Same Body Language in Chinese and American Cultures, but with Different Meaning
Meaning in China
Body Language Meaning in U.S.
Anger, irritation, frustration, remorse
Stamping one¡¯s foot
Impatience
Thank you; mutual positive feelings
Speaker or performer clapping at the same time audience applauds
Applauding oneself; improper, immodest
Curiosity, sometimes surprise
Staring, gaping
Considered impolite; makes people embarrassed, self- conscious
Disapproval, hissing
¡°Shoo¡±
Calling for silence
Seldom used; occasionally adults may pat head of children to show affection; patting the head of a teenager or adult would cause displeasure and can be insulting
Pat on head
Giving comfort, consolation or encouragement; also shows affection
Different Body Language, Same Meaning
Meaning
Body Language in China
Body Language in U.S.
¡°Come here¡± (beckoning some to come)
Hand extended toward person, open palm, palm down, with all fingers crooked in a beckoning motion
Hand extended toward person, closed hand, palm up, with forefinger only moving back and forth (in China, this same gesture would be considered offensive by many)
¡°Shame on you!¡± (semi-joking gesture)
Forefinger of one hand extended, tip touches one¡¯s own face several times quickly; similar to scratching, but with the forefinger straight (usually with the remark ¡°Shame on you!¡±)
Forefinger of each hand extended, palms down in front of one¡¯s body; one forefinger makes several brushing movements over the back of the other forefinger
¡°I¡¯m very full¡± (after a meal)
One or both hands open, lightly patting one¡¯s own stomach
Hand raised to throat, fingers extended, palm down (often with the remark ¡°I¡¯m full up to here¡±)
Body Language and Meaning in One Culture, No Equivalent in Other Culture
Body Language
Meaning in U.S.
Chewing one¡¯s fingernails
Emotional stress, worried, doesn¡¯t know what to do
Thumbing one¡¯s nose (one thumb on tip of own nose, fingers curled and moving together)
Defiance, contempt
Wagging one¡¯s finger (forefinger of one hand raised, other fingers clasped, the raised forefinger is wagged from side to side)
Warning not to do something; indicating that what the other person is doing wrong
Thumb down (arm crooked in front of body, closed fist, thumb extended down, one or several downward movements)
Rejection of a proposal, idea, person; nonverbal way of saying a strong ¡°No¡±
Winking (quick closing of one eye, generally with a smile and slight nod)
May show several feelings: understanding, approval, encouragement, trying to get across a message, solidarity
Body Language
Meaning in China
Touching or pointing to tip of one¡¯s own nose with raised forefinger
¡°It¡¯s me¡± ¡°I¡¯m the one¡± (To Westerners, the gesture would seem slightly funny)
Using an open hand to cover one¡¯s mouth while speaking (generally used by older people)
To show confidentiality and secrecy; sometimes no meaning
Using both hands (when one would be enough) in offering something to a visitor or another person
Respect
(When one¡¯s tea cup is being refilled by the host or hostess) putting one or both hands upright, palm open, beside the cup
¡°Thank you¡±
Upraised forefinger of each hand coming together in front of the body until the two touch
Boy and girl in love; a good match
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