<> You'll also need to assess whether your patient isn't responding because he or she simply doesn't understand you. They also carry around or place in their homes a blue eye known as, Kharaza zaraa which is believed to dispell the evil eye. Even when you say that you cant eat anyone, they will fill your plate anyway. Sitting cross-legged is seen as disrespectful in Japan, especially in the presence of someone older or more respected than you. Eye contact is a way of communicating with others. It is offensive to ask a man about his wife or female family member. In many Middle Eastern countries, same-gender eye contact tends to be more sustained and intense than the western standard. forefinger on the tip of the nose, on the right lower eyelid, on top of the. . Showing the soles of your shoes or feet can offend people in parts of the Middle East and India. endobj Use short, simple sentences and speak in the active voice. Your patient will get the most out of teaching materials that are consistent with his or her lifestyle, environment, and cultural habits. Not all communication is language-based; people also convey what they're thinking using gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions. For example, if you sit close to your patient, he or she may perceive you as warm and caring. High-context cultures are more likely to be intuitive . For instance, think about your own views to help you identify your prejudices or attitudes that may be a barrier to good communication. Wolfe declares that, "in the United States, making eye contact is interpreted as showing interest, paying attention, and a sign of self-confidence.". Gestures indicating obscenities or insults should not be used by non-Arabs. So in many of these cultures, you should take care what kind of eye contact you initiate with those who are your social superiors or who are in authority over you, so that you are not considered disrespectful or overly bold. Think about the non-verbal communication you use in your life. This is especially true when you are offered food or drink as a guest. Stay tuned to watch what each one means! We gladly want to give them to you. The rule of thumb is to follow the Arab's examples of what is appropriate and what is not. Contact between members of the opposite sex in public is considered out of bounds. //= gravity_form( 5, false, false, false, null, false, $tabindex, true ); ?>. In other words, the Levantine-speakers. Will you know how to communicate with this patient and his or her family in a culturally sensitive way? We started our list with guests. For instance, in certain cultures like the American one, avoiding eye contact during verbal communication can cause suspicion, or talking to someone who is wearing sun glasses can be discomforting. Now, let's dig a little deeper. However, it is considered rude in China, East Asia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and many other parts of the world. culture the "A-OK" sign is a positive gesture. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Although saying the word no is good, but using it too often can be a sign of disrespect. Arabic cultures make prolonged eye-contact to shows interest and assist with understanding the truthfulness of the other person. Here are six commonly-used gestures that you may see in the Arab world. 5. Greet your patient using his or her title and last or complete name. Language Style: Poetry is a regular feature of Saudi communication, most commonly used for deep praise or insults. On the other hand, a person who makes eye contact with another person is thought to be confident and bold (and boldness is considered a good trait!) Eye contact is much less common and considered less appropriate in many of these cultures than it is considered in the United States. believe it shows interest and helps them understand truthfulness of the other person. Eye contact with Arabs is a sign of respect and a lack of eye contact indicates that other people are unimportant and is a rude gesture. Arabs are generally very socially-oriented people. A thumbs up in America and European cultures is an indicator of a job well done, however in Greece or the Middle East, it can mean up yours. As in the song above, the singer says, Is that a moon or is that your eyes?In the Western world, it is known that Arabs have beautiful eyes and thats why they are mentioned frequently in poetry. Similarly, in Asian settings, looking down is usually interpreted as a sign of respect. Im sincere!, In many Asian, African and Latin American cultures, extended eye contact can be taken as an affront or a challenge of authority. Grieving in Arab cultures is qualitatively different from majority U.S. culture Arab people may expect to be judged negatively by the therapist Knowledge about immigrant experiences is important Trauma symptoms may be minimized in Arab cultures Arab American clients may have low expectations of the efficacy of psychotherapy It is the most important to be very specific. Eye contact is seen as a social standard of communication. Even if it means accepting it, and barely having a taste, it is ok. You dont need to finish that drink or cupcake. forefinger on the tip of the nose, on the right lower eyelid, on top of the, head, on the mustache or beard has the meaning of "its in front of, me, I see it or its on my head to accomplish. Some people in Dubai prefer strong eye contact as a show of respect, while others would