Body language is not universal across cultures so it is vital to know what clues your body is sending while you communicate with others. Are you conveying the right message with your body language? Mastering the English language requires more than just learning vocabulary words and the rules of grammar. You must also understand how people in the culture communicate when no words are used. Hand symbols, head movements, and other gestures do not all mean the same thing in every culture. Therefore, to become truly fluent in English, you also need to read the body language of English-speaking cultures. Here are a few common gestures that you will see and hopefully, become accustomed to during your journey:- Eye contact is considered respectful.
- Personal space is important to most people in the U.S.
- Crossing your arms or putting your hand on your hip while someone is talking may come across as you being upset, you’re in disagreement, or you want them to stop talking.
- Hand gestures are normal but shouldn’t be used in access.
Each of these gestures says a lot about who you are as an individual. They indicate your confidence level, how comfortable you are, and how trustworthy you may be. If you have any questions about any of this, we would love to guide you in any way we can. Moving abroad is an adjustment, however, Interstaff will do all we can to aid in your transition.