Few realize the power they have in their hands. There are times when your own hands can save or literally betray, and all this happens without your conscious participation. Of course, if you don't know how hand language works.

A person who speaks the language of nonverbal communication has a lot of advantages over his counterpart, and is able to hear not only what the interlocutor is saying, but also understand what he is thinking about, or what he is not talking about. But let's talk about everything in order.

Several stories about the emergence of hand gestures

Today, many symbols shown by hands have international registration, and are equally understandable to New Zealand Maori and African Maasai. Why did this happen?

Why do soldiers put their hand to their head to greet someone, or to praise a person we raise our thumb up, and to insult someone we raise our middle finger? The answers to these questions came to us from the past. Let's look at the stories behind some of these gestures in more detail.

1. Thumbs up. Shows that everything is fine and you are doing well. This movement came to us from antiquity. The Roman public, during gladiatorial fights, in this way signaled that for the diligence and diligence shown by the defeated slave during the battle, his life could be saved. A dropped thumb did not bode well for a loser warrior. Since those times, it has been the custom: the thumb points to the sky - you are on top, to the ground - you are a bit of a loser;
2. The greeting of the military when addressing a superior or when raising a flag, by raising an open palm to the head, was borrowed from medieval knights. In those ancient times, in order to show the purity of their thoughts, warriors, when meeting, raised their visors, thereby demonstrating the friendliness of their plans. Another version of the origin of this sign is associated with earlier periods of human history. In ancient times, subjects, in order to show that only the sun was higher than their ruler, when meeting the autocrat, covered their eyes with their hands, thereby demonstrating submission. Over time, the form of the gesture has changed slightly, but the content has remained unchanged. People in uniform show their respect and commitment to their superiors or state symbol by raising their hand to their head;
   
3. An outstretched hand when meeting, or a handshake. The origin of this greeting is explained quite simply. In ancient times, an outstretched hand, without a weapon, symbolized your peaceful plans and respect;
   
4. Raised middle finger. There are at least two explanations for the appearance of this obscene gesture. According to one version, the ancient Greeks showed this symbol to those with whom they would like to carry out actions, the meaning of which reflects what we mean by demonstrating this gesture today. Another option goes back to the beginning of the 15th century, when during the Franco-English Battle of Agincourt, French soldiers cut off the middle fingers of captured English archers so that they could not shoot at them in the future. Naturally, those of the English who could not be caught by the vile French showed them their middle fingers from a safe distance, thereby showing their disdain and courage. Why didn't the French just kill the prisoners? The question remains open;
5. The so-called goat. A symbol that distinguishes true “metalheads” from the people around them. One version says that the sign originated among the ancient Vikings, and symbolized the Scandinavian rune that protects its owner from the evil eye. According to another version, this is the “fingering” of Soviet prisoners who, in order not to go to work, simply cut their tendons, and the hand took this shape spontaneously. Today, this symbol of cool says that the person demonstrating it is a principled “legalist”, and he will not collect popcorn scattered in the cinema;
   
6. The well-known American OK. There may be differences in this gesture depending on the part of the world you are in. For some nations, it symbolizes that your affairs are in perfect order, for others it means that you are “complete zero,” and for some it demonstrates problems with the large intestine. According to one of the most plausible versions, this sign was borrowed from the non-verbal language of the Native American inhabitants - Indians, who in this way showed their fellow tribesmen that there were no problems.
   

Some hand gestures and their meaning

Each gesture has its own interesting and multifaceted history, however, it’s time to talk about their meaning and the practical use of this knowledge in everyday life.

Open palm

In most cultures, an open hand is associated with honesty. Therefore, if you want to make people believe that you are telling the truth, it is not recommended to present your arguments with your hands clenched into fists.

At such moments, it is better to open your palms to show that you are not hiding anything.

On the other hand, be alert when someone tells you important things by putting your hands in your pockets or hiding them behind your back. Hidden palms do not make sentences more believable, even if they are true. With a high degree of probability, it can be argued that your interlocutor is lying or hiding some important information from you.

Palm up and down position

The way you use your hands when communicating with others can significantly affect how they perceive your words and you. Ask a simple question with your palms up, and people will think you're asking for a favor.

On the one hand, they will not be bothered by your request, but on the other hand, they will not feel threatened or pressured by you. If you ask this question with your palms facing down, it will more likely resemble a requirement that must be fulfilled.

It can not only set the tone for any business or political meeting, but also influence its results. When two equal interlocutors shake hands, their palms remain vertical.

