Gestures, like speech and facial expressions, are an integral part of our lives. There are many different gestures that are performed with the hands or fingers, but the meanings of some of them may differ from each other in different regions, countries, and may also be used infrequently in everyday life. Therefore, you should know and learn to recognize the main commonly used hand and finger gestures.

Main groups of gestures

The main groups of gestures include:

reinsurance

These gestures are aimed at trying to cope with their fears of some kind. These include biting your fingertips, knuckles, or nails (uncertainty), rubbing your thumbs together with your hands together, rubbing your neck, and pinching your skin.

readiness

Readiness gestures express a desire to quickly end the conversation and leave or perform the proposed action. It can be hands pressed along the body or in a sitting position, one hand rests with the palm on the knee, and the other with the elbow.

frustration

The state of the body, in which desires do not correspond to the available possibilities, and as a result, a disorder in the normal mental state of the body. Frustration gestures include rapid breathing, fingers clasped and tense (until the knuckles turn white), the palm of one hand clenching the fist of the other, intense stroking of the neck or hair.

credulity

Gestures of gullibility are aimed at the disposition of the interlocutor, more often you can see them in the relationship "boss - subordinate". The use of this gesture speaks of absolute confidence in one's words. These gestures are characterized by palms folded into a dome, support of the chin with folded palms, fingers can be tightly pressed or connected by tips, respectively, in pairs.

Authoritarianism

Authoritarianism is the desire to subjugate an opponent. She is characterized by aggressiveness, cruelty, an overestimated level of self-esteem. The gestures of authoritarianism include hands folded behind the back with the chin held high, the desire to be “above” the interlocutor with all its appearance.

Nervousness

Gestures that are nervous show the anxiety and anxiety of the one who shows them. Nervousness gestures include covering the mouth with the palm of the hand and waiting for a reaction to what was said, the hands raised in a pyramid and the mouth covered with the palms in this position, or frequent changes in the position of the palms and hands.

self control

Self-control gestures are aimed at maintaining peace of mind and curbing the desire to hit the interlocutor or perform some kind of action that is better to restrain from. This can be hands laid behind the back (one palm tightly squeezes the other) or squeezing the armrests of a chair until the knuckles turn white.

dominance and subordination

Such gestures are aimed at expressing superiority (both physical and mental). More often, dominance can be seen with a handshake (handshake with effort, the opponent slightly turns the palm so that it is on top). Also, the hand can be in the pocket, and the finger remains outside, or the hands are folded on the chest with the fingers exposed.

Secrecy and suspicion

These gestures appear when your interlocutor does not have the slightest desire to continue talking, wants to leave as soon as possible, or simply does not trust. Such gestures include a mouth clamped with a palm and a look from under the forehead or eyes averted to the side, rubbing the bridge of the nose, forehead or ear with the index finger.

preening

Preening or courtship is aimed at the desire to interest the interlocutor of the opposite sex, showing the comfort of being in his company. This can be smoothing hair, a relaxed posture with hands resting freely on your knees, adjusting or loosening a tie, stroking a jacket or jacket.

pacing

Different ways of pacing correspond to different states of a person. Ragged pacing and active hand gestures betray nervousness, uniform and rhythmic pacing is characteristic of a person actively moving towards his goals, shuffling gait - laziness and uncertainty, uniform fast pacing with hands folded behind his back - expectation.

Boredom

Boredom gestures are fairly easy to recognize. A blank look, lack of reaction to the environment, thoughtless drawing on paper, clicking a pen are a group of gestures of boredom.

Grade

Appreciative gestures show a person thoughtful and dreamy. They can be divided into gestures:

• interest (supporting the cheek, scratching the chin and bridge of the nose, index finger on the chin, the rest along the neck, arms hanging freely on something leaning on);
• disinterest (lowered head, and hands clasped at the neck).

Protection

Protective and defensive gestures are used during times of threat and stressful situations. Hands folded on the chest, palms clenched into a fist - this is a gesture of protection.

openness

If a person is open to others, then the gestures accompanying his words will indicate a disposition towards an opponent in a conversation. Open palms, shrugging (accompanied by opening the palms and moving them to the sides) - this can be attributed to openness.

Popular gestures

Gesticulation in conversation is very common, but the meaning of some movements may not be entirely clear, or simply unnoticed. Commonly used gestures include the following:

thumb up and down

The most common meaning of these gestures is approval and disapproval. But there are cases of using these gestures with a different designation. For example, you can stop a vehicle with your thumb. A sharply raised thumbs up for the British and Australians will look offensive and condemning sexual orientation. In Greece, you can “send” with the same gesture, while among the Arabs it is associated with the male phallus. Also, for Russians, British and Australians, a raised finger means the number "5", and for Italians, the number "1".

