Language in Chinese and American Cultures, but with Different Meaning
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Meaningin China
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BodyLanguage |
Meaningin U.S.
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Anger,irritation, frustration, remorse
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Stampingone’s foot
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Impatience
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Thankyou; mutual positive feelings
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Speakeror performer clapping at the same time audience applauds
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Applaudingoneself; improper, immodest
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Curiosity,sometimes surprise
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Staring,gaping
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Consideredimpolite; makes people embarrassed, self- conscious
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Disapproval,hissing
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“Shoo”
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Callingfor silence
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Seldomused; occasionally adults may pat head of children to showaffection; patting the head of a teenager or adult would causedispleasure and can be insulting
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Paton head
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Givingcomfort, consolation or encouragement; also shows affection
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DifferentBody Language, Same Meaning
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Meaning
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BodyLanguage in China
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BodyLanguage in U.S.
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“Comehere” (beckoning some to come)
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Handextended toward person, open palm, palm down, with all fingerscrooked in a beckoning motion
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Handextended toward person, closed hand, palm up, with forefingeronly moving back and forth (in China, this same gesture wouldbe considered offensive by many)
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“Shameon you!” (semi-joking gesture)
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Forefingerof one hand extended, tip touches one’s own face several timesquickly; similar to scratching, but with the forefinger straight(usually with the remark “Shame on you!”)
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Forefingerof each hand extended, palms down in front of one’s body;one forefinger makes several brushing movements over the backof the other forefinger
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“I’mvery full” (after a meal)
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Oneor both hands open, lightly patting one’s own stomach
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Handraised to throat, fingers extended, palm down (often withthe remark “I’m full up to here”)
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Body Languageand Meaning in One Culture, No Equivalent in Other Culture
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BodyLanguage
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Meaningin U.S.
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Chewingone’s fingernails
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Emotionalstress, worried, doesn’t know what to do
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Thumbingone’s nose (one thumb on tip of own nose, fingers curled andmoving together)
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Defiance,contempt
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Waggingone’s finger (forefinger of one hand raised, other fingersclasped, the raised forefinger is wagged from side to side)
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Warningnot to do something; indicating that what the other personis doing wrong
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Thumbdown (arm crooked in front of body, closed fist, thumb extendeddown, one or several downward movements)
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Rejectionof a proposal, idea, person; nonverbal way of saying a strong“No”
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Winking(quick closing of one eye, generally with a smile and slightnod)
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Mayshow several feelings: understanding, approval, encouragement,trying to get across a message, solidarity
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BodyLanguage
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Meaningin China
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Touchingor pointing to tip of one’s own nose with raised forefinger
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“It’sme” “I’m the one” (To Westerners, the gesture would seem slightlyfunny)
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Usingan open hand to cover one’s mouth while speaking (generallyused by older people)
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Toshow confidentiality and secrecy; sometimes no meaning
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Usingboth hands (when one would be enough) in offering somethingto a visitor or another person
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Respect
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(Whenone’s tea cup is being refilled by the host or hostess) puttingone or both hands upright, palm open, beside the cup
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“Thankyou”
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Upraisedforefinger of each hand coming together in front of the bodyuntil the two touch
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Boyand girl in love; a good match
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