第1个回答 2007-02-14
Gestures
An Introduction
Do we expect other cultures to adopt our customs or are we willing to adopt theirs? This might translate to how business or even foreign relations are to be conducted. Do we compromise or force others peoples to deal only on our terms? We may not have time to hear a language , but taking time to learn the "signals" is a powerful communicator.
As the global village continues to shrink and cultures collide, it is essential for all of us to become more sensitive, more aware, and more observant to the myriad motions, gestures, and body language that surround us each day. And as many of us cross over cultural borders, it would be fitting for us to respect, learn, and understand more about the effective, yet powerful "silent language" of gestures.
The world is a giddy montage of vivid gestures- traffic police, street vendors, expressway drivers, teachers, children on playground, athletes with their exuberant hugging, clenched fists and "high fives." People all over the world use their hands, heads, and bodies to communicate expressively.
Without gestures, our world would be static and colorless. The social anthropologists Edward T. Hall claims 60 percent of all our communication is nonverbal. In that case, how can we possibly communicate with one another without gestures?
Gestures and body language communicate as effectively as words- maybe even more effectively. We use gestures daily, almost instinctively, from beckoning to a waiter, or punctuating a business presentation with visual signals to airport ground attendants guiding an airline pilot into the jetway or a parent using a whole dictionary of gestures to teach (or preach to) a child.
Gestures are woven inextricably in to our social lives, but also that the "vocabulary" of gestures, can be at once informative and entertaining... but also dangerous. Gestures can be menacing (two drivers on a freeway), warm (an open-armed welcome). instructive(a police man giving road directions0, or even sensuous (the liquid movement of a Hawaiian hula dancer).
Bear in mind that the following gestures are in general use, but there may always be exceptions. In recent years, Western and contemporary values and ideas have become more popular and has either influenced, altered, and even replaced, some of the more traditional gestures, understanding human behavior is tricky stuff. No two people behave in precisely the same way. Nor do people from the same culture all perform exactly the same gestures and body language uniformly. For almost any gestures there will probably be a minority within a given nationality who might say "Well, some might attach that meaning to it, but to me it means..." and then they will provide a different interpretation.
In the world of gestures, the best single piece of advice is to remember the two A's - "Ask" and be "aware." If you see a motion or gesture that is new or confusing , ask a local person what it signifies. Then, be aware of the many body signs and customs around you.
Source: Axtell, Roger E. Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World. John Wiley & Sons, 1991.
The Ultimate Gesture
According to Roger G. Axtell, the "ultimate gesture" carries certain welcome characteristic unlike any other single gestures.
First, this "ultimate gestures" is known everywhere- and I stress "everywhere"- in the world. It is absolutely universal.
Second, it is rarely, if ever, misunderstood. Primitive tribes and world leaders alike know and use this gestures. The tribesmen - like you, no doubt - recognize it in others and use it themselves.
Third, scientists believe this particular gesture actually releases chemicals called endorphins in to the system that create a feeling of mild euphoria.
Fourth, as you travel around the world, this gesture may help you slip out of the prickliest of difficult situations.
What is this singular signal, this miracle mien, this giant of all gestures?
It is quite simply, the smile.
Use it freely , use it often.
Source: Axtell, Roger E. Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World. John Wiley & Sons, 1991.
Managerial skills needed by the year 2000
RESPECT: This mean the capability of demonstrating respect in whichever way a specific culture requires: respect for age, respect in manner of speech, respect with eye contact, respect with hand or body gestures, respect for personal privacy, and so on.
TOLERATING AMBIGUITY: This refers to the skill of reacting positively to new, different, and at times, unpredictable situations.
RELATING TO PEOPLE: This means placing the management of people on an equal level with "getting the job done." Too often, American managers are totally result-oriented without sensitivity to the " people ingredient."
BEING NON JUDGEMENTAL: This is the ability to withhold judgment until all information is accumulated, while also taking into account cultural idiosyncrasies that could color judgment.
