Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World

Book Description

As featured in the New York Times and Reader's Digest "An eye-opener into the pitfalls awaiting the unaware traveler." -Washington Post "Can save the innocent abroad from great gobs of serious trouble." -Chicago Tribune Before you raise your hand to signal the waiter, extend your thumb to hitchhike, or flash the "O.K." sign with thumb and forefinger, Stop! Think of where you are and exactly what you are trying to say-otherwise you could create an international incident. Remember when President Bush thought he was flashing the "V" for Victory sign to cheering Australians? (See inside.) Exploring the ins and outs of body language from head to toe, this newly revised and expanded edition of Roger Axtell's indispensable guide takes you all around the world of gestures-what they mean, how to use them, and when to avoid them. This latest edition includes:
* Updates about the 200 most popular gestures and signals-and dozens of new examples
* New sections covering special gestures-from American Sign Language and tai chi to flirting and kissing
* Information to guide you through gestures country by country-from Switzerland to Japan, Nigeria to the Netherlands
* Amusing anecdotes and helpful hypothetical scenarios

Customer Reviews:

Covers everything you will need to know about gestures.......2007-04-08

Well, I was really blown away by this book, which seems to cover more things than I could have conceived! Well written, easy to understand, numerous drawings for us visual people so we have no doubt about what is being discussed, and a sense of humor too.

Although the book is over 200 pages in length, it was a quick read because of the easy format and interesting history behind why we do what we do when it comes to gesturing.

And for me, it brought back memories of places I have traveled to, and customs encountered. For instance, in India when the people you are talking to want you to know that they agree with you or that they are listening to you, they bob/nod their head quickly back and forth, left to right. At first you think they are indicating "no" or disagreeing with you. Had I bought the book before that trip, I wouldn't have been so confused!

Highly recommend this to anyone who travels a lot or for someone who just has an interest in customs around the world.

Strong Tips Here.......2004-11-28

Axtell vividly shows how common sense is NOT enough to get you through all social or business situations around the world. Travelers ignore Axtell at their own peril.

Interesting.......2004-01-27

This book is good to read in general terms as it attempted to explain the gestures from all around the world. Sometimes, it's amusing to read & at times, I would be loss for words as what I thought was the right things to do in certain countries is actually considered as rude or obscene. Perhaps, it's the kind of book that you can read in the plane or just as a matter of interest. The presentation is rather text book-ish with bullet points, occasional pictures to ease readers' boredom, something like a PowerPoint presentation. I guess that denotes the writer's background being a prominent guest speaker.

Useful, interesting and funny.......2001-11-20

This is a nice book. If you are going to travel abroad or you meet foreign people, you would like to know what these people understand from your body language. Of course, the book also gives you good material for chatting with friends from anywhere (including your own coutry).

Don't expect the book to tell you what a gesture means in every part of the world or to show you every gesture used in some part of the world. The book of course doesn't do such a hard task, though it tries: it explains you the gestures that are generalized (or most common) in a country. However, be always aware that there are exceptions and gestures you should know and are not included in the book.

Below are some questions you'll answer reading the book. In some cases the book gives you also the explanation about the gesture (what it comes from).

Where should you avoid the "OK sign"?
Where should a man enter before a woman?
Why Latin people get closer to you when talking?
How should you bow in Japan?

"Thumbs up!"(U.S.).......2001-11-04

Very helpful, amusing,well-organized, and no unnecessary information. For our diverse society, this is good to have on hand. connie338 shipped the book right away, too. Thanks!

Average customer rating:

USEFUL ANALYSIS OF CULTURE
Old as the hills, and language has moved on
Out of date
Another winner from Hall, but maybe not his best
a critique of the silent language

The Silent Language
Edward T. Hall
Manufacturer: Anchor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Communication | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0385055498
Release Date: 1973-07-03

Book Description

Leading anthropologist Hall analyzes the many aspects of non-verbal communication and considers the concepts of space and time as tools for transmission of messages. His stimulating work is of interest to both the intelligent general reader and the sophisticated social scientist.

