Cross cultural understanding: a handbook to understand others’ cultures

finger 
wagging (side 
to side)
warning, refusal 
Rather like the waving of a 
pistol as a threat. Stop it/do as 
you are told, or else.. 
hand chop
emphasis - 
especially the last 
word on a matter 
The hand is used like a 
guillotine, as if to kill the 
discussion. 
clenched 
fist(s)
resistance, 
aggression, 
determination 
One or two clenched fists can 
indicate different feelings - 
defensive, offensive, positive or 
negative, depending on context 
and other signals. Logically a 
clenched fist prepares the hand 
(and mind and body) for battle 
of one sort or another, but in 
isolation 
the 
signal 
is 
impossible to interpret more 
precisely than a basic feeling of 
resolve. 
hand stroking 
chin
thoughtfulness 
The stroking of a beard is a 
similar signal, although rare 
among women. 

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Cross Cultural Understanding | 87