Cross cultural understanding: a handbook to understand others’ cultures

hand(s) on 
heart (left 
side of chest)
seeking to be 
believed 
Although easy to fake, the 
underlying meaning is one of 
wanting to be believed, whether 
being truthful or not. Hand on 
heart can be proactive, as when 
a salesman tries to convince a 
buyer, or reactive, as when 
claiming innocence or shock. 
Whatever, the sender of this 
signal typically feels the need to 
emphasise their position as if 
mortally threatened, which is 
rarely the case. 
finger 
pointing (at a 
person)
aggression, 
threat, emphasis 
Pointing at a person is very 
confrontational and dictatorial. 
Commonly adults do this to 
young people. Adult to adult it 
is generally unacceptable and 
tends to indicate a lack of social 
awareness or self-control aside 

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86 | Cross Cultural Understanding