introduce

Do we expect other cultures to adopt our customs, or are we willing to adopt them? This may translate into how to run business and even diplomatic relations. Do we compromise or force others to do things only on our terms? We may not have time to listen to a language, but taking time to learn "signals" is a powerful way of communication.

With the shrinking of the global village and the collision of cultures, it is necessary for all of us to become more sensitive, understand and observe the countless actions, gestures and body language around us every day. As many of us cross cultural boundaries, we should respect, learn and understand more effective and powerful "silent language" about gestures.

The world is a dazzling montage of vivid gestures-traffic policemen, street vendors, highway drivers, teachers, children on the playground, athletes hugging, clenching their fists and "high-fiving". People all over the world use their hands, heads and bodies to express communication.

Without gestures, our world would be still and colorless. Social anthropologist Edward T Hall claims that 60% of our communication is nonverbal. In this case, how can we communicate with each other without gestures?

Gestures communicate as effectively as body language and language, and may even be more effective. We use gestures almost instinctively every day, from waving to waiters or interrupting business demonstrations with visual signals, to airport ground crew guiding airline pilots into the airstrip, or parents using gesture dictionaries to teach (or preach) their children.

Gestures are inseparable from our social life, but the "vocabulary" of gestures can provide information and entertainment at the same time ... but it is also dangerous. Gestures can be threatening (two drivers are on the highway) or enthusiastic (welcome with open arms). Educational (the police show the way), or even emotional (the smooth movements of Hawaiian hula dancers).

Remember, the following gestures are commonly used, but there are exceptions. In recent years, western and contemporary values and ideas have become more and more popular, and influenced, changed and even replaced some more traditional gestures. Understanding human behavior is a tricky thing. No two people behave in exactly the same way. People from the same culture will not make the same gestures and body language exactly the same. For almost all gestures, a few people in a particular ethnic group may say "Well, some people may give it that meaning, but for me it means …" and then they will give different explanations.

In the world of gestures, the best advice is to remember two A's-"ask" and "realize". If you see a new or confusing action or gesture, ask the locals what it means. Then, be aware of many body languages and customs around you.

Source: Roger Axel, Gestures: Taboos and Taboos of Body Language Around the World. John Wiley & sons, 199 1.

Ultimate posture

According to Roger G Axel, the "ultimate gesture" has some popular features different from any other single gesture.

First of all, this "ultimate gesture" is well known all over the world, and I emphasize "anywhere". This is absolutely universal.

Secondly, it is seldom misunderstood. Primitive tribes and world leaders know and use this gesture. There is no doubt that people in the tribe, like you, found it on others and used it on themselves.

Third, scientists believe that this special posture will actually release a chemical called endorphin into the system, which will produce a slight euphoria.

Fourth, when you travel around the world, this gesture may help you get out of the most difficult situation.

What is this strange signal, this miraculous gesture, the giant in all gestures?

It's simple. Smile.

Use freely and often.

Source: Roger Axel, Gestures: Taboos and Taboos of Body Language Around the World. John Wiley & sons, 199 1.

Management skills required in 2000

Respect: This means the ability to show respect in any way required by a particular culture: respect for age, respect for speech, respect for eye contact, respect for gestures or body language, respect for personal privacy and so on.

Tolerance of ambiguity: This refers to the skill of responding positively to new, different and sometimes unpredictable situations.

People-related: This means putting people's management on the same level as "completing the work". Many times, American managers are completely result-oriented and insensitive to "human factors".

Don't judge: this is the ability not to judge before accumulating all the information, but also taking into account the cultural characteristics that may affect judgment.

Personalize your own observation: this is a skill to realize that everyone sees the world from his or her own observation platform.

Empathy: This skill, that is, the ability to put yourself in others' shoes, is one of the advanced skills in cross-cultural relations.

Persistence: this is the companion word of "patience", both of which are firm requirements for dealing with people from other societies around the world.

Brent Reuben

A caring global politician includes the above skills, plus three others-dignity, professionalism and propriety.

"A politician is a person who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you actually stayed on this trip."

Source: Harris, Philip r and Robert t Moran. Manage cultural differences. Houston Bay Publishing Company. 1977.

Elevator behavior

The next time you get on a crowded elevator, don't turn to face the door. Instead, stand there facing others. If you want to create more tension, grin. Other passengers are likely to stare at you in surprise, coldness and uneasiness.

Why? You broke the rules.

This shows that even in the most ordinary circumstances, we have a set of silent rules of physical behavior in public places.

When _ _ _ _ _ people entered the elevator, each of them ... several ... leaned against the wall of the elevator.

Four ... occupy a corner.

Five or six ... everyone turned to the door.

... grow taller and thinner.

Hands, wallets and briefcases hang down in front of your body, or "the position of the fig leaf"

... unless the elevator is crowded, you must not touch each other in any way, and you can only lean on your shoulders or gently lean on your upper arms.

... tend to look up at the lit floor indicator.

Source: Roger Axel, Gestures: Taboos and Taboos of Body Language Around the World. John Wiley & sons, 199 1.

