湯潤(rùn)

[難詞探意]

1. tilt /t?lt/ v. （使）傾斜

2. occidental /??ks??dentl/ adj. 西方的;西洋的; 西方世界的

3. deception /d??sep?n/ n. 欺騙;詭計(jì)

4. connotation /?k?n??te??n/ n. 含義;隱含意義

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， Cerde[n][～] 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 its 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， its 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.