PERSONALIZING ONE'S OBSERVATION: This is the skill of recognizing that each person sees the world from his or her own platform of observations.
EMPATHY: This skill, the ability to place yourself in another person's shoes, is on of the higher level skills in intercultural relationships.
PERSISTENCE: This is the companion word to "patience." Both are firm requirements in dealing with people from other societies around the world.
- Brent R. Ruben
A global statesman who cares about people encompasses the several skills above plus three more-dignity, professionalism , and propriety.
"A statesmen is a person who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you actually look forward to the trip."
Source: Hariis, Phillip R. and Robert T. Moran. Managing Cultural Differences. Gulf Publishing Co., Houston. 1977.
Elevator Behavior
Next time you walk on to a crowded elevator, don't turn around and face the door. Instead, just stand there facing the others. If you want to create even more tension, grin. Very likely the other passengers will glare back, surprised, grim, and upset.
Reason? You have broken the rules.
This demonstrates how, even in the most mundane situations, we have a silent set of rules for bodily behavior in public settings.
When _____ people enter an elevator, they each... one or two ...lean against the walls of the elevator.
four ...occupy a corner.
five or six ...all turn to face the door.
...get taller and thinner.
...hands and purses and briefcases hang down in front of the body, or "fig leaf position."
...must not touch each other in any way unless the elevator is crowded, and then only at the shoulder or lightly against the upper arm.
...have a tendency to look upward at the illuminated floor indicator.
Source: Axtell, Roger E. Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World. John Wiley & Sons, 1991.
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Asian Gestures
Asian Pacific Cultural Values
Filial piety or respect for one's parents or elders.
Unquestioning respect for authority. One is taught to respect those who lead, to be loyal, trustworthy and to follow through on assignments.
Patriarchial authority of the elder. The parents define the law and the children are expected to abide by their requests and demands. The father is generally authoritarian, distant and reserved but his position is respected.
Extended family - an extension of filial piety. Asians in the past have valued large families. Extended family included the immediate family and relatives. it is the responsibility of the family members to provide for the elders. in the Asian family, as one approaches old age, it is the beginning of relaxation and respect.
Loyalty to family. Independent behavior that may disrupt the harmony of the family is highly discouraged.
Concept of shame. One must not bring dishonor or disgrace to one's self or family.. Also, this concept is used as a controlling factor in the behavior of the family.
Vertical authority - Goes from top to bottom in the extended family. One is not encouraged to criticize or confront an individual publicly.
Father and son relationship is important because sons are valued to continue on the family name.
Control of emotions, self discipline and self control is emphasized. This suppression of emotions gave rise to the stereotypical nation of "the inscrutable Asian." One should only speak when spoken to, speak only if one has something important to say, have inner stamina/strength to tolerate crises. be a solid performer and not show any emotion.
Asian women are expected to carry on domestic duties, marry and have children.
Education is highly valued. Children learn to obey at home and are expected to do so at school. They are taught to follow all the rules and regulations, respect authority and to spend all of their time studying to obtain high grades. Scholastic achievement is highly prized and co-curricular activities are given low priority,
Group consensus is valued in the decision-making process. Collective decision-making, collective responsibility and teamwork are stressed. Rugged individualism is not esteemed.
Interdependence not individualism is valued. Put group/family needs before individual needs.
Perserverance, conformity, loyalty, hard work and frugality are values sough after.
Fatalism. Acceptance of ambiguity and uncertainty. Willingness to be patient accept things are they are.
Humbleness. The visibility of the group not the individual is stressed. Power is shared collectively. Not polite to accept public recognition or to call attention to oneself. Hard work will be recognized and rewarded.
Success syndrome. Becoming successful is paramount. Find the safest and least visible routes to success. Choose careers that are safe but respectable. Fear of failure and fear of brining shame to the family are dominant forces. Risk taking is not encouraged. Success = Stability/Respectability.
Source: Leadership Management Institute(LMI). "Asian Pacific Cultural Values." Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics. (1990).