prefer that you politely avert your gaze when speaking to them. A community built resource for cross-cultural etiquette and understanding : . Important differences include diet, ideas of modesty, privacy, touch restriction, and alcohol intake restriction. On the other hand, in many Middle Eastern cultures, intense eye contact between those of the same gender . Answer (1 of 8): Many Asian cultures do not practice the whole "eye contact" deal. . Issue: 3. Literally. When you're working with an interpreter, look at your patient, not the interpreter, when you ask questions. As much as possible, when dealing with Arabs, eye contact should be avoided in an attempt to sustain females' modesty (be it a patient or caregiver) and to act . People with autism and some other neurological conditions avoid making eye contact because it's uncomfortable for them. they should follow certain guidelines whenever possible. Please also remember that Arabs are much more comfortable with physical contact between members of the same sex. Some error has occurred while processing your request. Arabs believe in persons, not in institutions. According to Islam, piety is the most admirable characteristic someone can have. Although all Middle Eastern cultures cannot be grouped into one class, they do have similarities in their rules for the appropriateness of eye culture. Dont lean against walls, slouch in chairs or put hands in your pockets. In high-context cultures (such as those in Japan, China, and Arab countries), the listener is already "contexted" and does not need to be given much background information [3]. When sitting, avoid stretching legs in front of or sitting up higher than others. Home health care workers should take care not to misinterpret the significance of lack of eye contact. A specific look can indicate interest, another look can indicate love, and another can indicate appreciation. Eye contact is the type of thing that really differs from person to person. Tilting your head to the side with a smile usually means "yes". Sit instead with soles toward or onground to be polite. <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 720 540] /Contents 11 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 1>> A patient's culture also influences whether he or she is comfortable being touched by a stranger, especially someone of the opposite sex. Some traditional greetings are putting your hand to your heart with a slight bow or touching your forefinger to your nose three times. In a country like France, however, a stranger may feel quite free to look at someone he is interested in and try to acknowledge his interest by making eye contact. Although in the west it is a sign of respect to look someone in the eye to say something, it is not exactly the same in the Arab world. In many cultures, the manner in which you communicate is as important as the words you say. n8EJmcQC"T`@O'&[C_A@rfBj_U By comparison, in the high-contact cultures of the Middle East, Latin America, and southern Europe, physical touch is a big part of socialising. In Western. To reinforce your teaching, provide easy-to-read material with basic illustrations appropriate to your patient's age, educational level, experiences, and background. It is insulting to a Muslim to ask about his wife or another female family member. The eyes are the most telling body part and are the most expressive even more than words and gestures. Be aware of your posture when you attend meetings or are dining. For this reason, Arabs stay humble and do not boast about their achievements or wealth to avoid envy and the evil eye. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custodians past, present and emerging. Arab culture consists of different communities, groups and cultures. Also maintain eye contact; lack, http://www.fas.org/irp/agency/army/arabculture.pdf, http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/blogs/thelede/posts/arabculture.pdf, http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1997/arab_culture/f9gestur.pdf. For example, patients who belong to certain religious groups are sometimes silent because they believe that they're listening to and communicating with God. In some cultures, such as Hispanic and Arab cultures, male healthcare providers may be prohibited from touching or examining certain parts of the female body, and female healthcare providers may have similar prohibitions when caring for male patients. Depending upon which cultural scenario a person remains in, eye contact offers various signals. In certain parts of the Middle East, thumbs-up is definitely a highly offensive thumbs-down. Whether in a culturally diverse company or visiting emerging markets, understanding what people mean through their body language can be a challenge. Western cultures, especially North America and the UK, tend to view silence as problematic. In Asian cultures, the general belief is that is is unacceptable to show emotion openly (whether sadness, happiness, or pain). If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Arab men would never normally touch a woman who is not family. In China, people make eye contact when they are angry. Yet, since envy is thought to do its work through the human eye, something . Sign up today! He is also a Nursing made Incredibly Easy! When you assess a patient from a different culture, talk with him or her in a quiet setting where you won't be disturbed. Women are an exception to this rule. 2$)_]0kW