Customer Reviews:

USEFUL ANALYSIS OF CULTURE.......2005-08-21

Mr. Hall expounds a couple of key thesis. First, culture is not just the medium of communication. It is a method of communication all on its own. Second, if one "maps" cultural characteristics in ten "primary messaging systems", one can gain insight into the formal, informal, and technical aspects of that culture. Those ten primary messaging systems are: (1) Interaction, (2) association, (3) subsistence, (4) bisexuality, (5) territoriality, (6) temporality, (7) learning, (8) play, (9) defense, and (10) exploitation.

This book is indeed somewhat dated, but one can certainly see that the use of this monograph is that it provides a systematic way of analyzing culture. This can be useful when traveling or working abroad. Likewise, one could use these templates to improve ones understanding of his own culture. It is this latter purpose that makes this book relevant today.

The Silent Language is short enough to be easily read. However, for the sake of brevity, it sacrifices a more systemic or detailed analysis. As such, the author resorts to a limited amount of anecdotal information to support his framework. Anecdotal information is useful, but some more statistical analysis might be worthwhile. Indeed, one could argue that defining each primary messaging system as a collection of "sets", it would be possible to apply set theory from mathematics to anthropology.

While I have trouble believing that culture is a form of communication vice a medium of communication, I will probably use Mr. Hall's framework to analyze the "culture" each job and workplace that I deal with in the future. Likewise, I think anyone who works in management or leadership jobs would find this book useful.

Old as the hills, and language has moved on.......2004-08-05

Recently I was in Japan, and I had some food with me, and I went to shake the hand of my hosts, and in doing so, put down the food on a convenient shelf, and instead of shaking my hand, the host turned away, and ran out of the room in a dignified way. I had read SILENT LANGUAGE by Twitchell Hall, and it definitely did not cover this faux pas. My translator, a young Russian woman, informed me that it is not polite in Japan is leave food observable in plain view. It would be like going to a business meeting in a US boardroom with your zipper undone and your genitals left visible as a result. Whether or not this is actually the case, I don't know, but again this subject was not treated in Twitchell Hall's book.

On the back of my edition of SILENT LANGUAGE it says that this is the book used in Kennedy's NEW FRONTIER to fight the image of the Ugly American then prevalent at the dawn of international mass tourism and the coming transnational age. Well, time has moved on and I believe that Twitchy's masterpiece has seen better days. They could do with far more ways to save embarrassment. Otherwise it's red faces all around and that sinking feeling of having done something wrong, and you don't even know what it is you've done! Also, I agree, there might be one for people coming to the USA for the first time, perhaps a book of photos showing different people's body language.

Out of date.......2004-02-24

This book may have been important in the 1950's, but it's rather quaint and dated now. It contains many interesting anecdotes about the differences between cultures, but very little of it is systematic or scientific. The idea that other cultures are not like us and that their communication systems are different as a result is not very revolutionary at a time when one can read the blogs of Iranian students on a daily basis.

The book lacks rigor. In the third chapter, for example, the author introduces us to a formal concept of "Primary Message Systems" (such as "learning", "play", "territorality", etc), but the concepts aren't carried forward into the rest of the book and the reader is left hanging. Besides, one has to be pretty suspicious of such concepts when it turns out that there are exactly ten - not nine or eleven - of these primary message systems.

Many of the anecdotes are interesting and illustrative, but they're mostly limited to the cultures that Hall has experience with; which turns out to be Americans, the Hopis, middle eastern Arabs, the Japanese and one or two others. It would be more interesting to see examples drawn from all over the world. Better would be a systematic comparison of, say, the concept of being on time for a meeting covering a dozen or more cultures. Instead we get only anecdotes about the fact that Arabs and Latin Americans don't find it rude to be an hour late for a meeting while being an hour late infuriates Americans. What about Russians? What about Japanese?

The book is dated and this shows one of its biggest flaws. It's hard to read about the American male greeting ritual of pounding each other on the back and exchanging cigars or the American female desire for dominance within her kitchen with a straight face these days. The very fact that culture is transient and changes over time is hardly addressed in the book, but it's one of the most obvious points the 21st century reader takes away from the book.

Lastly, Hall tries to keep value judgements out of his comparisons, but fails at the task. Over and again he slips and lets us see his disregard for American culture. Americans are too conscious of time compared to more laid-back cultures. Americans are too strict in their concept of personal space. And so on. Whenever he slips and lets his opinions show, he invariably finds American culture lacking, no matter what it is being compared to.