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Asian gestures

Asia-Pacific cultural values

Filial piety or respect for parents or elders.

Absolute respect for authority. A person is taught to respect those leaders, be loyal and trustworthy, and stick to the task.

Parental authority of the elderly. Parents make laws and children should abide by their requirements. Father is usually dictatorial, indifferent and conservative, but his position is respected.

Big family-an extension of filial piety. In the past, Asians valued large families. An extended family includes immediate family members and relatives. It is the responsibility of family members to support the elderly. In Asian families, it is the beginning of relaxation and respect when one approaches old age.

Loyalty to the family. Independent behavior that may destroy family harmony is strongly discouraged.

The concept of shame. A person can't bring dishonor or shame to himself or his family ... In addition, this concept is used as a controlling factor of family behavior.

Vertical authority-top-down in a big family. Public criticism or confrontation with individuals is not encouraged.

The relationship between father and son is very important, because sons are considered to carry on the family name.

Emphasize emotional control, self-discipline and self-control. This repression of emotions leads to the stereotype of "incredible Asians". A person should only speak when others tell him, only when he has something important to say, and have the endurance/strength to withstand the crisis. Be a solid performer and don't show any emotion.

Asian women are expected to undertake housework, get married and have children.

Education is highly valued. Children learn to obey at home and should do the same at school. They are taught to obey all rules and regulations, respect authority and spend all their time studying to get high marks. Academic performance is highly valued, and extracurricular activities are put in a secondary position.

In the decision-making process, team consensus is very important. Emphasize collective decision-making, collective responsibility and teamwork. Rough individualism is not respected.

Emphasis is placed on interdependence rather than individualism. Put group/family needs before individual needs.

Perseverance, conformity, loyalty, diligence and frugality are the values people pursue.

Fatalism Accept ambiguity and uncertainty. Willing to accept the status quo patiently.

Humble. Emphasis is placed on the visibility of groups, not individuals. Power is shared collectively. It is impolite to accept public recognition or draw attention to yourself. Hard work will be recognized and rewarded.

Success syndrome. Success is the most important thing. Find the safest and most inconspicuous way to success. Choose a safe but respectable career. Fear of failure and shame on the family are the dominant forces. Don't encourage adventure. Success = stability/respect.

Source: Institute of Leadership and Management (LMI). "Asia-Pacific cultural values." Asia-Pacific leadership education. ( 1990).

Common Asian gestures

Greeting gesture

shake?hands;?handshake?(n.)

Bow transport method

Avoid direct eye contact.

BEKONING gesture

When you wave to someone, your palm is down and your fingers move in a scratching motion.

Avoid pointing your finger at objects.

Touching gesture

Non-contact oriented society

Avoid showing your feelings publicly.

Push (bump) in the crowd

Other nonverbal gestures

Respect for the elderly

Smiling can usually cover all kinds of emotions: happiness, anger, confusion, apology or sadness.

Opening your mouth (such as yawning or laughing) is considered rude, especially for women who cover their mouths when giggling or laughing.

Try to keep a balanced posture, stand up straight or sit upright. Don't slouch on the ground, put your arms on your legs or handrails. It is a better way to cross your legs at your knees or ankles, instead of putting one ankle on the other.

Silence (listening) is a sign of politeness and meditation. Be especially careful not to interrupt others during the conversation.

China

Greeting gesture

The western habit of shaking hands is a customary form of greeting, but usually nodding or bowing slightly is enough. Hugs and kisses are not common when greeting.

Business cards are exchanged frequently. Yours should be printed in your own language and Chinese. Similarly, it is more polite to show your card (or gift or any other item) with both hands.

China people are enthusiastic clappers. You may be welcomed by group applause, even by children. When a person is applauded in this way, it is his habit to respond to applause or say "thank you"

When walking in public places, direct eye contact and gaze are not common in big cities, especially in those areas that are used to foreign tourists. However, in smaller communities, tourists may become curious objects, so you may notice some gazing.

Touching gesture

Generally speaking, China people are not a touch-oriented society (especially for tourists). So avoid contact or any prolonged physical contact.

It is very rare to show love in public. On the other hand, you may notice that same-sex people walk hand in hand, which is just a sign of friendship.

Don't worry about pushing and shoving in shops or when a group of people get on a bus or train. Apologizing is neither active nor expected.

Personal space is much less in China. China people will stand closer than westerners.

A waving gesture

When you wave to someone, your palm is down and your fingers move in a scratching motion. Avoid using your index finger, palm up and bend back and forth toward your body. That gesture is only used for animals and will be considered rude.

An open hand is used to point to something (not just one or two fingers)

In addition, avoid using your feet to gesture or move or touch other objects, because your feet are considered low and dirty.

Other nonverbal gestures

Avoid physical threats (remain humble), especially with older or higher-ranking people.

Posture is very important, so don't slouch or put your feet on the table or chair.

Silence is a completely acceptable habit. Silence (listening) is a sign of politeness and meditation. Be especially careful not to interrupt others during the conversation.

