25 percent of the world’s population is Muslim which is disbursed world wide.
Being a religiously based sensitive culture there is a heightened awareness between men and woman.
Arabic has many gestures that are used instead of words – more so than any other cultural group as there are many hand signs that are ” related religiously”.
There are words that are displayed by hand signs. This is the sign to wait in Arabia.
– Males should not shake hand with a female unless the hand is offered by a female as there may be religious implications.
– A refusal to touch is an indication suggesting that the other person is considered to be untrustworthy or unclean.
– The sole of the foot is considered dirty, therefore, do not point or show the sole of your foot.
– Placing a finger on the nose, beard or head indicates the intention of that person to undertake what they have promised to do.
– Men should not touch woman unless invited.
– Do not hand over anything with the left hand.
– No ”thumbs up” sign.
– The finger curl pictures above displays ‘’wait”
– Touching or holding of a chin or beard is an indication that the person is thinking. Wait until the person has finished thinking before continuing talking.
For North African countries – the Arabic Cultural gestures are highlighted