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s anger, fury, or determination. The charts on the following pages provide examples of some of the difference: Different Body Language, Same Meaning Meaning Body Language in China Body Language in U.S. “Come here” (beckoning someone to come) hand extended toward person,open palm, palm down, withall fingers crooked in a beckoning motion hand extended toward person,closed hand, palm up, with forefinger only moving backand forth (in china this samegesture would be consideredoffensive by many) “Shame on you!” (semi-joking gesture) forefinger of one hand extended, tip touches one’s own face several times quickly; similar to scratching,but with the forefinger straight (usually with the remark “shame on you!”) forefinger of each hand extended, palms down in front of one’s body; one forefinger makes several brushing movements over the back of the other forefinger ‘I’m very full” (after a meal) one or both hands open, lightly patting one’s own stomach hand raised to throat, fingersextended, palm down (oftenwith the remark “I’m full upto here.”) Same Body Language in Tow Cultures but with Different Meaning Meaning in China Body Language Meaning in U. S. anger, irritation, frustration, remorse stamping one’s foot impatience thank you; mutual positive feelings speaker or performerclapping at same timeaudience applauds applauding oneself;improper, immodest Curiosity, sometimes surprise staring, gaping considered impolite;makes people embarrassed,self-conscious disapproval, hissing “shah” calling for silence seldom used;occasionally adults may pat head of children to show affection; patting the head of a teenager or adult would cause displeasure and can be insulting pat on head giving comfort, consolation or encouragement; also shows affection Body Language and Meaning in One Culture; No Equivalent in Other Culture Body Language Meaning in U.S. chewing one’s fingernails emotional stress, worried, doesn’t know what to do thumbing one’s nose (one thumb on tip of own nose, fingers curled and moving together) defiance, contempt wagging one’s finger (forefinger of one hand raised, other fingers clasped, the raised forefinger is wagged from side to side) warning not to do something; indicating that what the other person is doing is wrong thumb down (arm crooked in front of body, closed fist, thumb extended down, one or several downward movements) rejection of a proposal, idea, person; nonverbal way of saying a strong “no” winking (quick closing of one eye, generally with a smile and slight nod) may show several feelings; understanding, approval, encouragement, trying to get across a message, solidarity touching or pointing to tip of one’s own nose with raised forefinger “It’s me” “I’m the one” (to westerners, the gesture would seem slightly funny) using an open hand to cover one’s mouth while speaking (generally used by older people) to show confidentiality and secrecy; sometimes no meaning using both hands (when one would be enough) in offering something to a visitor or another person respect (when one’s tea cup is being refilled by the host or hostess) putting one or both hands upright, palm open, beside the cup “Thank you” upraised forefinger of each hand coming together in front of the body until the two touch boy and girl in love; a good match The examples in the charts are by no means complete, but are enough to illustrate the diversity of body language and to show the importance of knowing the specific gestures th