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When traveling to a foreign country, it is important to keep this in mind gestures Physical expressions can have different meanings than we are used to in our culture. However, read and avoid these measures during your trip!
Avoid these gestures while you are traveling
positive sign
While the thumbs up sign is common in many cultures, in Thailand it is offensive and equivalent to sticking out your tongue. In Iran and Bangladesh, this is equivalent to showing the middle finger. In Japan, this gesture means “boyfriend” and it is not recommended for men to do it.
Read more: 4 valuable benefits of hugging that will make you appreciate this gesture
“V” sign with fingers
In Australia, making the victory sign with your palm facing outward means victory or peace. However, if the sign is with the palm facing inward, it may mean “it’s pressing on you.”
Call the pointer
It is not recommended to contact someone using the index finger in Asian countries. In the Philippines, this gesture is for dogs, not humans, which can be interpreted as something derogatory.
Palm view
In many countries of North and South America, showing the palm of the hand means “stop.” But in Greece, if the palms are facing outward, this can be interpreted as very offensive.
Also read: 5 signs that the hotel you are booking is a scam
Run your hand over your head
While in Brazil, running your hand over your head is an affectionate gesture that, in the Buddhist faith, is aggressive. The top of the head is where the soul resides, so the respect should be as high as possible.
Thus, knowing and respecting cultural differences is key when traveling to a foreign country. Small gestures and body expressions can have different and even offensive meanings. Therefore, before traveling, it is important to know the cultural norms of the destination country in order to avoid uncomfortable situations.
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Oliver Ashford is a contributor to Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developments that matter. With an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and accessibility, Oliver aims to present useful information and engaging stories in a straightforward manner, making complex topics easier for readers to understand and follow.