1. Gestures can be misunderstood across cultures

Something friendly in one culture may be rude in another. That’s why it’s important to understand non-verbal communication when traveling or meeting people from other places.

2. Common hand gestures have different meanings

Gestures like counting with fingers or pointing can mean different things around the world. For example, North Americans use the index finger for “one,” but Europeans use the thumb.

3. Some gestures are offensive in specific regions

Pointing with the index finger is rude in Japan, and the thumbs-up sign is offensive in Australia and the Middle East.