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The hand gesture in different countries than in America
Introduction
A gesture is a non-vocal communication in which body parts move to convey a message. It is a part of body language that people communicate by using body parts like hands and face. By using gestures correctly, they help in enhancing messages conveyed hence appearing confident. The hand gesture is a hand or head movement to express an idea, an essential part of overall body language, bringing more clarity to a concept. When a motion in one country means something good, the gesture might have a different meaning in another county. Hence, gestures differ from other continents, regions, and different religions. There are different types of gestures used in various cultures in different countries and the world at large.
Different meaning of v sign in America and other countries
The V-sign was a gesture used in world war two by the allied nations to signify victory. The victory sign was used by William Churchill in the 1941s as defiance during the bloody conflict. The peace sign V used in America portrays a different meaning to other countries, which might bring misunderstandings when used in other countries. In America, the V sign is where one does hold up the middle, and the index finger separates, forming a V-sing and on the palm side facing the other person, which is a common sign used to show peace and victory. In countries like China, Taiwan, Japan, and Thailand, this is used as a good posture while taking a photograph. In other countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, it is considered a big insult when the hand’s backside faces the other person.
Loser gesture “L-sign.”
This sign originated from the 1990s films, evidenced in 1993 The Sandlot also 1999 All-Star song by smash mouth. Loser sign letter L is where the thumb and the index fingers leaving the other closed and placing on the for head or resting the hand on your hands. In America, they use loser gesture as a taunt. This loser sign is far more different in China, where they use it to indicate number eight mostly in the market for bargaining.
The OK gesture
The OK gesture sign is original to have been used in the 17century by Britain. The OK sign is done by connecting the thumb and the index fingers to form a circle leaving the other fingers face up and separate and relaxed. The divers commonly use the OK sign signifying I am OK or asking someone if they are OK. In America, this sign shows compliance and an agreement used in daily life when communicating. The same gesture has a much different meaning when used in other countries like Greece, Spain, and brazil. Those countries gesture to be offensive hence an insult when used. Gay people also take the OK gesture as an insult.
Horn sigh
The other name’s horn gesture is formed by folding the two middle fingers and erecting the other fingers. People mostly use horns motion in a rock concert
The rockers in America mostly use horn sign. In other European countries like South America, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, and Greece take this gesture as a warning about their cheating partners. A gesture is an essential means of communication. Still, since they do not have the same meaning worldwide as those in America, it is advisable to avoid using gestures in other countries when communicating to prevent misunderstandings.
Works cited
“V-sign.” Oxford Reference. . . Date of access 17 Oct. 2020, https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803120300620
https://socialtriggers.com/21-hand-gestures-for-powerful-communication/
https://www.usingenglish.com/articles/british-american-body-language-gestures.html
https://news.yahoo.com/18-gestures-that-can-cause-offense-around-the-world-232750431.html
https://www.tripsavvy.com/hand-gestures-with-more-than-one-meaning-3149620