Common Asian Gestures
GREETINGS GESTURES
Handshaking
Bowing
Avoid direct eye contact
BEKONING GESTURES
To beckon someone, the palm faces downward and the fingers are moved in a scratching motion.
Avoid using fingers in pointing to an object.
TOUCHING GESTURES
Not touch oriented societies
Avoid public display of affection
Pushing (bumping) in crowds
OTHER NON VERBAL GESTURES
Respect to elderly people
Smiling often can cover a gamut of emotions: happiness, anger, confusion, apologies , or sadness.
Displaying an open mouth (such as yawning or a wide-open laugh) is considered rude, especially with women who cover their mouths when giggling or laughing.
Try to maintain a balanced posture, stand or sit erectly or squarely. Don't slouch or put on the ground with arms in the lap or on the armrest. Crossing the legs at the knees or ankles is the preferred form rather than with one ankle over the other knee.
Silience (listening) is a sign of politeness and of contemplation. During conversations, be especially careful about interrupting.
China
GREETINGS GESTURES
The western custom of shaking hands is the customary form of greeting, but often s nod of the head or slight bow is sufficient. Hugging and kissing when greeting are uncommon.
Business cards are often exchanged, and yours should be printed in your own language and in Chinese. Also, it is more respectful to present your card (or a gift or any other article) using both hands.
The Chinese are enthusiastic applauders. You may be greeted with group clapping, even by small children. When a person is applauded in this fashion it is the custom for that person to return the applause or a "thank you."
When walking in public places, direct eye contact and staring is uncommon in the larger cities, especially in those areas accustomed to foreign visitors. However, in smaller communities, visitors may be the subject of much curiosity and therefore you may notice some stares.
TOUCHING GESTURES
Genrally speaking, the Chinese are not a touch-oriented society (especially true for visitors). So avoid touching or any prolonged form of body contact.
Public displays of affection are very rare. On the other hand, you may note people of the same sex walking hand-in-hand, which is simply a gesture of friendship.
Don't worry about a bit of pushing and shoving in stores or when groups board public buses or trains. Apologies are neither offered or expected.
Personal space is much less in China. The Chinese will stand much closer than Westerners.
BECKONING GESTURES
To beckon someone, the palm faces downward and the fingers are moved in a scratching motion. Avoid use the index finger, palm up and toward you, in a back forth curling motion toward your body. That gesture is used only for animals and can be considered rude.
The open hand is used for pointing (not just one or two fingers,)
Also, avoid using your feet to gesture or to move or touch other objects because the feet are considered lowly and dirty.
OTHER NONVERBAL GESTURES
Avoid being physically intimidating (be humble), especially with older or more senior people.
Posture is important, so don't slouch or put your feet on desks or chairs.
Silence is perfectly acceptable and customary. Silence (listening) is a sign of politeness and of contemplation. During conversations, be especially careful about interrupting.
Chinese like to avoid saying "no." A gesture that is often used to signal "no" or that "something is very difficult" (pausing to rethink) is to tip the head backward and audibly suck air in through the teeth.
On public streets, spitting and blowing the nose without the benefit of a handkerchief is fairly common, although the government is waging a campaign to reduce this in the cities. It used to be regarded as ridding the body of a waste- an act of personal hygiene . However, today it is a sign of "low" class or uneducated.
Japan
In summary, for most visitors the Japanese are complex and difficult to understand. Remember two things: (1) style, or the way things are done, is just as important as substance, or what is being done; and (2) watch your Japanese hosts carefully and follow their example.
GREETING GESTURES
The graceful act of bowing is the traditional greeting.
However, they have also adopted the western custom of shaking hands, albeit with a light grip and perhaps with eyes averted. Meanwhile, to show respect for their customs, it would flatter them to offer a slight bow when being introduced.
Avoid hugging and kissing when greeting.
It is considered rude to stare. Prolonged direct eye contact is considered impolite or even intimidating.
It is considered rude to stand with your hand or hands in your pockets, especially when greeting someone or when addressing a group of people.