Forefinger

The name of this finger speaks for itself. A finger pressed to the lips - “silence”, raised up - “attention”, raised up and swaying left and right - denial, a raised finger and swaying up and down - a threat or a lesson. If a finger is twisted at the temple, then this is the designation of a fool. In Iran, the palm is turned up and the index finger is up - "Fuck you."

Middle finger

The middle finger held vertically, and the thumb protruding to the side or pressed to the palm, is considered an insult in many countries, and means "Fuck you ...". In the Middle Ages, the middle finger was used as a definition of a passive homosexual. This gesture is one of the oldest with originally preserved meaning.

Two fingers or "V" sign

The fingers forming the letter "V" with the back of the palm facing the pointing one means "Victory" in the countries of Europe and in Russia in particular. If, when showing this combination of fingers, the palm is turned towards itself, then this means the number "2", but it is worth considering that in some countries (Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand) such gestures are an insult to intimate preferences.

three fingers

Three fingers protruding everywhere indicate the number "3", regardless of the rotation of the palm. During the Second World War, the Germans used this as a greeting from the commander-in-chief when taking the oath. Now this fingering expresses the word "Victory".

Goat gesture and tongue between fingers

"Goat" is used by the people to protect against the evil eye. More commonly known as the "rocker goat", and the tongue between the fingers carries the more cheeky meaning of such gestures. In Russia, this gesture is used to denote a cuckold and to intimidate children with a “horned goat”. If the "goat" is shown to someone, gradually approaching, then this means that an attack will now occur.

Thumb and little finger or "Shaka" gesture

The most commonly used designation for this movement is "Call me". If, with such a combination, the thumb is brought to the lips, and the head is thrown back sharply, then this is an offer to drink, and for drug addicts this gesture (without tipping the head) means to smoke. In Asian countries, "Shaka" is the number "6", in Colombia - a wish for good luck, and in Hawaii, among extreme athletes, this is considered a greeting.

Ok or thumbs up

The most common value is "Everything is OK" (OK). This gesture came into use from America. And also the meanings of the index and thumb, folded in a ring, is the number "0", for the Japanese such a sign means money, and for Italians - "Useless". If you show such a gesture to the inhabitants of the Mediterranean countries, then you will offend a person by considering him a representative of a non-traditional orientation.

Clasped fingers

Linked fingers indicate a person who is very difficult to convince of something, interlacing fingers - a "barrier" between opponents. Depression, protest, hostility (depending on the force of squeezing the fingers), self-doubt are also designations for such a gesture. To convince a person of your point of view, you need to try to disengage his fingers, for example, by giving him something in his hands for consideration.

Rubbing your thumb on the tips of others

This gesture means "Money" or the expectation of a monetary reward for a service rendered, showing, as it were, rubbing a bill between the fingers, checking it for authenticity. Sometimes this gesture is used when trying to remember something, and in case of success, it is accompanied by a snap of the fingers. If the rubbing of the fingers occurs with effort, then this indicates the containment of raging emotions.

intertwined fingers

Two crossed fingers means protection from the evil eye, or the hope of hiding deceit, as well as luck. Basically, the fingers are intertwined on both hands and hide from the opponent in the pockets or behind the back. In Vietnam, with this gesture you will insult the interlocutor.

Closed thumb and forefinger

The use of closed fingers is subconsciously aimed at drawing the interlocutor's attention to an important aspect of the conversation. This gesture is accompanied by the movement of the brush back and forth, and the palm is directed towards you.

Connected fingertips

Fingertips connected to each other mean a person who is confident in his words. There are two options for connecting the fingers: the first, when the "spire" is directed upwards (speaking), the second, when the "spire" is directed downwards (listening). When, during a conversation, the opponent connects his fingertips, this indicates that he has already made a decision on your issue, and arms or legs crossed at this moment - this is a probable refusal. The most famous person who constantly uses it is the German Federal Chancellor Angela Dorothea Merkel.

The gesture of humility on the icons

A well-known sign depicted on Christian icons, meaning "humility" (interpretation "blessing"). In this gesture, the fingers are folded in a specific way, in which the tip of the thumb touches the tip of the ring finger, and the middle and index fingers are slightly raised, while the hand itself is folded on the chest and bent at the elbow. To reveal the true biblical meaning of this gesture, it is necessary to turn to religious literature. This gesture is believed to be a blessing.

Finger rubbing other parts of the body

Rubbing the chin, forehead or middle part of the head determines - thinking, the back of the head - at this moment the interlocutor does not know what is being said. If the opponent rubs his nose with his fingers, then this means uncertainty, and if he pulls his ears, cheeks or buttons with his fingers, then this is an indicator of secrecy or an attempt to deceive.

