16. Reading. Body language in different cultures

Read the text about body language in different cultures and decide if the statements below are true or false.

 

 

 

 

 

Body language includes movements, gestures, eye contact, and touch.
Many of them, like smiles, are universal. However, there are some cultural peculiarities you may need to know.

Facial expressions
In most cultures, smiling is a sign of agreement and friendliness. It’s relevant for the USA, most European countries and Australia. At the same time, people in some countries, such as Japan and Russia, tend to smile at strangers less.

Confident eye contact is expected in Spain and Greece, where it shows that you are interested in what someone is saying. However, Finns and Japanese may feel embarrassed when someone is staring at them. In other cultures, such as Latin America, it may also be a sign of a challenge.

Finally, you need to be particularly careful with winking in China if you don’t want to seem rude.

Gestures
If we talk about gestures, we must start with Italy. Italian people use their hands to demonstrate feelings and ideas. Thanks to their active body language and expressive intonation, you will understand what they mean even if you don’t know the language.

In most countries, nodding is a sign of agreement. But in some cultures, such as Turkey and Bulgaria, it means ‘no’. Remember this difference if you don’t want to get into trouble when travelling.

An OK-sign that is very popular all over the world can mean ‘zero’ in some countries, for example in France.

Another fun fact is that crossed arms is a relaxed position in Finland, while the rest of the world consider it a sign of uncomfortable interaction.

 
Touches
Attitude to touch varies a lot. In Russia or Japan, touching people has very limited use, especially in public.

Personal space is also very important in the USA, but don’t be afraid to shake hands with your American friends. That’s a common greeting gesture.

If you like hugging, you probably need to visit Australia, as hugs are common there. 

Argentinian is considered to be the most ‘touchy’ culture. Kisses, hugs, supportive shoulder touches and patting — it’s all about Argentina.
 

 

1) Most European countries consider smile a sign of friendliness and agreement. — FalseTrue.

 

2) Japanese people do not touch each other a lot in public. — FalseTrue.