Europe
There is a clear distension between Northern and Southern Europe.
The North Europeans consider any signs of emotions are a sign of weakness and therefore frown on touching in public.
The Southern Europeans are highly tactile and display emotions easily.
In General- Northern Europe
Proximity
– Stand at an arm’s length away from someone
Hands
– Handshakes are firm and short ( 2 pumps is sufficient )
Eyes:
– Continuous eye contact is expected
Feet:
– You can cross your feet at the knees
Russia—
- Proximity – Russians stand close when talking.
– Russians could be tactile - —Hands
– Don’t shake hands over a table, desk or anything divisional, as it is a Russian superstition that this action will lead to an argument.
– The “OK” sign is considered as a very rude gestures in Russia.
Southern Europe
In General
Hands: Do not put your hands in your pockets when speaking to people
People tend to be very tactile and have no problem in expressing emotions with their hands.
Countries in Particular
France
- — Hands
– Facing the palms down, and smacking one hand down onto the other means ‘let’s get out of here’.
– Putting a finger under one eye and pulling down the skin means, “I don’t believe you’’
– The Western “ A okay” sign, means “zero.”
- — Arabic Culture living in France – the Arabic Cultural gestures take precedent are highlighted
Italy—
- — Italians are highly tactile and express emotions easily.
- — The Italian body and hand language is quite extensive.
Hands
– Biting the finger or hand flipping upwards from the face are displays of displeasure and disgust.
– Both hands V shaped towards the pelvis means, “ You are breaking my balls!”
Turkey
- Eyes
– Continuous eye contact is the norm.
– If you back away it could be considered as being deceptive
– Tilting your head forwards means ‘yes’ and lifting your head backwards and raising eyebrows at the same time means ‘No’ - Hands
– The “ A Okay” sign in some western countries means homosexual and is highly insulting.
– Placing your thumb on your upper teeth is a display of fear.
– Waving a hand palm up and down means ‘’ come to me’’