Hands behind back

If your interlocutor's hands are clasped behind his back, then he is trying to calm down and pull himself together. But the most common interpretation of this gesture is that a person is confident in himself and his abilities. Scientists have proven that if you put your hands behind your back in any stressful situation, it will become much easier, tension will come to naught and confidence will be added.

Hands in pants pockets

Hidden hands indicate that your interlocutor is trying to hide something, lie, or he is simply not interested in your conversation. The more open the hands, the “cleaner” your interlocutor’s thoughts are. These actions should not be confused with hidden hands in pockets in the cold. If an opponent constantly keeps his hands in his pockets in any situation, then this is probably just a habit.

Russian alphabet in sign language

The deaf and dumb alphabet has its own specific sign, corresponding to the usual letters from our alphabet. There is nothing difficult in recognizing these "letters". Basically, letters show names, titles and rare words for which there are no signs. Gestures can show both individual letters and whole words. In total, there are about 2000 "words" of gestures.

Mikhail Baev

When an artist paints a picture, he does not have the opportunity to convey to us verbally the words of her character. It conveys information to us in other ways, including through gestures. Have you thought about the meaning of these gestures or considered them as a tribute to some tradition?

I drew attention to the characteristic gesture repeated in the paintings of religious content. You must have seen him - extended index, middle and thumb, bent ring and little fingers. What does this gesture mean, how did it appear, why is it so widely used in painting, and what does it give to understand the picture?

Philippe de Champaigne, Scene from the Life of St. Benedict of Nursia (Miracle with the Cup of Poisoned Wine), 17th century, fragment

Master of the Tuison Altarpiece, Entry of Christ into Jerusalem, 15th century

Surprisingly, the history of this gesture used in Western Christian painting is very ancient. It is found on works of pre-Christian art, for example, on a Greek crater from the end of the 4th century BC and an amulet hand found during excavations in Pompeii. This ancient gesture, called Mano Pantea - "the hand of all the gods" - was used as a gesture of protection from the evil eye. Later, among Christians, it received a new meaning - a gesture of blessing.

Palace of Hades, crater detail, late 4th century BC, carolemage

Mano Pantea ("hand of all gods"), amulet, Pompeii, 1st century AD

Mosaic fragment, 6th century, Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna

How did Christians begin to use Roman gestures?

In 313, Emperor Constantine I signed the Edict of Milan, allowing Christians to freely practice their religion. Gestures began to be widely included in Christian iconography. On what basis were they selected? Christians turned to what was closest and most familiar - to the Roman rhetorical traditions. Roman orators believed that through gestures and body language they directly appealed to the emotions of the audience. The traditions of using gestures in oratory could not but be reflected in the visual arts.

Several gestures have been chosen for use in iconography. In rhetoric, all of them were clearly tied to the stages of legal speech - the beginning, story and argumentation, and in iconography, respectively, each such gesture emphasized the nature of the message carried by the image.

The gesture of the beginning of the story, the introduction - the ring finger touches the thumb, the rest are extended. This gesture began a speech, while the hand had to move forward. Please note that the use of such a gesture in the plot of "John the Baptist" is absolutely justified - the angel anticipates the coming of Christ, the beginning of something new.

John the Baptist - Angel of the Desert, with scenes from his life, last third of the 19th century

A more powerful gesture used in argumentation is the middle and ring fingers bent, the thumb covers them. The gesture is strong. The Apostle Paul, demonstrating it, defends his faith:

Peter and Paul, XII-XII centuries, fragment

The gesture, to which our article is devoted, in rhetoric has the meaning "I say." It is interesting that there are not one such gestures, but two. They differ in that in one case the thumb is extended, and in the other it is bent. In Christian iconography, the first to be used was not the “hands of all gods” gesture at all, but the classic “two-fingered” gesture with a bent thumb. We see it on the very first historically known image of the Holy Trinity:

Dogmatic Sarcophagus, Trinity sarcophagus, 340

And after eleven centuries in the painting by Leonardo da Vinci:

Leonardo da Vinci, Madonna of the Rocks, 1483-1486

The same gesture is shown by Archbishop Alexander of Plotsk, the alleged customer of the Magdeburg Gate.

Magdeburg Gate, fragment, St. Sophia Cathedral, Novgorod the Great

Saint Nicholas, Byzantium, X-XI centuries

In 451, the Fourth Ecumenical Council condemned the Monophysites (supporters of the divine nature of Christ as the only one) and adopted the dogma of the simultaneous nature of Christ as god and man. The two-fingered gesture was very suitable for the personification of the dual nature of Christ.