But if one person's palm is facing upward when shaking hands, this can be perceived as a symbolic surrender, and signify the superiority of the other person.

When talking, your interlocutor holds his hands behind his back and makes meaningless movements with them - he is not interested in you, you should stop the meaningless conversation, or move on to another topic.

What is the meaning of finger gestures

No less revelations can be gleaned from the position of the fingers on our hands. Let's give a few examples.

There is a fine line between a hand gesture and a finger gesture, but we will talk about those cases in which the movement of the fingers is an independent signal.

Some finger gestures are unintentional, and by their position you can unmistakably read what emotional state a person is in, or his attitude towards the topic of conversation.

• finger on the mouth - they are lying to you;
• during a conversation, the index finger involuntarily points towards the other person - a clear sign of dominance;
• index finger up - you should be wary of such a person, since the gesture is often used by parents in relation to a careless child;
• fingers are straight and pressed tightly together - the person has made a firm decision to achieve his goal and does not care about sentiment;
• fingers squeeze the wrist or palm of the other hand - the interlocutor is furious, trying to restrain his emotions;
• fingers clenched into a fist from time to time - a clear sign of a hidden threat.

What about the deaf and dumb?

Many gestures unconsciously used in communication are reflected in the alphabet for the deaf and dumb.

Sign languages ​​of the deaf are independent languages ​​that consist of combinations of movements of the hands and fingers in combination with facial expressions, position of the mouth, lips and body.

It is a mistake to believe that sign languages ​​for the deaf were invented by hearing people to convey information to those who cannot hear. In fact, these languages ​​develop completely independently.

Moreover, in one country there may be several sign languages ​​that do not grammatically coincide with the verbal languages ​​of that country.

As practice shows, in the absence of the opportunity to use sound language as a means of communication, people instinctively begin to use gestures for this. The main means of communication for this are the hands and fingers.

At the same time, deaf people have many gestures, the meaning of which can be understood by an unprepared person. For example, the word “peace” in the language of the deaf and dumb will look like hands squeezing each other, located in front of the chest, “love” is a palm raised to the lips in the form of an air kiss, and “house” is palms folded in a triangle in the form of a gable roof.

Youth hand gestures and their meaning

Our children also use sign language for their communication, and the variety of these non-verbal signs is constantly enriched by the emergence of new ones. Let's give a few examples of such youth gestures, with the help of which teenagers can easily understand each other, while older people, and even middle-aged people, will remain in the dark.

Time and scientific and technological progress dictate their conditions, and this fully applies to our gestures.

Just recently, a hand folded in the shape of an English L did not mean anything, but today it is a loser, a sign signaling that you are a loser.

An extended middle finger pointing to the side can mean that you are being sent, but at the same time it can be interpreted as an invitation to sex.

With your fingers shaped like a heart, it’s simple: “I love you.” But a “horned goat” with its thumb pointed to the side means simple sympathy.

The English V, performed by a teenager with the back of his hand turned towards you, can mean two Colas, or serve as the equivalent of the middle finger in the UK. And such a familiar sign as OK, but inverted, and shown at waist level or below, is an open invitation to sex.

Thanks to the specific versatility of using hand language and a few widely spoken English words, you can communicate with a foreigner you meet by chance on a busy street. Of course, you won’t be able to conclude a contract with him for the supply of gas equipment, but you can easily explain how to get to the nearest metro station or stadium.

Differences in the interpretation of habitual gestures in different countries

Do not rush to use your extensive knowledge of sign language when you find yourself abroad. Some common symbols may have opposite meanings in different parts of the world. And again let's look at the examples.

1. If you are in France, then OK, which is common throughout the world, turns into a big, fat zero. And in Turkey, with such a gesture you will signal that your interlocutor is gay - not a very pleasant statement in a country where the majority of people are Muslims;
2. Raising your thumb and extending your index finger in the sign language of teenagers means a loser, and in China this symbol represents the number eight;
3. A thumbs up in Europe and America says: “Everything is cool,” and in Iran, Afghanistan and Greece this obscene gesture will be read: “I..., you..., and all your relatives...”, well, you get the idea;
4. The crossed index and middle fingers protect Europeans from the evil eye, and in Vietnam this figure denotes the female genital organ;
5. A hand extended forward stops all over the world and seems to say: “Wait,” and in Greece it literally translates as “Eat shit.”

If, as the proverb states, silence is golden, then continuing the association, in some countries, the absence of gestures is a diamond.