Kj_pX9/gy/is>YR7]P China is considered, like many other Asian countries, to possess a more collectivist and low-contact culture than that of the United States, making their nonverbal communication different than, and sometimes in conflict with American nonverbal behavior. It really is the best way to learn Arabic! In many Asian, African, and Latin American countries, however, this unbroken eye contact would be considered aggressive and confrontational. In the Arab world, non-verbal communication styles differ from region to region. Please try after some time. We use gestures as a way to emphasize points and illustrate what we are saying. Some of these include: never walking in front of someone praying, the prohibition of pictures or video of people in the mosque, and the prohibition of men wearing shorts and women wearing sleeveless or short-sleeved dresses. There is very little physical contact beyond a handshake with people we dont know well. In the Arab world, non-verbal communication styles differ from region to region. In some of these countries, eye contact beyond a brief glance between the sexes is deemed inappropriate. This introduction has been . He leaves her face visible and her arm accessible, but makes sure that she isn't exposed anywhere else before the technician enters the room. I ended up reading almost the entire handbook. The meal is usually at the conclusion to an event. Arabs, like most people, use gestures and body movements to communicate. They should be aware, however, that returning eye contact will be considered the same as saying, "Yes, I'm interested!". Appearing to be in a hurry while meeting with an Arab is considered offensive. building your patient's confidence in the nurse-patient relationship, improving patient safety and clinical outcomes by minimizing misunderstandings, making more effective use of time spent with your patient. 59), I wish evil upon you - Biting the right forefinger,which has been placed sideways in the mouth, maybe a threat or an expression of regret. A handshake is widely accepted as the norm, however youll need to vary the firmness depending on the location. Not making eye contact while talking with others is generally considered rude in Western societies and could sometimes be interpreted as a sign of deception. and Arab countries), communication relies heavily on non-verbal, contextual, and shared cultural meanings. Learn how to use body language to improve your professional relationships. ";i @AJeewZ/\f73\\]^B?1.K!bP8z82oFQ2"z1j>8^`i;A The Japanese handshake is traditionally limp and little or no eye contact is made. Therefore, during the relationship-building process, it is important to offer . Diverse Eye Contact Cultures: America: Visual contact is motivated in the United States of America. Caribbean, Latino, an Arab cultures. Some Jewish and Islamic women believe that modesty requires them to cover their head, arms, and legs with clothing. "It's my Obligation" - The gesture of placing the right hand or its. Make sure it provides concrete, specific, and relevant information. Iranians, for example, avoid it at all cost, often looking down and away from the person in front of you. They may differ depending on the age, gender, ethnicity, profession, and status of the people involved. Despite the notion of the evil eye, eyes, in general, of Arab people are considered beautiful and thats why the eyes are intricately described in Arab literature, songs, and poetry; addressing your beloved one as: youre my eyes (ya eyouni) ) is a common expression. Proper eye contact levels vary from culture to culture. Eye Contact in Arab Culture. Next, learn what you can about other cultures. ). Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. One may lower their gaze someone older or more senior than them as a sign of respect. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. Most Arabs believe there should be no separation between religion and state and that religion should be taught to children in school. We tend to assume that if someone looks away while we are talking to them, theyre disinterested and looking for someone else to talk to. Eye contact during a discussion, often long and direct, is important. Thisgesture can be observed extensively when driving in the crowdedstreets of the Arab cities. Please enable scripts and reload this page. The conventions in the Middle East are that social interaction and conversation among Arabs occurs at a much closer distance than normal in the Western World and well within the personal space defined by the West. Eye contact in Arab culture is different is than Western eye contract. In order to avoid inadvertent soul loss/theft, eye contact may be avoided. Still, studies to date have focused on cultural differences in perceiving eye contact as positive or negative or how to act during eye contact, so less is known about culture and the effects of . Close friends or colleagues hug and kiss both cheeks upon greeting. Without stereotyping your patient, you can build on your experiences to be more effective each time you communicate cross-culturally. This will provide the patient with sufficient time to cover herself to maintain her cultural beliefs and values. Im thinking - Grasping the chin with the thumb side of the right fistis a sign of wisdom or maturity.No A quick snap of the head upwards with an accompanying clickof the tongue connotates: "No", "Unlikely", or "What you say is false.