This book is an interesting trip into the mind of a 1950's academic, but it's not very informative on modern culture or modern thought about culture.

Another winner from Hall, but maybe not his best.......2001-03-12

If you only read one Edward Hall book, I think that "Beyond Culture" is a better read, and more lucid. Although the two texts overlap somewhat, there are many concepts in this book that do not appear in the other (the idea of "High Context" vs "Low Context" cultures is only hinted at in this text).

The basic concept of "Silent Language" is that much of our communication is non-verbal, but that it consistently follows cultural and linguistic patterns, just as spoken and written communication does. The major difference in non-verbal communication is that it is mostly subconscious.

The book revolves around the idea that all cultural conventions can be classified as either formal, informal, or technical. Although he spends an entire chapter introducing this concept, I personally found the distinctions a bit confusing, although I do believe that the author has an important insight.

One of my favorite concepts was the idea of 'spacial accent,' which describes the size of and culturally-specific behaviors associated with that invisible zone we all carry around with us. This concept helps explain why Europeans (outside of the British) generally don't queue, and why this so aggravates Americans (and presumably Brits). The concept of 'order' also helps explain different behaviors in forming lines (American belief in 'first come, first serve, is culturally relative). Besides speaking about space, he also discusses the cultural aspects of time, which he also describes in terms of an 'accent'. (He deals with both space and time more fully in two of his other books.)

Hall makes quite a number of connections between cultural behavior, these three types of cultural convention, and specific forms of expression. Examples include: --Why scientists are terrible writers (one of several digressions away from non-verbal communications) --A very believable explanation of why art is art --Why long-range planning is rare in America

--A concept of sacred place that anticipates the recent idea that men retreat to personal 'caves'

All in all, I found this an enjoyable and enlightening book. I wish that it could have been more clear in spots, and I think it is fair to say that some of his ideas are more fully worked out in some of his other books. My only real complaint is about the quality of Anchor's reproduction, which uses a cheap paper that cannot withstand normal highlighters at all (try the wax Textliners from Faber-Castell).

a critique of the silent language.......1999-11-27

The Silent Language was indeed an excellent book on the cultural influences on communication. Its definition of culture in the contexts of time and space were insightful. The most interesting thing was the breakdown of culture as communication into three categories. This is truly a breakthrough in defining theory for anthropology and related social sciences.

However, the book was limited in its focus, given that this phenomenon does not apply to North Americans only, but to anyone wishing to travel to a foreign country, whether on business, or recreation. One could say that in order to understand it, we may substitute our own experiences into those given by the author.

But culture can only be understood in social, economical, historical and political contexts. It is these contexts that shape or influence our perception, and the way we relate to others. Therefore, if Hall seeks to appeal to the intelligent , culturally diverse, non-technical audience, he should make the book more culturally relevant. In doing so, however, he must avoid generalisations that may make the text too simplistic and lose its focus.

Book Description

What are the techniques, methods, strategies, and curricular structures that engage language learners in continuing dialogue between one's own culture and the one yet to be discovered? What comprises the language we speak in order to understand and be understood? Which body is it we communicate through and to? This volume answers these and other questions of the pedagogy of drama-based teaching across the foreign/second language curriculum and on all levels of the educational pyramid. There are two major issues currently discussed in drama-based foreign and second language methodology. The first is goal-oriented, asking whether the acquisition of accuracy or fluency is more important, and whether a controlled (learning through imitation) or an open (through improvisation) learning environment is more efficient. The second issue concerns using drama in language teaching: either its use is process-oriented, where drama becomes an immediate medium for language learning, or product-oriented, where it becomes primarily the reason for language learning. The book outlines the theoretical frameworks of both issues and introduces personal narrative, comparative observation, and analytical reflection, illuminating opportunities for learning at both ends of the seemingly contradictory poles of both issues.

