Asia in General
Asian countries in general have a high level of ‘spiritual customs’ awareness.
Asian Gestures is spiritually connected to many Asian religions, therefore, a heightened awareness is associated to such. Furthermore acute awareness of respect is placed on social structure.
Do NOT
Head:
Do NOT Touch anybody’s head or point to someone’s head.
Eyes:
If a person is not looking into your eyes continuously, it does not mean that they are being impolite or deceitful. This is a display out of respect to an older person or one of higher authority.
Face:
Smile: Do not confuse the smile on an Asian as joy as they may be getting embarrassed
Hands:
Do not point with one finger but rather with the full palm of the hand
Do not summon over someone with a finger as it is used to summon a dog.
NEVER USE THE LEFT hand to give someone something. You can use both hands for SOME cultures to hand over something.
Feet:
Sitting on a chair it is best not to not cross the feet
Take note in particular of some cultures & countries.
- Japan.
Eyes:
If a person has their eyes closed while you are talking to them then consider this as a great honor as they are contemplating on each word that you are saying.
- China :
Eyes :
Winking is considered a rude gesture - Face: – Touching or pointing to tip of one’s own nose with their own finger means “it’s me”.
- Hands:
– Never use your index finger to summon anyone. If you need to summon someone, face the palm of your hand downward, curve your fingers in a scratching motion. - Thailand
Feet-Pointing the toe of your shoe at someone is not acceptable and insulting.
– Do not show the souls of your feet by crossing them in any way. Keep both feet on the ground
- India
Hands
– A side to side hand wave is interpreted as “no” or “go away.”- Never point with the fingers, rather point with your chin, the whole hand or thumb.
