Having read the interview with June Galloway about her book "Get off on the Right Foot: Don't Let the Wrong Gesture Ruin Your Day", I consider the following three key points:
- I found it very interesting how a gesture that in one culture is considered polite, in another may seem rude or even aggressive. This shows how important it is not only to learn a language, but also to understand the cultural context.
- Everyday gestures can be interpreted in very different ways. For example, I never imagined that something as common as a handshake or pointing a finger could cause discomfort or be frowned upon in other countries, although I do understand that it is considered impolite to point a finger at someone. This made me reflect on how easy it is to make a mistake if we are not informed.
- I was surprised to learn that the “thumbs up” gesture, which I have always associated with something positive, can be offensive in places like Australia or the Middle East. These kinds of differences reinforce the importance of empathy and respect for other cultures when communicating.