It's often said that our actions speak louder than our words. That's true. The problem is, they don't necessarily say the same thing everywhere.
A wave, a nod, a thumbs-up, a slightly too intense stare… depending on the country you're in, the message can come across very differently. And sometimes, what seems like a simple gesture at home can be a major faux pas elsewhere. Especially useful when you just thought you were being friendly.
The example is quite telling: tapping your nose can mean in Great Britain that what you're talking about is confidential. In Italy, the same gesture might mean "careful." Same gesture, different meaning. It just goes to show that the body speaks volumes, but sometimes with a very strong accent.
Same gesture, different message
Body language is heavily influenced by cultural context. Some gestures are almost universal, others not at all. And the trap is that we often do them without thinking. A reflex, a facial expression, a hand gesture… and suddenly you're communicating something you hadn't intended at all.
This infographic on body language in different countries illustrates just that. It allows you to quickly visualize some differences that are amusing, useful, or downright dangerous for your reputation as a well-mannered tourist.
Of course, all of this should be taken with a grain of salt: a gesture is never understood in isolation. It depends on the country, the person, the moment, the tone, and sometimes even the region. But to avoid minor cultural faux pas, it's already a good start.
In short, before going abroad, learn two or three words in the local languageThat's good. Checking what your hands are saying while you're talking isn't bad either.
