| In today's world, nearly all business is global business, | | | | obscene. |
| and you do not have to go far to encounter another | | | | Two fingers crossed - Often viewed as a sign of |
| culture. You might, for instance, travel abroad to learn | | | | wishing someone good luck in Europe and the United |
| about a new product; your company might merge | | | | States, it is considered offensive in Paraguay. |
| with an international company that is headquartered | | | | Shaking your head from side to side - In the U.S., |
| overseas; or you may find yourself hosting | | | | shaking one's head from side to side means "no." In |
| international guests as part of a huge business deal. | | | | Bulgaria the same gesture means "yes"; moving the |
| Whatever the situation, you need to be aware of | | | | head up and down translates to "no"! |
| gestures. The gestures that we use as Americans | | | | The hook 'em horns - This gesture is made by raising |
| are not universal. Some of them can create the | | | | the index and pinky fingers while curling the other |
| wrong impression or be offensive to others. Using | | | | fingers into the palm. It is a common gesture in |
| the wrong gesture could get you into trouble and | | | | Texas to cheer on a sports team. In Brazil it is used |
| affect your business deals. Be particularly aware of | | | | to wish someone good luck. In Africa, it is considered |
| these gestures: | | | | a curse. |
| The "thumbs up" sign - In America the gesture | | | | The beckoning gesture - This gesture is formed by |
| indicates "a-okay." Yet it is considered rude in | | | | curling and uncurling the index finger. It is common in |
| Australia, Iran and some other Muslim countries. It | | | | most countries and means "come here." However, |
| translates to "up yours." | | | | the gesture is offensive to Mexicans, Filipinos and the |
| The "OK" sign - Often used in America to mean | | | | Vietnamese. |
| approval, it is considered vulgar and obscene in Brazil, | | | | Snapping your fingers - Some might use this gesture |
| southern Italy, Germany and Greece. In Japan, this | | | | to get someone's attention. In France and Belgium it |
| gesture signifies money. In southern France it is used | | | | sends a vulgar message. You would never snap your |
| to convey that something is worthless. | | | | fingers to get a waiter's attention. |
| The pointed index finger - A pointed index finger is | | | | Hands in the pockets - This is commonly seen in the |
| used to emphasize a point in American culture. | | | | United States. In Finland, Sweden, France, Belgium, |
| However, it is impolite in the Middle East, Russia and | | | | Indonesia and Japan, putting your hands in your |
| Asia. Rather than pointing with a finger, point with an | | | | pockets would be considered impolite in a business |
| open palm instead. | | | | meeting. |
| The victory sign - With the index finger and middle | | | | The meaning of gestures is not universal. Use these |
| finger raised to form a V, this gesture is a common | | | | tips to prevent a cultural faux pas. When in doubt, |
| signal in America. It means victory or peace. Be | | | | the best advice would be to "keep your hands to |
| careful about using it in Britain, however. If the palm | | | | yourself. |
| is facing toward you, the gesture is considered | | | | |