pointing finger meaning in different cultures

Pointing fingers is a universal gesture that is negative in nature because it is as if the person is throwing spears. This symbol's original meaning was a-OK and NASA was one of the first to use it to describe that everything has gone to plan. It also indicates that something or someone has failed. Therefore, it is very important to understand the meanings of gestures before you travel to different countries. Japan: Also known as the “ demon horns,” index fingers pointing up behind the head is used to describe that the signer is angry. As a matter of fact, because it can be offensive in some cultures, employees at Disney parks are actually trained to avoid pointing with their index fingers. The same hand gestures could mean different things in other countries. finger-pointing definition: 1. a situation in which someone is blamed for something that goes wrong: 2. a situation in which…. Hand gestures and body gestures can have meanings in other countries and cultures that are not what you think they are -- for instance, an "OK" sign in the United States is a circle made with the thumb and forefinger; in parts of Europe, it could mean that the person to whom you're making the gesture is a big fat zero. Finger pointing usually appears during aggressive verbal arguments. It is used to warn a single individual. It has almost become a symbol of Italians’ tendency to make gestures while talking. It is an indication of something that is bad or something that you do not approve of. Crossing of fingers is considered as a sign of wishing for good luck or fortune. In the USA it can be a friendly gesture that can mean "you're cool" when doing this gesture to someone you're talking to directly and in a friendly fashion. In the United States, the thumb and index finger in a circle means “Okay” but is seen as vulgar in other cultures and in Japan some even take the thumbs up as a deference to money; whereas in France it’s meaning is associated with worthlessness or zero. Copyright © Social Mettle & Buzzle.com, Inc. In some countries like Russia, Germany or France it is also commonly used to express number one. In Great Britain and America, one snaps fingers when one remembers something or gets an idea. In New Zealand, it’s taken as a cheap way of saying OK. The cross may have originated from the Pagan symbols that means to ward off evil. English Language Learners Definition of finger-pointing : the act of blaming someone for a problem instead of trying to fix or solve it See the full definition for finger-pointing in the English Language … Many times, we tend to use our hands to explain our needs and thoughts. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Snapping your fingers to get the attention of a waiter is okay in some parts of the world but is disrespectful and offensive in other areas of the globe. The gesture is usually used to express contempt but can also be used humorously or playfully. Many common signs and hand gestures have completely different meanings in different parts of the world due to cultural differences. It is believed that thumbs up was used in gladiator combats to express that the defeated gladiator should be saved in opposition to thumbs down which expressed the desire to execute the gladiator. It is considered a very rude thing to do in China, Japan, Indonesia, Latin America, and many other countries. Ask someone to come towards you with a finger In most countries it is considered insulting to ask someone to come towards you like this. In other words, you don't order two beers in an English pub by holding up two fingers with your palm facing you unless you want to get in a bit of a brawl. In the previous section we explained that the V sign means victory or peace. We hope you enjoy this website. Nowadays it has several meanings around the world: In Spain and Italy this means that your partner is cheating on you. In Vietnam, it is extremely rude to cross you fingers as a hand gesture, as it is representative of female genitalia. If it is carried out by a person of Asian origin, it roughly means ‘screw you’. Some cultures, it turns out, prefer to gesture at what they’re pointing out with their heads or noses. Some cultures consider pointing fingers at someone as insulting whereas in other parts of the world it is often used as a reference. Meanwhile, in Turkey it is a positive sign meaning everything is well or that something is pretty. For example, in some countries, pointing a finger at a person is considered an insult, which is why in the U.S. we tell children “don’t point.” While in Italy pointing is used to indicate a direction. Learn more. China holds a lot of mystique for many travellers, as an exotic Eastern land, with a completely different language, alphabet system, and culture. Extending the finger is considered a symbol of contempt in several cultures, especially in the Western world. The finger “V” peace sign was used by the hippie subculture during the late 60s to demonstrate their opposition to the Vietnam War. In some Mediterranean and Arab countries, holding the index finger instead of the middle finger, implies the same obscene gesture. Last on our list of hand gestures in different country is putting your fingers together. These cookies do not store any personal information. While talking to a friend, you may open your palm and stretch out your fingers. This gesture is bad manners all around the world. We can make countless gestures using our fingers which, depending on the country we come from, can have a different meaning in another. Patrice J. Williams. Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! This gesture's origin is found in India to symbolize the expulsion of demons. As a professional speaker, I am all too aware that simply pointing with the index finger at something or someone can be offensive in many cultures. This gesture was commonly used in World War II by the Allies to symbolize victory. In Turkey, this gesture is aggressively rude; the middle-finger equivalent. Finger gestures are almost always intentional. However, it should be avoided in Philippines as this is one of the worst forms of hand gesture which is used only for dogs. with the palm facing you, in the UK, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand it is an insult meaning "f*** you". The thumbs down sign obviously means the opposite of a thumbs up sign. A Jew bride would wear a plain gold band ring on the right index finger before marriage. In countries like Japan, it’s considered a rude gesture In Singapore, it’s indication of death. It is one of the good hand gestures, as it indicates good luck and fertility and a way to ward off the evil eye. 2. The fig is a gesture that is indicated by a fist. Define finger-pointing. 14. While the origins of the action are unclear, it appears the symbol is an attempt to create a crude "o" and "k" (the "o" is certainly clear, though not so much the "k"). But then, Chinese people would point with their middle finger, not realizing what that means. Designating an object with the movement of a finger is at the heart of human communication, yet precisely why we point isn't clearly understood. This gesture called a shaka sign is typical in Hawaii and in places where there's a surf and beach culture. It is a way to silent an individual and ask them to pay attention. This gesture first got this meaning in the UK, is also known as the "two-fingered salute" and has been widely used against authority. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. However, in many cultures, snapping fingers close to someone’s face is considered to be an offensive gesture. The corona is also widely used by rock stars in as a positive hand gesture. In fact, some innocent hand signals … Many times when one is getting late or wants to indicate running out of time, they tend to watch their wrist. But as it turns out, not all hand signals are created equal. However, crossing your fingers can also signify a white lie, especially when trying to hide the hand this means that you are lying during a conversation. Snapping fingers over and over may mean one is trying to remember something someone has forgotten. It is now used for both meanings and is very common to be used by many people posing on a photograph as a friendly gesture, especially among Japanese people. The meanings of non-verbal language can change from one culture to another as much as to have the opposite connotation. However, in the Middle East, it’s believed that once a conversation starts, it should be allowed to take its time to complete. Before you communicate with people in different cultures, you need to understand the meaning of gestures. On the other hand, in Chinese culture pointing is actually a gesture that signifies the number eight. From a 'thumbs up' to looking at your watch – here's what 6 hand gestures mean in different cultures and countries. During the sixties, this gesture was adopted as a symbol of peace by activists against the Vietnam war and other counter-cultural movements. 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