Cross Cultural Perspectives in Non-Verbal Communication

Average customer rating:

Cross Cultural Perspectives in Non-Verbal Communication

Manufacturer: Hogrefe & Huber Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

History of Ideas | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books

Intercultural Communication and Body Language

Average customer rating:

Intercultural Communication and Body Language
Johannes Galli
Manufacturer: J. Gordon Shillingford Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Communications | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | International | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Nonverbal Behavior: Perspectives, Applications, Intercultural Insights

Average customer rating:

Nonverbal Behavior: Perspectives, Applications, Intercultural Insights

Manufacturer: Hogrefe & Huber Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Communications | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Social Psychology & Interactions | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books

Behavioral Psychology | Behavioral Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Behavioral Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Finding your own approach to life and time........2001-10-29

This book helped me, and I am sure other readers, in understanding their own approach to life and time from the perspective of our life with God. By presenting a variety of tools that work for different people for a variety of situations the reader is guided in practical ways to make the choices of how you want to use your time and effort. I found the chapter on the importance and different ways of getting closure very helpful.

This book brings wisdom from many years of helping people learn to use time more productively. Its discussion of the spiritual side of life puts the consideration in the context of one's whole life and what is most important and lasting. I highly recommend this book for your reading and application in your life.

Finding more time in your life: With wisdom from the Bible.........2001-09-08

This book adds inspiration to reach for the Bible and for new time to0ls. Does a great job of helping us all see God's healing power for our time pressures. Packed with great ideas. Superb book. It's a must for anybody struggling with finding more time.It certaintly helps me take timeless truth from the Bible and apply it to my time pressures in the business world.
Each chapter is well written and organized where tools can be applied. There is no question that this book perhaps more than any other current time book, will draw you into a richer, closer relationship with Jesus first, family and friends that would last for a life time. You'll be blessed. Thank you, Dru!

No more running around like the proverbial chicken!.......2001-08-12

Dru Scott Decker's new book is wonderful!-- its really zeroing in on some of my big issues and I am so excited to apply things I'm learning to my life. I am really grateful for the wisdom she is sharing. Its very practical as well as inspiring.

Finding More Time In Your Life (With wisdom from the Bible and tools that fit your personality)

Average customer rating:

Finding More Time In Your Life (With wisdom from the Bible and tools that fit your personality)

Manufacturer: A Crossings Book Edition
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Time Management | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0739419633

Book Description

Learn the theory behind the formula for sales success! The Formula for Selling Alarm systems provides answers to some of the mysteries of selling in the alarm industry. The reader will learn proven methods of selling more effectively with a step-by-step method of selling closing. The author urges readers to apply the principles and steps in the book for a minimum of twenty-one days, the amount of time it takes to form a habit.

Learn how to make your prospects think like you do - the key to selling. You will discover the way to avoid common pitfalls and 'stinking thinking', in addition to answering objections and concerns confidently and professionally. The Formula for Selling Alarm Systems addresses all of these areas and is written by someone with more than 28 years of sales experience. This unique book is must-have for every alarm dealer.

Uncovers the secrets of successful selling.
Teaches frustrated salespeople how to improve their sales skills.
Provides the reader with a step-by-step method of selling and closing.

Customer Reviews:

AN EXCELLENT BOOK FOR SECURITY CONSULTANTS!!.......1999-08-12

For too long in my home security sales experience, I was totally unorganized. After reading this book, I developed an organized plan for prospecting, making presentations, and closing the sale! Though this book is only about 150 pages long, it has a wealth of knowledge that any home security sales person needs to have! Thank you Mr. Sepulveda for writing this book! It has already resulted in more sales for me!!!

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Mortgage Banking, published by Mortgage Bankers Association of America on December 1, 1998. The length of the article is 1354 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Y2K: ready, set, test.(Mortgage Bankers Assn. of America's guidelines on addressing the year 2000 computer problem)
Publication: Mortgage Banking (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 1, 1998
Publisher: Mortgage Bankers Association of America
Volume: 59 Issue: 3 Page: 101(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Average customer rating:

Ready, set-- (SuDoc FT 1.2:C 86/12)

Manufacturer: Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Office of Consumer & Business Education
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Credit Ratings & Repair | Personal Finance | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B00010SXGW

Average customer rating:

Ready, set-- credit

Manufacturer: The Division
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Credit Ratings & Repair | Personal Finance | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000116JAS

Ready, set-- credit (SuDoc FT 1.32:2002012487)

Average customer rating:

Ready, set-- credit (SuDoc FT 1.32:2002012487)

Manufacturer: Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Office of Consumer and Business Education
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B000116VPG

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books