by Carol Fleming - 09/17/2010
"Non-verbal communications are at times as important as verbal communications. Non-verbal gestures are commonly used in the Arab world. This article describes and identifies some of the most common hand gestures used in the Arab world."
Hand gestures are used universally throughout the world over and the Arab world is no exception. It is said "To tie an Arab’s hands while he is speaking is tantamount to tying his tongue." Having married into a Saudi family and living in Saudi Arabia, I can attest that Arab’s will use hand gestures frequently to communicate and/or emphasize a point. However, unless one understands the gesture, the interpretation may be subject to misunderstandings and miscommunications. Therefore, following are a list of common hand gestures used by Arabs with an explanation of what the particular gesture typically means:
The gesture of placing the right hand or its forefinger on the tip of the nose, on the right lower eyelid, on top of the head, on the mustache or beard has the meaning of "it’s in front of me, I see it or it’s on my head to accomplish." Another meaning is "it’s my obligation."
Right hand out, palm down, with fingers brought toward oneself repeatedly in a clawing motion, is the sign for calling someone to come.
Placing the palm of the right hand on the chest immediately after shaking hands with another man shows respect or thanks. A very slight bow of the head may also be added.
Touching the tips of the right fingertips to the forehead while bowing the head slightly, or kissing the back of a dignitary’s hand also connotes "Respect."
Grasping the chin with the thumb side of the right fist is a sign of wisdom or maturity.
By holding the fingers in a pear shaped configuration with the tips pointing up at about waist level and moving the hand slightly up and down signals "wait a little bit" or "be careful. " This gesture can be observed extensively when driving in the crowded streets of the Arab cities. In such a locale, it may be accompanied by curses from an anxious taxi driver or a pedestrian trying to cross the street.
Hitting the side of one’s face with the palm of one hand, head slightly tilted, and eyes wide open, is meant as an expression of surprise. Flicking the right thumbnail on front teeth can be translated to mean "I have no money" or "I have only a little."
Biting the right forefinger, which has been placed sideways in the mouth, may be a threat or an expression of regret. • In Western culture the "OK" sign is a positive gesture. However in the Arab world, if the gesture is shaken at another person it symbolizes the sign of the evil eye. An Arab may use the sign in conjunction with verbal curses.
Hitting the right fist into the open palm of the left hand indicates obscenity or contempt.
Placing the tips of the left fingers and thumb together so that the hand faces right, then placing the tip of the right forefinger directly on the left fingertips indicates an obscenity or insult directed at one’s birth or parentage. Specifically "You have five fathers."
Placing the palm of the right hand on the chest, bowing the head a little and closing one’s eyes connotates "Thank You" (in the name of Allah).
Touching noses together three times when greeting is a Bedouin gesture of friendship and respect.
Two men kissing each other quickly on the lips when greeting is an expression of friendship.
A quick snap of the head upwards with an accompanying click of the tongue connotates: "No", "perhaps", or "What you say is false."
By joining the tips of the right thumb, forefinger, and middle finger and then moving the configuration rapidly in front of the body, an Arab will add emphasis to his speech.
Patting another person’s shoulder with the right hand is a conciliatory gesture.
Before serving coffee, a bit of it may be poured onto the ground. This is a Bedouin gesture of sacrifice.
During the Hajj (pilgrimage), people may kiss only on the shoulders as a gesture of friendship and greeting.
Flipping the hand near the mouth and simultaneously making a clicking sound with the tongue and teeth is used to indicate that a person is not to worry.
By holding the right hand in front of the face with the back facing forward and then flipping the hand so that the palm is up, the Arab will indicate that the person asked for is not present.
If an Arab rubs his earlobe with the tips of his right forefinger and thumb, he may be asking, "Do you want me to answer the question for you?"
Placing a half closed hand in front of the stomach, and then turning it slightly connotes that the person to whom the gesture is made is a liar.
By first touching the tip of the right forefinger on the tongue and then placing it on the tip of the nose, an Arab gives a sign for a person to hurry.
Be aware of appearing to be in a hurry when you are among Arabs. For example, during a business appointment or social visit with an Arab, do not look at your watch or otherwise act as if you have little time to talk. Arabs can be very offended by this. Time is much less rigidly scheduled in Arab countries than in the U.S.
Pointing your finger or a pencil at anyone while speaking, or beckon anyone with your finger. It is considered a threat, and only animals are treated in this manner.
Carol Fleming
More Details: http://www.americanbedu.com
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