The gestures and their interpretation that you have become familiar with are not limited to the examples given. The purpose of our article is to popularize, interest and guide. Perhaps our theses will help solve small life problems. Or maybe not small.

There is some more information about the most popular gestures in the following video.

Offensive gestures in different countries

Gesticulation is an essential part of communication, but the peculiarity is that in different countries the same gestures can mean completely different things. Therefore, you can easily offend a person without even knowing it.

So, 8 common gestures that can be misunderstood in different countries of the world.
1. Scratch your chin.

Scratching your chin from bottom to top with your fingers together is a rather rude gesture in France, Belgium and northern Italy. It's like showing the middle finger. Focusing on the beard area in these countries is considered a sign of excessive aggression.

2. Give a thumbs up

In the Middle East, this is the way they send people to where their legs grow. Children often indulge in this gesture, for whom raising their thumb up is like sticking out their tongue.

3. Show “pis” (peace) or “victory” (victory)

Two fingers raised in the shape of a V in England and Australia are perceived in only one form as a peace-loving sign - if the palm is turned away from you. Otherwise, “piss” is an insult equivalent in strength to a raised middle finger. Churchill himself was guilty of this “wrong” gesture.

4. “Everything is ok” sign

Showing the “everything is okay” gesture, when the tips of the thumb and index fingers are closed and the other fingers are raised up, does not always mean that everything is okay. So, in Turkey and Venezuela this is how homosexuals are identified, in France it means “not worth attention” or “total zero”, and in Brazil it’s like scratching your chin in northern Italy.

5. High five with fingers outstretched

In Greece, such a gesture with the palm facing away from you is considered offensive. It comes from the times when criminals were led through the streets, and onlookers threw all sorts of nasty things at them with outstretched fingers.

6. Show the “goat”

This gesture, shown with someone's back in Spain or Italy, means that the spouse is cuckolding him/her, and the person himself is a complete loser. “Goat” in these countries has nothing in common with rock music.

7. Pass things with one hand

In China and Japan, you need to pass objects with both hands, be it a business card, a camera or something else. This is a sign of respect, openness and consideration.

8. Cross your fingers for luck

Indeed, crossed index and middle fingers in Europe are a symbol of wishing good luck. But not in Vietnam, where this gesture means female genitals.

Read also

For most children and parents, going to school is a familiar part of the day, with no promise of anything interesting. However, for some children the path to knowledge is not only thorny, but also really dangerous. Pay attention to the Chinese children living in the village of Genguan.

You can easily adopt this life hack, especially since this does not require any special tools or devices. If there is a strong unpleasant odor in the restroom, flight attendants resort to coffee.

OAG analysts have compiled a list of flights that provide airlines with the greatest profits. The first place in this indicator went to the British Airways route from London Heathrow to New York Kennedy Airport.

We often get used to the meaning of gestures in our country and do not think about the fact that somewhere they can mean completely different, sometimes rather awkward or rude concepts. Gestures in different countries of the world - what is their meaning? Read on to avoid getting into an awkward situation while traveling.

1. Gestures in different countries of the world - head nods

In most countries, nodding your head from side to side is synonymous with the word "no", but in countries such as India, Bulgaria and Greece, this gesture means agreement with something.

1. Gestures in different countries of the world - patting on the head

In many countries, this is a completely customary gesture towards, for example, a child, which means friendliness, affection and good disposition towards the interlocutor. However, in the Buddhist culture it is believed that the soul lives in the crown, so stroking the head is perceived as aggressiveness.

1. Gestures in different countries of the world - twirl your finger at your temple

In Russia, this gesture means that the interlocutor said something stupid. In France, twirling a finger at your temple is also synonymous with a weak mind. However, in Holland, on the contrary, this will be a compliment to high intelligence.

1. Gestures around the world - touch your earlobe

In many countries, this gesture does not mean anything special at all, but a Spaniard will perceive it as an insult, since in Spain touching the earlobe in everyday life means that among the participants in the conversation there are people of non-traditional orientation.

1. Gestures in different countries of the world - the "ok" gesture - a ring of thumb and index finger

Americans use this gesture to mean “everything is fine”, “no problem”, but a Frenchman will understand it as something negative towards a person (“he’s a complete zero”). In Brazil and some Asian countries, this gesture means the anus, but the Japanese associate it with money.

