We read before about kinds of communication in the Arab culture. Today, we are going to learn some body language or body signs with their specific meanings in the Arab culture.<\/p>\n
\n- An open hand at the ear level is equal to Assalamu Alykom (the Muslim greeting) or hello. It usually accompanies the verbal greeting or replaces it if the persons are a bit far away.<\/li>\n
- Right hand shakes are very common at the beginning and end of a visit.<\/li>\n
- Close friends or colleagues of the same sex hug and kiss both cheeks upon greeting. However, in very liberal environments, one can see friends of opposite sex greeting like that.<\/li>\n
- Placing a hand on the heart or chest and tapping two or three times with a slight bow is a sign of respect usually done after greeting someone. It also can mean “Thanks” or “I am grateful”.<\/li>\n
- Shaking the head left and right usually means “No” or “I disagree”.<\/li>\n
- Shaking the hand with the forefinger pointing upwards and other fingers closed means “No” or I disagree”.<\/li>\n
- A quick snap of the head upwards with an accompanying click of the tongue also means “No” or “I disagree” or “This is unlikely or unimportant”.<\/li>\n
- Shaking the head up and down two or three times means “Ok” or “Yes” or “I agree” or\u00a0 “I hear you” or “I understand”.<\/li>\n
- Placing the right palm of the hand to face the person in front of you means “Stop” or “Be careful” or Enough” or “I don’t want to hear anymore”.<\/li>\n
- Placing the hand out with the palm down and fingers brought towards oneself repeatedly in a clawing motion means “Come here” when you are calling someone or want him to come closer usually to say something in private or a secret.<\/li>\n
- Placing the hand out with the palm to the side and fingers referring forwards and backwards repeatedly means “Get out” or “I am busy now”.<\/li>\n
- Holding the fingers in a pear shaped position with the tips pointing up at about the waist level and moving the hand slightly up and down signals “Slow down” or “Wait a little bit” or “Be patient”. This gesture can be seen extensively when driving in the crowded streets of the Arab cities.<\/li>\n
- Placing the right hand forefinger under the lower eyelid means “watch out” or “I see” or “It is in front of me”.<\/li>\n
- Placing the hand forefinger at the back of the ear means “Raise your voice” or “I can’t hear you”.<\/li>\n
- Grasping the chin with the thumb side of either hand means “I am thinking”.<\/li>\n
- Scratching the head several times means “I am thinking or trying to find a solution to a problem”.<\/li>\n
- \u00a0Placing the hand in front with the forefinger pointing upwards and other fingers closed can be a sign of threat or warning.<\/li>\n
- Biting the forefinger tip may be a sign of threat or regret or deep thinking.<\/li>\n
- Showing soles while sitting is considered rude especially when sitting with elders.<\/li>\n
- Hitting the left palm with the right hand fist means “I am getting angry, worried, bored or impatient”.<\/li>\n
- Shrugging shoulders means “I don’t know” or “I don’t care”.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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– Adapted and modified from: “Arab Cultural Awareness : 58 Factsheets”.<\/p>\n
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We read before about kinds of communication in the Arab culture. Today, we are going to learn some body language or body signs with their specific meanings in the Arab culture. An open hand at the ear level is equal to Assalamu Alykom (the Muslim greeting) or hello. It usually accompanies the verbal greeting or…<\/p>\n
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