MANNERS AND GESTURES

Whenever we travel to other countries or speak different languages we must take into account that culture is part of the language (or viceversa). Being able to speak other languages well implies knowing about the other culture.

As part of the other culture we have gestures. In the following video we can see some of the weirdest gestures in other cultures.

SPEAKING

• Can you guess their meanings?
• Are there similar gestures in your culture?

ORAL MEDIATION EXERCISE

A Japanese friend of yours is new in Spain and doesn't understand many of the gestures we do here

How would you explain these Spanish gestures to him?

Source:Learn Spanish gestures part one | Travel | The Guardian

GOOD MANNERS ?

Apart from knowing these gestures we must also be careful with our manners. Good manners are essential because they show respect for other people. However, some manners which show respect in some cultures may be disrespectful in some others

Here are some

Belching
Watch Your Feet!
Swapping Business Cards
Crushing Handshake
To Shake or Not to Shake
Clearing Your Plate
No Tipping!
Mixed Signals
The "Peace" Salute
Exposing Your Palms
Lose the Shoes
Chewing Gum
Left-handed Greetings

GREETINGS

HOW DO YOU GREET OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR COUNTRY?

DO YOU BELIEVE THESE GREETINGS EXIST IN OTHER CULTURES?

1. Bow
2. (air) kissing three times
3. Kiss three times from right to left to right
4. Press your hands together and slightly bow
5. Touch noses
6. A kiss and a slap on the back
7. Stick out your tongue
8. Clap your hands
9. Sniff faces
10. Put your hand on your heart

TEST

HAVE YOU GOT GOOD MANNERS? 

TAKE THIS TEST AND FIND OUT WHAT COUNTRY YOU ARE FROM!!

HOW POLITE ARE YOU?

CHECK HERE IN THIS POLITE-O-METER