In America, the “Thumbs Up” expression is used to convey “success”
or “approval.” However, in Iran and Iraq, that same gesture is considered the
same as “flipping the bird” in America. On the same level, the “A-Okay”
gesture, touching the fore finger to the thumb while extending the other three
fingers, is a sign of things going according to plan. In Latin communities,
though, it shares a meaning with the bird.
Another gesture in America is extending the palm with all five fingers extended. It’s seen as rude because of it being a forced dismissive to the recipient. In Africa, it has a similar feeling behind it, although the actual effect is basically saying the recipient has five fathers and is, therefore, an illegitimate child. Although I have “been around” in the United States, I have not experienced differences in culture that are large enough to involve a change in connotation of nonverbal signals.
Another gesture in America is extending the palm with all five fingers extended. It’s seen as rude because of it being a forced dismissive to the recipient. In Africa, it has a similar feeling behind it, although the actual effect is basically saying the recipient has five fathers and is, therefore, an illegitimate child. Although I have “been around” in the United States, I have not experienced differences in culture that are large enough to involve a change in connotation of nonverbal signals.
To add to your post, "A-Okay" gesture in Israel means zero, and extending the palm with all five fingers extended means "hamsa", which is just as "knock on wood", a signal that supposed to prevent bad luck.
ReplyDeleteAlso, in Israel when you say good bye, it's more common to salute rather than to wave with your hand; I think that it is because everyone in the country (women and men) has to serve in the military for few years, so saluting became part of everybody's culture. And last, in America people cross their fingers when they hope for something, but in Israel crossing your finger means that you promise, the same promise that Americans validate with a "pinky swear".
I have spent many months throughout parts of Africa, and had never heard of the five finger palm extended meaning. Would you mind elaborating the description of this gesture, please?
ReplyDeleteAs for traveling throughout the USA, some 38 states, I appreciate your observation that you have "not experienced differences in culture that are large enough to involve a change in connotation of nonverbal signals" or meanings, as this has been my experience, also. I wonder if this is because in our travels abroad, the cultural communications vary so widely for ours here in America, that we are not cognizant of the nuances of difference here regionally. I will definitely be paying more close attention to this subject as I travel the states.