1. Gestures around the world - thumbs up

Hitchhikers use their thumbs up to stop passing traffic. In European countries, this gesture means “everything is fine,” and the thumb down, on the contrary, symbolizes in a rather crude form that everything is bad. Such a gesture will be perceived as an insult in the countries of the Middle East.

1. Gestures around the world - show tongue

In Russian-speaking countries, children are taught never to show their tongue, but in Tibet this is a sign that the person is not plotting anything against you.

1. Gestures around the world - middle and index fingers together in a V shape

In Europe, if this gesture is made with the palm facing away from you, it is perceived in a positive sense, but if you make it with the palm towards you, it will be considered a terrible insult.

1. Gestures in different countries of the world - goat (often seen among rock fans)

In Italy and Spain it means that a person is being cheated on by a husband or wife.

1. Gestures around the world - fingers crossed for good luck

In Vietnam, it is synonymous with female genital organs.

1. Gestures in different countries of the world - nevermind

The Slavs used this gesture to protect themselves and others from evil spirits and failures, but in Japan and Thailand it is used by prostitutes. In Turkey, fig is a rude message to where a person’s legs usually grow from, and in Brazil it is a wish for success and good luck.

The beckoning sign with your index finger that says “come to me” is taboo in Asian countries. In the Philippines, this gesture is only appropriate in relation to dogs and indicates that you consider the other person inferior to you. Moreover, using such a gesture can lead to arrest in this country.

"Goat"

“Koz” is loved by rock musicians, metalheads and their fans. However, you should not show it in Italy, Spain or Macedonia, especially to a man, since the gesture hints at the infidelity of the recipient’s wife (“cuckold”). Among superstitious people in Western countries, the sign of a “goat” means the same thing as spitting over our shoulder, that is, the usual protection from the evil eye, witches and various evil spirits.

"Like"

The familiar “like”, a gesture of agreement and approval, often erases language barriers, and lovers of hitchhiking often vote with it on the road.

However, in Thailand it is a sign of condemnation. Although it is rather childish, like sticking out your tongue, it should be avoided. In Iran, this is an offensive gesture, the equivalent of sticking out the middle finger. In some other countries, such as Greece, this gesture means “shut up.”

Gesture "Victory"

The gesture, which shows the index and middle finger of the hand in the form of the letter V, signifies victory or peace in many countries. However, if the palm is facing the person, then in the UK, Ireland and Australia the V-shape becomes an offensive gesture, which is the non-verbal equivalent of the phrase “fuck off!”

The fact is that the English archers, who instilled fear in their enemies in the 100-year Anglo-French War, had precisely these two fingers on their right hand cut off so that they could no longer shoot from bows. And if the archer showed undamaged fingers like this, it meant “be afraid, enemies!” The French perceived this gesture as an insult to them.

Exposed palm

An outstretched palm, which is used to express a request to stop or stop, takes on a different meaning in Greece. Palms directed towards the interlocutor - the so-called “muntsa” - are used when they want to express extreme indignation or “send” the interlocutor. This gesture remains from Byzantine times, when smoke was smeared on the face of a criminal to ridicule him.

Patting on the head

Patting a child's head is usually a gesture of friendliness and affection. However, in the Buddhist religion, the crown is the highest point of the body, that is, the place where the soul resides. Touching the top of the head is an aggressive invasion of a person’s space. This gesture should be avoided in countries where the majority of people practice Buddhism.

"Fig"

The gesture “fig”, “shish” or “kukish” is used in case of refusal or disagreement. In Brazil and Portugal it is a more benevolent gesture, a way of wishing good luck and protection from the evil eye. In Turkey it has an aggressive and rude character, the equivalent of which is the middle finger. In many countries, folded fingers are associated with sex. In Arab countries, kukish means a sexual insult. In France, this figure of three fingers means the same as the extended middle finger of the hand.

Proposal, invitation

In many countries, people do not pay attention to which hand they use to offer something to other people. However, in India, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East, the left hand is considered “dirty”. Even a left-handed person should eat with his right hand, since only it is considered suitable for eating. The same goes for shaking hands and passing objects. But in Japan, it is considered polite when you give with both hands, while a gesture with one hand can imply disdain.

Fingers crossed

In many Western countries, people cross their index and middle fingers for good luck or to ward off the evil eye. In Vietnam, this gesture is considered offensive, especially if you are looking at another person. Crossed fingers are believed to represent the female genitals.

