Gestures : What the International Traveler Should Know

Covey Christopher R.

Since studies show that over 60% of all communication occurs through gestures their importance for the international traveler is paramount Basically, there are three main types of gestures : Voluntary, Involuntary, and Coded. This paper will begin by defining each of the three, and explain the author's view of the relative importance of each type of gesture from the perspective of a non-native speaker attempting to communicate using English and understanding the body language that accompanies it in various multicultural international business contexts. It will be argued that while the degree of spontaneity required to use gestures effectively in this context makes it difficult to use body language and gestures, a receptive knowledge of body language can help the international business person avoid embarrassment. It will also be shown that a rudimentary knowledge of involuntary body language provides us with insight into the unspoken motives and thoughts of others that would also be useful in various situations where English is the lingua franca of business. Finally, coded messages, or sign language, are used to communicate with people that have hearing problems, or among people in certain occupations. Because of their limited use and lack of widespread acceptance, they are of little relevance to the international traveler.

Gestures : What the International Traveler Should Know

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