Cultural body language around the world世界各地的肢体文化语言

河南固始县高级中学 汤 润

在不同文化中，同一肢体语言的意义可能不完全相同。不同的民族有不同的非语言交际方式。

?

难词探意

1. tilt /tɪlt/ v. （使）倾斜

2. occidental /ˌɒksɪ΄dentl/ adj. 西方的；西洋的; 西方世界的

3. deception /dɪ΄sep∫n/ n. 欺骗；诡计

4. connotation /ˌkɒnə΄teɪ∫n/ n. 含义；隐含意义

Understanding cultural body language in other countries is key to managing efficient communication, especially when we have not yet mastered a foreign language. Here is a selection of gestures and their meanings in different cultures. I hope these will help you socialize when you try to communicate with foreigners in spite of the language barrier.

Head movements

In some parts of India, people tilt their head from side to side to confirm something and demonstrate that they are actively listening. In occidental countries, people nod to affirm.However, in Bulgaria and Greece, nodding actually means the contrary.

Eye contact

Some cultures, such as in the Japanese and Finnish culture, consider constant visual contact awkward. In Caribbean communities, children and adolescents are taught not to look at adults in the eyes when they are being corrected.

In occidental culture, visual contact when you speak to someone is considered a positive aspect of body language. Strong visual contact is common in Spain and the Arabic culture among people of the same sex. Not looking back when someone is looking at you is considered disrespectful and demonstrates insecurity, lack of interest or indicates deception.

Hands

The “thumbs up” sign is used in many cultures to mean “OK”. In France it can mean number 1. Although, it has a very rude sexual connotation in Islamic countries, Cerden～a and Greece.

The “A-OK” sign, which is done by touching the tip of the index finger with the thumb thus forming a circle with the last three fingers up means “zero” or “nothing” in France, while some other European countries such as Greece,Italy, Brazil, Turkey and Russia consider it as an insult.

Greetings and goodbyes

Shaking hands is a normal and formal way to greet or say goodbye in occidental countries.But it's done in different contexts in different countries. In Romania, for example, only men usually shake hands. And they do it every time they meet, not just the first! In England, however, it's unusual to shake hands with someone you are introduced to in an informal setting.Kissing cheeks is something done in many countries, especially in Europe. Though the number of kisses, the occasion for doing so, and which cheek they start off on vary.

Legs

Sitting with crossed legs is common in North America and European countries, but it is considered disrespectful in Asia and the Middle East where a straight and balanced posture prevails as the norm.

Body language varies from country to country. When you communicate with foreigners,one secure way is to understand, respect and follow the culture.

Reading Check

1. Why does the author write the first paragraph?

A. To clarify the writing purpose.

B. To illustrate a certain meaning.

C. To convey specific information.

D. To compare the cultural differences.

2. In which country does nodding stand for disagreement?

A. France. B. Greece. C. Finland. D. Japan.

3. What can be inferred about body language according to the text?

A. Constant visual contact is advisable in Japanese.

B. Sitting with crossed legs is popular in the Middle East.

C. Shaking hands only happens between men in Romania.

D. The “thumbs up” sign can be considered polite in Cerden～a.

4. Which can best describe the author's advice on communication with body language?

A. Nothing seek, nothing find.

B. Make the fence before it rains.

C. Knowledge starts with practice.

D. When in Rome do as the Romans do.

Language Study

Sentence for writing

When you communicate with foreigners, one secure way is to understand, respect and follow the culture.

【信息提取】When..., one secure/smart/effective way be to do...意为“在……时，一种稳妥的/聪明的/有效的方式是……”。

【句式仿写】要想提高英语水平，一种有效的方式就是多听、多说、多读、多看、多写。