When going abroad, language differences are a significant barrier. You will have to use everything you have, from foreign language knowledge as well as body language to help natives understand what you want.
However, the story of body language is also a big problem, especially signs by hand. The same sign of gesture, in this country is accepted, but the other country has a different meaning, even making you receive the stare from the indigenous people.
1. Sign "OK"
America, Western countries and some Asian countries: This symbol is called "OK" - instead of the word of agreement.
Japan: Money!
Brazil: vulgar gestures. When US President Richard Nixon arrived in Brazil, he made this gesture in front of the crowd and received the indignation of the local people.
2. Pinch the thumb between 2 fingers
America: Harmless notation with the meaning associated with "I've Got Your Nose", refers to having stolen . the nose on someone's face.
Turkey : The vulgar symbol is similar to holding a "rotten finger" (middle finger), showing opposition or denial of another person's request.
Brazil: Good luck, escape the eyes of the devil.
Indonesia: Aggressive and vulgar symbols.
3. Letter V
America: Peace, or victory.
East Asian countries (Japan, Korea, Thailand): No meaning, just a common gesture when taking photos.
England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland: If the letter V is made with the back of the hand pointing at the opposite person, it is an insulting symbol.
4. The letter L
America and many Western countries: Loser - means loser.
China: Number 8 - lucky number for Chinese culture.
5. Hold up your thumb
America: Symbols originate from this national culture, meaning "good". It is also used for people who want to ride a car.
Iraq, Iran: The gesture is very vulgar, no different from cursing in the face.
6. Wave your finger
America, Ecuador, and some Western countries: Symbols mean "Come here", and are used in cases that want to seduce someone.
Philippines : Only used when calling . dogs. If used on people, it is offensive behavior and you can be arrested for that.
7. Hold your hand back
Many countries: "Stop!"
America: " Stop", or mean attacking: "Tell me this."
Greece, Sindh (Pakistan) : This symbol is called "moutza" or "mountza", and carries an insulting meaning.
Malaysia : Use a greeting, to call for service, or even to thank the driver.
8. The "slash" symbol
America: The symbol means "You are dead" , threatening but not only related to your life but also to work.
Japan: Equal to "Sacked" . This gesture is because in Japanese, the word "kubi" - meaning being fired is like the word "kubi " meaning throat.
9. Wrinkles nose, waving hands
The majority of countries: smelling hard
Japan: Simply "No" , or "Impossible" , even used in a polite situation instead of "No, thanks."
10. Cross fingers
America, Europe .: Good luck
Vietnam and some Asian countries: vulgar gestures, reproducing the female genitals, are understood equally with "rotten fingers".
