Nowadays, globalization makes international communication closer and more vital day by day. And trans-cultural exchange is also increasing. Verbal communication is necessary in the exchange. At the same time, nonverbal communication also plays a very important role in it. As a special communicating tool in nonverbal communication, gestures plays its own vital role.
This paper aims to have a close look at the similarities and differences of the inner meaning of gestures according to cultural background in different countries. It provides us with details of gestures in daily life, social communication and expression of interior emotions. Through this paper, people may have a basic knowledge of gestures and then use them accurately in trans-cultural communication. Hence, misunderstanding caused by wrong interpretation of gestures can be avoided.
Abstract ................................................................I
Key Words ...............................................................I
摘 要 ..................................................................II
关键词 ..................................................................II
Introduction ............................................................1
I. Gestures in Daily Life ...............................................2
A. The Position of Hand when Standing Still or Taking Photos............ 2
B. Showing the Way...................................................... 2
C. Making Introductions by Using Hand Gestures ..........................2
D. Different Meaning of Hand-waving .....................................3
E. Instructions of Handshaking.......................................... 3
F. Call for Coming...................................................... 3
G. Number Expression.....................................................4
II. Gestures in the Expression of Emotions.............................. 5
A. Showing Happiness.....................................................5
B. Indicating Sadness ...................................................5
C. Expressing Anger......................................................5
D. Revealing Nervousness.................................................5
E. Showing Shyness...................................................... 5
III. Gestures in Social Communication ...................................7
A. “V sign” in Communication ..........................................7
B. Different Meanings of “OK” .........................................7
C. Attention of the Use of “Fig” Sign .................................8
D. Different Meaning of Different Movements of Thumb.................... 8
E. Careful Use of Index Finger ..........................................9
F. Attention of the Use of Middle Finger ................................10
G. Use of Little Finger .................................................11
IV. Other Kinds of Hand Gestures ........................................12
A. Overlapping Arms......................................................12
B. Rubbing Hands ........................................................12
C. Touching the Wood.................................................... 12
Conclusion...............................................................14
Acknowledgements ........................................................15
Bibliography............................................................ 16
