb looking out from between the index and middle finger is a gesture of Roman origin, which meant good luck and was also used for warding off evil. However, in Italy and Turkey it is now seen as obscene, since the gesture resembles of a female genitals. In India the gesture is seen as threat and a call for fight.
The results of the interview showed that Americans do not know this gesture. But in Slovenia and Croatia the fig has two meanings, and it depends in which situation you use it. It can be a good luck sign to somebody or a threatening sign.
THE V SIGN
The V sign comes in two different formats. One is with the palm facing outwards and the other one with facing inwards. In America the sign does not change meaning no matter the direction the palm is facing. It means victory or peace and love as popularized by anti-Vietnam protesters in the 60s. However, if you are signalising this sign with your palm facing outwards in Great Britain, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand it will be seen as an insult. (Sengupta, 2011)
Most of the people I interviewed said that the gesture means victory or peace for them and that they have never heard of its insulting meaning before.

THE MIDDLE FINGER
Most likely this gesture is one of the most well-known insults around the world. When showing it to somebody it literally means that they should go ‘’fuck themselves’’. In some Mediterranean and Arab countries showing the index finger has the same meaning as the showing the middle one.
All the interviewed people confirmed the meaning of this emblem to be insulting and rude.

These were descriptions of one of the most well-known gestures that have variety of meanings in different cultures. But none of them hold a universal meaning. The ‘’middle finger’’ indeed is the most well-known insult gesture, nevertheless it does not hold the universal meaning. During my desk research I found one hand gesture that might actually have the universal meaning: ‘’THE WANKER’’. With a hand you form a circle next to your private parts and signal movement. It basically indicates masturbating. And since masturbating is the same no matter where you go the gesture has the same meaning. It is not viewed as insulting but just inappropriate. All of the interviewed people answered that the gesture indicates male masturbating. (Wong, 2007)
As you can see the gestures truly hold multiple meanings. The meaning of the gesture is culturally determined, therefore the gesture which holds a positive meaning in one country can mean the opposite in some other country. It is important that people are aware of this in order to avoid miscommunication.

CONCLUSION
In today’s globalised world where cultures meet in almost everyday life, the understanding of other culture is crucial. In order to avoid miscommunication with people you have to be aware of the person’s cultural background. Learning other languages is very helpful with that, however direct, personal transfer of information is not based only on verbal communication. The understanding of all the nonverbal signs such as gestures is important as well. The research shows how many different connotations one gesture has when used in different countries. So awareness of all the meanings is essential when establishing new contacts with people. Many gestures became internationally known due to a process of globalisation. This factor is important since meanings of gestures are changing during this process. Cultures accept the new meaning of the gesture and abandon the old one.
During my research I have found very interesting facts about gestures and how they accompany the speech and enrich the conversation. The gesture ‘’Wanker’’ might be the universal gesture, however this information was found only in two different sources and confirmed in my survey. Therefore, I can not conclude that this gesture truly is universal. More detailed research could confirm or decline it.

Bibliography
Axtell, R. E. (1993). Do 's and Taboos around the world. John Wiley & Sons.
Barbara Pease, A. P. (2004). The Definitive Book of Body Language. New York: Bantam Dell.
Baxamusa, B. N. (2010, 5 19). BUZZLE. Retrieved 12 23, 2011, from HAND GESTURES IN DIFFERENT CULTURES: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/hand-gestures-in-different-cultures.html
Bull, P. (2001, December). thepsychologist.org.uk. Retrieved 12 20, 2011, from State of the art. Nonverbal communication: http://www.thepsychologist.org.uk/archive/archive_home.cfm/volumeID_14-editionID_75-ArticleID_338-getfile_getPDF/thepsychologist%5Cbull.pdf
Jones, D. S. (n.d.). DIVERSITY MATTERS. Retrieved 1 6, 2012, from GESTURES IN DIFFERENT CULTURES: http://www.diversity-matters.net/publications-gestures.pdf
Kendon, A. (1980). Gesticulation and speech: two aspects of the process of utterance .
Kendon, A. (2004). Gesture: Visible Action as Utterance. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
McNeill. (n.d.). McNeill Lab University of Chicago . Retrieved 03 20, 2012, from http://mcneilllab.uchicago.edu/writing/topics.html
McNeill, David. (2005). Gesture and thought. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Merriam Webster Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved 12 20, 2011, from Merriam Webster Dictionary: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gesture
Sengupta, S. (2011, 12 10). BUZZLE. Retrieved 12 20, 2011, from HAND GESTURES AND THEIR MEANINGS: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/hand-gestures-and-their-meanings.html
WIKIPEDIA. (n.d.). Retrieved 11 22, 2011, from GESTURES: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gesture
WIKIPEDIA/NC. (n.d.). Retrieved 11 22, 2011, from NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonverbal_communication
Wong, W. (2007, 9 24). LANGUAGE TRAINERS. Retrieved 12 23, 2011, from HAND GESTURES: http://www.languagetrainers.co.uk/blog/2007/09/24/top-10-hand-gestures/

APPENDIX
Interview
1. Which country are you from? 2. Did you ever have any miscommunication because of gestures? 3. Please explain the meaning of the gestures on the pictures

Bibliography: Axtell, R. E. (1993). Do 's and Taboos around the world. John Wiley & Sons. Barbara Pease, A. P. (2004). The Definitive Book of Body Language. New York: Bantam Dell. Baxamusa, B. N. (2010, 5 19). BUZZLE. Retrieved 12 23, 2011, from HAND GESTURES IN DIFFERENT CULTURES: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/hand-gestures-in-different-cultures.html Bull, P Jones, D. S. (n.d.). DIVERSITY MATTERS. Retrieved 1 6, 2012, from GESTURES IN DIFFERENT CULTURES: http://www.diversity-matters.net/publications-gestures.pdf Kendon, A Kendon, A. (2004). Gesture: Visible Action as Utterance. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. McNeill. (n.d.). McNeill Lab University of Chicago . Retrieved 03 20, 2012, from http://mcneilllab.uchicago.edu/writing/topics.html McNeill, David Merriam Webster Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved 12 20, 2011, from Merriam Webster Dictionary: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gesture Sengupta, S WIKIPEDIA. (n.d.). Retrieved 11 22, 2011, from GESTURES: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gesture WIKIPEDIA/NC Wong, W. (2007, 9 24). LANGUAGE TRAINERS. Retrieved 12 23, 2011, from HAND GESTURES: http://www.languagetrainers.co.uk/blog/2007/09/24/top-10-hand-gestures/ APPENDIX