The seemingly simple act of exchanging business cards is more complex in japn becuae the business card represents not only one's identity but one's station in life. Yours should be printed in your own language and in Japanese.
TOUCHING GESTURES
The Japanese are not a touch-oriented society, so avoid open displays of affection, touching or any prolonged form of body contact.
Queues are generally respected; it is only in crowded train and subway stations where the huge volume of people causes touching and pushing.
BECKONING GESTURES
It is considered insulting to point to someone fingers extended and the thinb folded into the palm.
To beckon someone, the palm faces downward and the fingers are moved in a scratching motion.
OTHER NONVERBAL GESTURES
Because of the high regard for graciousness and restraint, one should not shout, raise the voice in anger, or exhibit any excessively demonstrative behavior.
Among the Japanese, smiling often can cover a gamut of emotions: happiness, anger, confusion, apologies, or sadness.
Displaying an open mouth (such as yawning or a wide open laugh) is considered rude in Japan, especially with women who cover their mouths when giggling or laughing.
Try to maintain a balanced posture stand or sit erectly or squarely. Do not slouch or put your feet on desks or chairs. When seated have both feet squarely on the ground with arms in the lap or on the armrests. Crossing the legs at the knee or ankles is the preferred form rather than with one ankle over the other knee.
Silence is perfectly acceptable and customary. Silence (listening) is a sign of politeness and of contemplation. During conversations, be especially careful about interrupting.
One way to show concentration and attentiveness is to close the eyes in contemplation and nod the head slight, up and down.
Japanese men like to avoid saying "no", but one gesture that is often used ti signal "no" or that "something is very difficult" is to tip the head backward and audibly suck air in through the teeth.
OTHER NONVERBAL GESTURES
A gesture saying "I do not know," or "I don't understand" or "No, I am undeserving" is waving the hand back and forth in front of one's own face (palm outward).
The "O.K." gesture in Japan may be interpreted as the signal for "money" or "give me change in coins."
Blowing your nose in public is considered rude. The handkerchief is used primarily for wiping the mouth or drying the hands when leaving the washroom. Paper tissues are used for blowing the nose and then discarded.
When entering a private home or traditional restaurants with tatami (bamboo mats) floors, it is usually customary to remove your shoes and place them with the toes pointing toward the outdoors.
BOWING
Many westerners view the bow as an act of subservience, but in Japan that would completely wrong. For the Japanese a bow signals respect and humility, two qualities coveted throughout Asia.
Although it is not absolutely necessary, but a slight bow demonstrate that you respect their customs. And in Japan, where style and grace and courteousness are revered, that simply act would surely be noted, appreciated, and probably remembered.
WHO BOWS FIRST? AND HOW LOW DOES ONE BOW? In Japanese, it is extremely important to know the rank of people with whom you come in contact.
"The person of lower rank bows first and lowest."
"The higher the rank of the person facing you, the lower you bow."
"The lower the bow and the longer one holds the position, the stronger is the indication of respect, gratitude, sincerity, obeisance, humility, contriteness, etc."
With equals match bows, adding an extra one when you want to show a slight edge of respect.
When unsure of status, the safest move is to bow a shade less low than the other person.
The proper form is to bow (about 15 degrees) with hands sliding down toward the knees or at the sides, back neck stiff, and eyes averted. The formal bow (about 30 degrees) with palms on knees and often bobbing up and down. Never bow with a hand (of both hands) in your pockets.
Sources:
Axtell, Roger E., ed. Do's and Taboos Around the World. John Wiley & Sons, 1993.
Axtell, Roger E. Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World. John Wiley & Sons, 1991.
DeMente, Boye. Japanese Etiquette & Ethics in Business. Passport Books, 1987.
Korea
GREETING GESTURES
Among themselves, bowing is the traditional form for both greeting and departing.
Western and Korean male friends usually greet with both a slight bow and shaking hands. When shaking hands, both hands are sometimes used. Women usually do not shake hands, especially with men, but usually just nod slightly. The senior person offers to shake hands first, but the junior person bows first. However, shake hands with a light grip and perhaps with eyes av