When studying foreign speech, donˈt forget about body language. In order to help you know more about these important parts of communication, here are four non­verbal characteristics that change from culture to culture.

Gestures. When trying to communicate through a language barrier, itˈs natural to use gestures as a way of explaining your point. We think itˈs helpful, since our words will be strengthened.  (1)  For example, the thumbs­up sign is equal to the middle finger in Greece. Tapping your finger to your temple (鬓角) is a gesture to show memory in North America, but suggests insanity (精神错乱) in Russia.   (2)   The yes­no gestures are opposite in countries like Bulgaria and Albania.

Silence. Though it can feel like an emptiness in communication, silence can be very meaningful in different cultures. Western cultures, especially North America and the UK, tend to consider silence as disagreement. In some interactions at work, school, or with friends, silence is often regarded as a sign of disinterests. In other cultures, however, silence is not viewed as a negative meanings.   (3)  Touch. Britain is classed as a“non­contact”country, in which thereˈs very little physical contact in peopleˈs daily interactions.   (4)  _By comparison, in the high­contact cultures of the Middle East, physical touch is a big part of social life.

Eye Contact.   (5)  We think that a conversation partner who looks away is either indifferent or lying. Of course, this is not a standard around the world.