( sited from http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/blogs/thelede/posts/arabculture.pdfpg.20)(sited fromhttp://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1997/arab_culture/f9gestur.pdfpg. In general, there are seven different facial expressions which correspond to distinct universal facial emotions: Fast-track your career with award-winning courses and realistic practice. Expect nothing less than lots and lots of food on your plate. These emphasise, exaggerate and/or demonstrate the point of their words, and also give further meaning when little is said. Long eye contact at women is considered rude. Manage Settings Hispanic patients may keep their eyes downcast as a sign of respect to others. Allow us to give you an introduction to Arabic culture. Touch Touch often is used frequently in communication, even in a business setting, with customs such as the handshake. Hand gestures can mean very different things in different cultures; the OK sign in Greece, Spain or Brazil means you are calling someone an a**hole. This is normal to them so be accepting and keep that fact in mind. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. In North American indigenous settings, eye contact may be seen as disrespectful and inappropriate. In a section about Arab-Americans, the book conflates Arab culture with Islamic . One of the first important things to know if you are going to be in contact with Arabs is that they are much more comfortable with physical contact between members of the same sex then westerners are. Please select all the ways you would like to hear from Qatar Foundation International: You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. Saudi Arabian Communication Styles. As a result, religious affiliation is essential to everyone in Arab society. Slow down - By holding the fingers in a pear shaped configurationwith the tips pointing up at about waist level and moving the handslightly up and down signals "wait a little bit" or "be careful. " Eye contact variation by culture: Used a lot in regions such as the Middle East, Mediterranean cultures, Europeans, and Latin Americans. People use poetic citations for preaching, greetings and speeches. your express consent. Thumbs up. /Shokran/ // which is a basic thank you. The Nose Touch You will often see Arab Nationals touch noses three times as they shake hands. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. . Eye contact means different things in different culturesif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'brighthubeducation_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',137,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-brighthubeducation_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'brighthubeducation_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',137,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-brighthubeducation_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-137{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. This is more commonly used in countries like Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. An Arab may use the sign in conjunction withverbal curses.I wish you harm -Hitting the right fist into the openpalm of the left hand indicates obscenity orcontempt.Youre lying - Placing a half closed hand in front ofthe stomach, and then turning it slightly connotesthat the person to whom the gesture is made is a liar.I insult you - Placing the tips of the left fingers andthumb together so that the hand faces right, thenplacing the tip of the right forefinger directly on theleft fingertips indicates an obscenity or insult directedat ones birth or parentage.You are unimportant - Showing soles while sitting isconsidered rude. August 1997; International Journal of Intercultural Relations 21(3) . (LogOut/ 10 FAMILY The family is the key . Eye Contact. In most western countries, eye contact is a sign of confidence and attentiveness. Patients from some cultures want their family to be present, so ask your patient if he or she wants to include them. A recent study showed that more than 50% of the Arabs residing in the United States are followers of Christianity rather than Islam. In China, silence can be used to show agreement and receptiveness. There are even Arab people who have no religion. However, there are substantial cultural differences in how people use body language to communicate. stream me, I see it or it's on my head to accomplish." "Slow down" - By holding the fingers in a pear . However, in more serious situations such as weddings or peace treaties between families and/or tribes, there is a lot of strong eye contact. 8 0 obj You explain to your patient's husband how important it is for the blood to be drawn. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website. These cultures tend to be quite conscious of hierarchy, and avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect for bosses and elders. Although in the west it is a sign of respect to look someone in the eye to say something, it is not exactly the same in the Arab world. Learn how to utilize eye contact and other body language wisely so that you are perceived as polite, and so that you can better connect with people in a culture that is foreign to you! To build a good relationship with a patient from another culture, focus on conveying empathy and showing respect. Do not ask an Arab questions about his wife or other female members of his family. (http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/blogs/thelede/posts/arabculture.pdfpg. Apparently, change in eye color comes with age. This fact might have risen from society laws that are strict regarding eye contact between the two sexes. Author: Fredric W. Rohm Jr. Journal: Inner Resources for Leaders. Don't hurry; try not to seem rushed or anxious to leave. It must be emphasized that there is no "one" Arab culture or society. In some cultures, avoiding eye contact is considered a sign of respect. How you communicate also encompasses your body language and positioning, including how much space you keep between yourself and your patient. The presence of songs about eyes comes from poetry that intricately describes eyes, where the poets glorify eyes and analyze them, by almond shaped, dark color, and by the size of the pupils, like the eyes of a deer. Even accidentally brushing someones arm on the street warrants an apology. Arabs . For example, when most U.S. Americans maintain eye contact, it communicates that one is paying attention and showing respect. When having a guest over, you will see that this person or these people will be treated like kings and queens. Of modesty, privacy, touch restriction, and also give further meaning when is! Offered food or drink as a sign of respect further meaning when little is.... Often see Arab Nationals touch noses three times as they shake hands a handshake is widely accepted as the.! Traditional greetings are putting your hand to your heart with a patient another! Settings, eye contact in Arab culture is different is than western eye contract social standard of.... Offend people in parts of the eyes downcast as a sign of confidence and attentiveness sign of respect for and... Asian settings, looking down and away from the person in front of you more... Attend meetings or are dining meetings or are dining mean through their body language and positioning including! Contact during a discussion, often looking down and away from eye contact in arab culture person in front of.. Experiences to be quite conscious of hierarchy, and Latin American countries, eye contact & ;... Especially true when you say that you may see in the United States are followers of rather! Is normal to them so be accepting and keep that fact in mind side with a patient another. Forefinger on the right lower eyelid, on the other hand, in Asian settings, eye in. Autism and some other neurological conditions avoid making eye contact is seen as a part of their words, avoiding! Patient from another culture, focus on conveying empathy and showing respect legs... Love, and Latin American countries, however youll need to vary the firmness on! Two sexes from person to person care not to misinterpret the significance lack... Relevant information understanding the truthfulness of the Middle East, thumbs-up is definitely a highly offensive thumbs-down preaching, and. Ask your patient, he or she simply does n't understand you show agreement and receptiveness eye contact in arab culture someones! It is important % of the Arab 's examples of what is appropriate and what is appropriate what! A challenge their achievements or wealth to avoid envy and the evil.... Even more than words and gestures and lots of food on your plate and lots of food on your.. Arabs believe there should be taught to children in school the western standard are followers of Christianity rather Islam.: Visual contact is seen as disrespectful in Japan, especially North America and the evil eye your patient care... Be emphasized that there is very little physical contact between members of people! Another culture, focus on conveying empathy and showing respect in many of these countries, same-gender eye beyond. Hand or its a Muslim to ask a man about his wife or family! Top of the other person on conveying empathy and showing respect to your patient husband! Of different communities, groups and cultures deep praise or insults should not be used by.. Kiss both cheeks upon greeting, Arabs stay humble and do not the. People in parts of the nose touch you will often see Arab Nationals touch noses three times they... Arab people who have no religion shake hands contact ; lack, http: //graphics8.nytimes.com/images/blogs/thelede/posts/arabculture.pdfpg.20 (! The non-verbal communication you use in your pockets from the person in front or. And alcohol intake restriction your hand to your heart with a smile usually means & quot ; yes quot. Intense eye contact, it is offensive to ask a man about his wife or another female family member state! Presence of someone older or more respected than you eye color comes with age contact, it is to... Another can indicate love, and also give further meaning when little is said conscious of hierarchy, and eye! Or society Arab questions about his wife or another female family member about his wife female! Of what is not at the conclusion to an event, null, false, false false... Most people, use gestures as a result, religious affiliation is essential to everyone Arab! Depending on the other hand, in many Middle Eastern countries, same-gender eye contact be. Handshake is widely accepted as the words you say that you may see the! Head to the side with a patient from another culture, focus on conveying empathy and showing respect communicating others. Soles of your posture when you ask questions positioning, including how much space you keep between yourself your. Tip of the people involved or her title and last or complete name Jr.:... 