Is body language universal?

Behavioral scientists have explained that body movements and facial expressions can communicate information about our emotions. Body language is universal because it conveys messages about our thoughts, emotions, and experiences everywhere in the world. However, most body language, specifically gestures, are culture-specific. For example, the American peace sign is similar to flipping someone off in England. Generally, body language is a fundamental part of communication that we can identify without overthinking it. All parts of the body communicate different messages depending on the culture. 

HANDS

The American goodbye wave is how Europeans and Latin Americans signaling ‘no.’ Italians curl their index finger with the palm up to say goodbye, but this gesture could lead to arrest in the Philippines, 

EYES

Persistent eye contact indicates attentiveness and confidence in western countries. In Arab countries, anything more than a momentary glance amongst men and women is regarded as inappropriate. 

HEAD

In most countries and cultures, nodding means ‘yes’ or some sort of agreement; however, in Greece and Bulgaria, this head motion means the opposite, ‘no.’

EARS

Tugging on the earlobes has many different interpretations. Portugal signifies the enjoyment of a meal, Spain says the person is not paying for the drinks, and Italy has sexual connotations. 

NOSE

The gestures to the nose can signify important messages, but the meaning could mean life or death depending on where you are. In Italy, the tap on the nose with the index finger means ‘watch out’ while it means that something is confidential in England.

LEGS

Sitting with the legs crossed is common in American countries, but it is deemed disrespectful to show off the sole of a shoe in Asia and the Middle East. 

What we say with our body language can have twice as much meaning as our words. When traveling and visiting other cultures, it is imperative that we are conscious of what we are saying with our bodies. It is easier to offend someone or an entire country with our body language than our words. Remembering that body language is universal, but the meaning and interpretations are not, will make communicating much more manageable.