Blog Post 4 - Gestures in India

Many people go overseas and experience problems when living in a foreign culture. Some of these are due to the lack of knowledge regarding the gestures of this new culture. In this post I wish to share with you some knowledge of gestures in Indian culture. This isn't meant to be a complete and comprehensive guide containing all the gestures in India, but just a few tips here and there that can't hurt to know.

 

Staring -  In many Western countries, starting is considered strange and sometimes rude. However in India, it is considered the natural response to curiosity and is supposed to be offensive.

Left Hand - In many countries the left hand is considered 'unclean', including India. When in India or countries that observe this tradition, try to refrain from eating using your left hand, or accepting gifts/objects with your left hand. This may be tricky if you are left handed, but try keep it in mind!

Whistling - Whistling and winking at women in India is considered rude. Being too bold with women is considered extremely poor taste in India.

Feet - In India, the feet are considered a very unclean part of the body. Avoid pointing with people with your feet or even showing the bottom of your feet to others. Apologies are to be made if you accidentally touch someone with your feet or shoes. 

Head - Never touch anyone on the head whilst in India. The head is considered to be the 'seat of the soul'. Patting children on the head can be viewed as affectionate in Western culture, however is unacceptable in India.

Head Wobble - This is what inspired this post! I am quite good friends with my neighbor and their family and often have conversations with them when I run into them on the way in or out of the house. I always noticed that whenever conversing with my neighbor,  he would always shake his head or wobble his head from side to side. I did not think much of it, however I suppose I assumed he was unsure or did not feel strongly about what I was talking about. After doing some research on it, I discovered that the head wobble in Indian culture is actually done when you agree with the other person, or support what they are saying! It is often misinterpreted by others as a sign of doubt, uncertainty or disagreement. In reality it means Yes, or I agree with you.

Having this piece of knowledge will aid my future communication with my neighbor and strangers too.


Here is a video of head wobbling!