1 . Understanding cultural body language in other countries is very helpful in communication, especially when we can't speak a foreign language.Here are some gestures and their meanings in different cultures.I hope these will help you when you try to interact with foreigners.
Head movements
In some parts of India, people shake their heads to show they are actively listening or agree with you.In western countries,people nod to confirm. However,in Bulgaria and Greece, nodding actually means the contrary.
Eye contacts
Some countries,such as Japan and Finland, consider constant eye contact awkward.In Caribbean cultures,children and teenagers are taught not to look at adults in the eyes when they are being corrected. Strong eye contact is common among people of the same sex in Spain and
Arabic countries.Hands
The "thumbs up" sign is used in many cultures to mean “OK”。 In France,it can mean No.1, but it has a very rude sexual meaning in Islamic countries,Cerdena and Greece. Interestingly,the＂OK"sign means “zero”or "nothing" in France,while some other European countries such as Greece,Italy,Brazil,and Russia consider it as impolite.
Greetings and goodbyes
Shaking hands is a normal and formal way to greet or say goodbye in western countries. But in Romania, only men usually shake hands.And they do it every time they meet, not just the first! In England, however,it's unusual to shake hands with someone you are introduced to in an informal setting.
Legs
Sitting with crossed legs is common in North America and European countries, but it is considered disrespectful in Asia and the Middle East where a straight and balanced posture is the norm(规范）。Body language varies from country to country. When you communicate with foreigners, one safe way is to understand, respect and follow the culture.
1. Why does the author write the first paragraph?| A．To tell us the writing purpose. |
| B．To show ways of communicating. |
| C．To stress the importance of language. |
| D．To compare the cultural differences. |
| A．Constant eye contact is advisable in Japanese. |
| B．Sitting with crossed legs is popular in the Middle East. |
| C．Shaking hands only happens between men in Romania. |
| D．The "thumbs up" sign can be considered polite in Cerdena. |
| A．Practice makes perfect. |
| B．Actions speak louder than words. |
| C．Seeing is believing. |
| D．When in Rome, do as the Romans do. |
