1.
The following are five examples of common unconscious body movements and their meaning.
a)Playing with your hair, or accessories
It often demonstrates distress and nervousness while flattering.
b)Leg crossing
It demonstrates resistance
c) Excessive smiling
Indicates lack of seriousness and sometimes of confidence.
d)Folding arms
It suggests insecurity or being in a defensive attitude.
e) Folding your hands on your lap
Hiding your hands under a conference table or desk, for example, signals untrustworthiness; a cue from ancient times, when men would reveal their palms to show they were unarmed.
2.
The following list put forward several body expressions that in other cultures different to the Hispanic have a different connotation.
a) Nodding the head
While we use it for expressing acceptance, in some parts of Greece, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, and Turkey it means “No”.
b) Rocking the head back forth slowly
It means “yes I am listening in many Asian cultures”.
c) Eye contact
In some Asian and African cultures is rude and disrespectful.
d) Raising eye browns
Yes in Thailand and other Asian cultures
e) Pulling the ear
“you are in my heart” in Navajo islands
f) Nose tap
“be careful” in Italy
“it is confidential in England”
g) Pointing the nose
“It’s me” in Japan
h)The “come here” gesture
Could be seen as an insult in Asian countries
Can be interpreted as good bye in Italy
i)Pointing
Pointing with the index is impolite is Asian cultures, instead they point with their hands.
j) Holding hands
In parts of Asia and the middle east men who are friends walk holding their hands.
3.
The following examples suggest some differences in body language between men and women.
a) Lying
When men lie, their body language appears relaxed. Women, on the other hand, pretend to look busy when they lie.
b) Smilying
Men smile more frequently and the smile takes time to fade away. Women, too, smile frequently, but the smile lasts only for a while.
c) Head position (positive situation)
In case of a positive atmosphere of the conversation, women tend to turn towards the speaker, while men turn their head towards the side.
d) Head position (negative situation)
If the situation is negative, a woman will not indulge in eye contact. Conversely, a man would look more steadily towards the interlocutor.
e) Eye contact
Both men and women look directly into the eyes of their interest while having a conversation. However, men may move their eyes indicating their nervousness, while women, many a times, shy off and turn aside their head.
f) Show of interest
Men show their interest in women by sitting close to them or touching their shoulder or arms softly, while talking. Conversely, women touch the arms or shoulders of men softly only if they like the physical closeness of the person.
g) Expression of feelings
Women are more likely to display progressive behavior, show emotions and let their feelings come through. Conversely, men generally display behaviors of power, dominance and assertiveness.
h) Facial gestures
In day to day living, men display facial gestures that are more relaxed and express less warmth, while women’s gestures are lighter and more flexible.
i)Tossing Hair
Since ages, long, flowing hair has been a sign of femininity, sexuality, and child bearing ability. As such, tossing or flicking hair is a common and favorite flirting gesture for women. Mine while normally men would not act this way.
k) Neck Rubbin
Undoubtedly, the neck is one of woman’s most sensitive zones. Soft smooth skin is what drives men crazy and the neck is the most socially acceptable area to display it. And touching it stimulates a gentle, soothing, and loving sensation, enough to make one mad. Men often use other body parts such as muscles.