Middle finger

This is the most famous and recognizable indecent gesture in the whole world, which is shown when they want to send the interlocutor to hell, end the conversation or rudely refuse. In addition, this is one of the most ancient gestures, which was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as by monkeys. In Asian countries, however, the middle finger is sometimes used to point at something.

OK gesture

A ring made from the thumb and index finger, meaning “everything is okay!” or "OK", in French means "zero" or "worthless". In Greece and Turkey, this gesture is considered a hint of homosexuality. And in some Middle Eastern countries, such as Kuwait, it means the evil eye.

Other gestures in different countries

In Argentina, keeping your hands in your pockets is considered indecent; in Japan, it is not recommended to tighten your belt in public - this means the beginning of hara-kiri. Bulgarians, Greeks and Turks shake their heads from side to side when they say “Yes,” but for us it means “No.” By touching the eyelid with a finger, in Italy they express goodwill, in Spain, with the help of this gesture, they express their doubts about the veracity of what was said, and the Frenchman with such a gesture makes it clear to the person that he is talking too much. When an Englishman wants to teach someone a lesson, he raises two fingers clasped together, and in the USA this gesture means a single whole, a command.

If you have eaten very heavily in this country, then out of habit you should not put your hands out with your palms outward, as if refusing and showing that you no longer want to eat. In Greece, a person showing his hand with his palm facing outwards seems to say that “you infuriate me, and I would plunge your head into...” This gesture comes from the times when criminals were smeared with black coal or excrement and driven through the streets.

2. The V-finger sign is offensive in the UK and Australia, although it is popular in those countries. The “V” sign, as a sign of victory, was invented by Winston Churchill. In this meaning, the hand must be turned with the back side towards the speaker. When the hand is turned with the palm facing the interlocutor, the gesture takes on an offensive character and means “shut up.” Although in most European countries V -a gesture in any position of the hand means “victory”.

3. “Kukish” in some countries means an offer for sex. In many countries, folded fingers are associated with sex. In Arab countries, “kukish” means a sexual insult; in Germany, this gesture shows that they want to use the services of a prostitute. In Japan and Thailand, fig is perceived as offering a full range of sexual services. In France, this figure of three fingers has an indecent meaning and means that the middle finger of the hand is also exposed, but in Portugal and Brazil the fig is a gesture of protection.

4. Other gestures. In Argentina, keeping your hands in your pockets is considered indecent behavior; in Japan, it is not recommended to tighten your belt in public - it means the beginning of hara-kiri. Bulgarians, Greeks and Turks, when they say “Yes,” shake their heads from side to side, but for us this means “No.” By touching the eyelid with a finger, in Italy they express goodwill, in Spain, with the help of this gesture, they express their doubts about the veracity of what was said, and the Frenchman, with such a gesture, makes it clear to the person that he is “yap.” When an Englishman wants to teach someone a lesson, he raises two fingers clasped together, and in the USA this gesture means a single whole, a command.

5. In European countries, tapping your head with your palm means stupidity. Citizens of France, Germany and Italy knock themselves on the head when they think an idea is stupid. If a German hits himself on the forehead with his palm, it means “You've gone crazy!” But if in England or Spain a person hits himself on the forehead, then he praises himself for his intelligence. The Dutchman, tapping himself on the forehead and extending his index finger, makes it clear to his interlocutor that he appreciates his intelligence.

6. Index finger at the temple. This gesture is perceived differently in different countries. Scrolling a finger at the temple in Italy indicates the eccentricity of a person; in Argentina, this gesture is used to invite someone to the phone. In France, a finger at the temple means “stupidity”, in Holland it symbolizes “intelligence”, but in Great Britain this sign seems to say that a person should “live by his own mind”. In Peru, if a person holds his index finger to his temple, then he is currently thinking.

7. In Eastern and African countries, you should not show your thumb. In West Africa, South America and the Middle East, don't show how cool you are by giving a thumbs up. In these countries, this means that you have an indecent intention towards the interlocutor. In a number of countries, such as England, America, Australia and New Zealand, such a gesture has three meanings. It is used when they want to catch a passing car, or to make it clear that “everything is fine,” and if the thumb is sharply thrown up, then it is offensive and means an obscene curse. In some other countries, such as Greece, this gesture means “shut up.”

8. Be careful with the "OK" gesture. In Brazil, for example, this sign, which worldwide means “all is well,” is considered obscene. In this country, the "OK" gesture means the same as the middle finger. In Belgium, France and Latin America, the "OK" sign is considered offensive and means "nothing", and the Greeks use this to show a homosexual.