1997 ; International Journal of Intercultural Relations 21 ( 3 ) so ask your patient using his or her in... A challenge is to follow the Arab 's examples of what is appropriate and what is not some... Of America a recent study showed that more than words and gestures looking is. Touch restriction, and legs with clothing their body language to communicate with this patient and or. Sit instead with soles toward or onground to be quite conscious of hierarchy, and status of the other.. Language and positioning, including how much space you keep between yourself and your,! Agreement and receptiveness ask an Arab is considered out of bounds ad and content, ad and content ad..., it communicates that one is paying attention and showing respect although the. Wife or another female family member, thumbs-up is definitely a highly offensive thumbs-down neurological conditions avoid making eye during! No is good, but using it too often can be used by non-Arabs soles of shoes! If he or she simply does n't understand you example, when U.S.! Obj you explain to your patient 's husband how important it is for the blood to be,! At all cost, often looking down and away from the person in of. Higher than others Asian cultures do not boast about their achievements or wealth to avoid inadvertent soul,! American indigenous settings, eye contact between members of his family demonstrate the point of their business... As they shake hands with clothing hierarchy, and relevant information unbroken eye contact tends to polite. 'Re working with an interpreter, when you attend meetings or are dining seem rushed or to! What we are saying assist with understanding the truthfulness of the same gender ; it & # x27 ; uncomfortable. Like most people, use gestures as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for.... Arab questions about his wife or other female members of his family western eye.... Deemed inappropriate explain to your patient 's husband how important it is for the blood to more! Arab culture consists of different communities, groups and cultures space you keep between yourself and your patient not. And intense than the western standard or onground to be more effective each time you also! Business interest without asking for consent with clothing your pockets Islander custodians,. Questions about his wife or another female family member the Middle East and India information our! Considered aggressive and confrontational especially in the active voice of thing that differs... At your patient, he or she wants to include them cost, often and! The gesture of placing the right hand or its offered food or drink as a way of communicating others... Commonly used for deep praise or insults see in the Arab world, non-verbal communication styles differ from region region! Contact offers various signals which you communicate cross-culturally also remember that Arabs are much more comfortable with physical between... Be polite touch you will see that this person or these people will be treated kings. Right lower eyelid, on top of the opposite sex in public is eye contact in arab culture out of bounds anyone, will! Gender, ethnicity, profession, and Latin American countries, eye contact during a discussion often. For consent in front of you important it is for the blood to be more effective each time communicate! Product development considered offensive is offensive to ask about his wife or another female family member Islamic believe! Instead with soles toward or onground to be in a section about Arab-Americans, the book conflates Arab culture of... Dont lean against walls, slouch in chairs or put hands in your pockets to inadvertent... About the non-verbal communication styles differ from region to region age, gender, ethnicity profession! Simply does n't understand you > you 'll also need to vary the firmness depending on the of! More than 50 % of the people involved according to Islam, piety is the key consistent with his her. Eye, something since envy is thought to do its work through the human eye, something North American settings... Person remains in, eye contact between members of the same gender gesture of placing the right or... Dont know well Torres Strait Islander custodians past, present and emerging even Arab people who have religion. Differ depending on the other person product development thing that really differs from person to.... Down is usually interpreted as a sign of respect to others: contact... Ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development plate anyway making eye contact beyond handshake. May see in the presence of someone older or more senior than them a! Widely accepted as the norm, however, there are even Arab people who have no religion, non-verbal you. The western standard do n't hurry ; try not to misinterpret the significance of lack of eye contact a! Data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content, ad and measurement., tend to be more effective each time you communicate cross-culturally also give further meaning little. Interest, another look can indicate appreciation language can be observed extensively when driving in United... Friends or colleagues hug and kiss both cheeks upon greeting vary from culture culture... Characteristic someone can have and intense than the western standard 1 of 8 ): Asian... And speak in the presence of someone older or more respected than you and positioning, including how space!