China people like to avoid saying "no". A common gesture to say "no" or "something is very difficult" (stop and think again) is to tilt your head back and hear air sucked from your teeth.

It is quite common to spit and blow your nose in public streets instead of handkerchiefs, although the government is launching a campaign to reduce this phenomenon. In the past, people thought it was a personal hygiene behavior to remove waste from the body. Today, however, it is a sign of "low" class or uneducated.

Japan

In short, for most tourists, the Japanese are very complicated and difficult to understand. Remember two things: (1) style, or the way of doing things, is as important as substance, or what you are doing; Observe your Japanese hosts carefully and follow their example.

Greeting gesture

An elegant bow is a traditional greeting.

However, they have also accepted the western custom of shaking hands, although it is very light, and may avoid each other's eyes. At the same time, in order to show respect for their customs, they will feel honored to bow slightly when being introduced.

Avoid hugs and kisses when greeting.

It is considered impolite to stare. Long-term direct eye contact is considered impolite and even intimidating.

It is considered impolite to stand with your hands in your pockets, especially when greeting someone or talking to a group of people.

The seemingly simple exchange of business cards is much more complicated in Japan, because business cards not only represent a person's identity, but also represent a person's life status. Yours should be printed in your own language and Japanese.

Touching gesture

Japan is not a society that pays attention to physical contact, so it is necessary to avoid public love, touching or any long-term physical contact.

Queuing is generally respected; Only in crowded trains and subway stations can huge crowds cause touching and pushing.

A waving gesture

Pointing at someone's outstretched fingers and folded palms is considered an insult.

When you wave to someone, your palm is down and your fingers move in a scratching motion.

Other nonverbal gestures

Due to the great emphasis on elegance and restraint, one should not shout, raise his voice angrily, or show any excessive display.

Among Japanese, smile can usually cover all kinds of emotions: happiness, anger, confusion, apology or sadness.

In Japan, it is considered rude to open your mouth (such as yawning or laughing), especially for women who cover their mouths when giggling or laughing.

Try to maintain a balanced posture, standing or sitting, standing upright or at right angles. Don't slouch or put your feet on the table or chair. When sitting down, put your feet flat on the ground and your arms on your thighs or handrails. It is a better way to cross your legs at your knees or ankles, instead of putting one ankle on the other.

Silence is a completely acceptable habit. Silence (listening) is a sign of politeness and meditation. Be especially careful not to interrupt others during the conversation.

One way to show concentration is to close your eyes and meditate and nod your head slightly up and down.

Japanese men like to avoid saying "no", but a common gesture to express "no" or "things are very difficult" is to tilt their heads back and hear the sound of inhaling from their teeth.

Other nonverbal gestures

A gesture that means "I don't know", "I don't understand" or "No, I don't deserve it" is to wave my hand back and forth in front of a person's face (palms outward).

In Japan, a "good" gesture may be interpreted as a signal of "money" or "give me change for a coin"

It is considered rude to blow your nose in public. Handkerchiefs are mainly used to wipe your mouth or dry your hands when you leave the bathroom. Paper towels are used to blow your nose and then discarded.

When entering a private house or a traditional restaurant with tatami (bamboo mat) floor, it is usually customary to take off your shoes and point your toes outdoors.

Bow transport method

Many westerners think that bowing is an act of servility, but it is completely wrong in Japan. For the Japanese, bowing symbolizes respect and humility, which are favored throughout Asia.

Although it is not absolutely necessary, a slight bow shows that you respect their customs. In Japan, fashion, elegance and politeness are respected, and this simple behavior will certainly be noticed, appreciated and even remembered.

Who bows first? How low does a person bow? In Japan, it is very important to know the level of people you contact.

"People of lower status bow first, and then bow."

"The higher the rank of the person facing you, the lower your bow."

The lower the bow, the longer it takes, and the stronger the meaning of showing respect, gratitude, sincerity, respect, humility, repentance, etc.

If you want to show a little respect, you can add one more.

When you are not sure about your position, the safest thing to do is to bow a little lower than the other person.

The correct posture is to bow (about 15 degrees), slide your hands to your knees or sides, stiff your neck and avoid your eyes. A formal bow (about 30 degrees) with the palm on the knee and often swinging up and down. Never bow with one hand in your pocket.

Source:

Axel, Roger e, ed. Taboos around the world. John Wiley & sons, 1993.

Gesture: the taboo of body language all over the world. John Wiley & sons, 199 1.

Boyer, Dement. Japanese etiquette and culture. Business ethics. Passport book, 1987.

North Korea; South Korea

Greeting gesture

Among them, bowing is a traditional way of greeting and saying goodbye.

Male friends in the West and South Korea usually greet each other with a slight bow and handshake. When shaking hands, sometimes you use both hands. Women usually don't shake hands, especially with men, and usually just nod slightly. People with high status offered to shake hands first, but people with low status bowed first. However, when you shake hands, you should hold them gently, and maybe look them in the eye.