Nonverbal Communication Around the World Nonverbal Communication in Argentina

A handshake and nod show respect when greeting someone.

An embrace and one kiss on the cheek are common between friends and acquaintances.

Argentines stand close to each other when speaking. Do not back away.

The “O.K.” and “thumbs up” gestures are considered vulgar.

Hitting the palm of the left hand with the right fist means “I don’t believe what you are saying” or “That’s stupid.”

Don’t use toothpicks, blow your nose or clear your throat at the dining table

To summon a waiter, raise your hand with your index finger extended.

For social events, arrive thirty to sixty minutes late. Arriving at a party on time is impolite. Telephone your hosts the following day to thank them.

Nonverbal Communication in Cambodia

T he head is believed to contain the person soul therefore it is a taboo to touch or point at the head.

Cambodians greet each other by placing their hands, palms together, near their faces and bow slightly. This is called  Som Pas.

Cambodian sits with their legs straight down and not crossed. Crossing your legs shows that you are an impolite person.

Feet are considered the lowest in value of body parts and thus it is insulting to point them at someone.

It is not polite to have eye contact with someone who is older or someone who is considered a superior.

Cambodians tend to smile or laugh in both positive and negative situations. Therefore caution should be taken in interpreting a smile or laugh in order to avoid misunderstanding.

When accepting a gift from an older person, it is polite to use both hands.

Before entering a house, it is important to remove your shoes and cap. This simple act is indicative of the esteem your hold for your host.

Nonverbal Communication in China

T he Chinese don't like being touched by strangers. Therefore don’t make any body contact.

Never use your index finger to beckon anyone. If you need to call a Chinese person, face the palm of your hand downward and move your fingers in a scratching motion.

Chinese don’t point with the index finger but with an open hand.

Using both hands when offering something to a visitor or another person is considered being respectful.

Touching or pointing to tip of one's own nose with raised forefinger means it's me.

When walking in public places, direct eye contact and staring is uncommon.

During conversations, be especially careful about interrupting - Listening is a sign of politeness and of contemplation.

Many Chinese consider winking to be rude.

Chinese of the same sex have close physical contact with their friends.

Chinese tend to smile easily when they feel difficulty or embarrassment. Smile because of embarrassment by a Chinese might be interpreted as being friendly by a westerner, but really they are embarrassed.

Nonverbal Communication in France

G reeting friends with an exchange of kisses is very common. However the number of kisses and the side that the kisses start on vary by region.

The French shake hands upon meeting someone for the first time, particularly in the business world.

When using the fingers to count the thumb is the first counter, the index finger is two, the middle finger is three, etc. If you hold up two fingers (index + middle fingers), you'll get three of whatever you're ordering, not two. Because the French count the thumb even if you don't hold it up.

Holding your hands out, palms down, and smacking one hand down onto the other means lets get out of here.

Making a fist, holding it up in front of the nose, and twisting your hand while tilting your head the other way - indicates that someone is drunk.

Putting your index finger and pulling down the skin under your eye is equal to saying I don't believe you.

Do not slap your open palm over a closed fist. This is considered a vulgar gesture.

The "okay" sign, made with index finger and thumb, means "zero."

The French use the "thumbs up" sign to say "okay."