The development of theology and art led to a deepening of the interpretation of signs and gestures. Gradually, the two-fingered gesture began to give way to three extended and two bent fingers. Three unbent fingers began to symbolize the Holy Trinity, and two bent fingers - the nature of Christ as God and man. It is very difficult to say whether the coincidence of the form of this gesture with the new interpretation of the gesture of the “hands of all gods” is accidental. In the historical analysis of gesticulation, one often sees how an old gesture is filled with new meaning.

Albrecht Durer, Salvator Mundi, 1504

With the division of the churches into Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic Catholics, they began to adhere to the three-finger gesture (and use it to this day, this is how all popes bless), and Greek gestures began to gradually change.

Pius XI, St. Peter's Cathedral

The Greeks began to use the gesture that appeared from the abbreviation of the name of Christ. The index finger is extended - the letter I, the middle finger is bent in the shape of the letter C, the ring and thumb cross in the shape of the letter X, and the little finger, like the middle finger, is bent in the shape of the letter C. Together, the hand creates the abbreviation IC XC, called the Christogram.

Christogram, description, Tablet, 1656

Elijah the Prophet, early 15th century

After the church schism in Russia, the two-fingered gesture was preserved only among the Old Believers.

Surikov V.I., Boyar Morozova, 1887, fragment

On the icon presented to Peter I upon his return from the victorious Azov campaign, the infant Christ demonstrates a three-finger gesture. The painter, by changing one gesture, shows Peter's desire for classical Western culture.

Our Lady of Chernigov-Ilyinskaya, 1696, fragment

Any gestures that we see in the paintings have an ancient symbolic meaning, often changing over time. The artist gives us information that we can only read by understanding the meaning of gestures.

Literature:

Alpatov M.V. Old Russian icon painting. Moscow, 1978
Krasilin M. M. Icon painting and decorative applied art // Spiritual environment of Russia. Singing books and icons of the 17th - early 20th centuries. Moscow, 1996
Russian late icon from the 17th to the beginning of the 20th century, collection of articles, ed. MM. Krasilina. Moscow, 2001.
Tablet. - M .: Printed dv., 2 . VI. 1656. http://dlib.rsl.ru/viewer/01003343928#?page=462
Constantino 313 d.C., Electa, Milano, 2012
The Evil Eye, by Frederick Thomas Elworthy, 1895
Fritz Graf, "Gestures and Conventions: The Gestures of Roman Actors and Orators," in A Cultural History of Gesture (ed. J. Bremmer and H. Roodenburg; Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1986), 36-58.
The Glory of Byzantium. Art and Culture of the Middle Byzantine Era A.D. 843 - 1261. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York, 1997
Quintilian: Institutio Oratoria, English translation of Loeb edition, 1920‑1922,

Few understand the power they have in their hands. There are times when your own hands can save or literally betray, and all this happens without your conscious participation. Of course, if you don't know how hand language works.

A person who speaks the language of non-verbal communication has a lot of advantages over his counterpart, and is able to hear not only what the interlocutor is talking about, but also understand what he is thinking about, or what he is not talking about. But let's talk about everything in order.

Today, many of the hand-showing symbols are internationally spelled and are equally understood by New Zealand Maori and African Masai. Why did it happen?

Why do the military put their hand to the head to greet, or to praise a person, we raise the thumb up, and to insult - the middle one? The answers to these questions came to us from the past. Let's analyze the history of some of these gestures in more detail.

1. Thumb up. Shows that everything is fine, and you are doing well. This movement came to us from antiquity. The Roman public, during gladiator fights, signaled in this way that for the diligence and diligence shown by the defeated slave during the battle, he could save his life. A lowered thumb did not bode well for the unfortunate warrior. Since then, it has become customary: the thumb points to the sky - you are at a height, to the ground - you are a bit of a loser;
2. The greeting of the military when addressing the chief or when raising the flag, by offering an open palm to the head, is borrowed from medieval knights. In those ancient times, in order to show the purity of their thoughts, the warriors, at a meeting, raised their visor, thereby demonstrating the friendliness of their plans. Another version of the origin of this sign is associated with earlier periods of human history. In ancient times, given in order to show that only the sun is higher than their ruler, when meeting with the autocrat, they covered their eyes with their hands, thereby demonstrating humility. Over time, the form of the gesture has changed slightly, but the content has remained unchanged. People in uniform show their respect and commitment to the authorities or the state symbol by raising their hands to their heads;
   
3. A hand extended at a meeting, or a handshake. The origin of this greeting is explained quite simply. In ancient times, an outstretched hand, without weapons, symbolized your peace plans and respect;
   
4. Raised middle finger. There are at least two explanations for this obscene gesture. According to one version, the ancient Greeks showed this symbol to those with whom they would like to perform actions, the meaning of which reflects what we mean by demonstrating this gesture today. Another option goes back to the beginning of the 15th century, when, during the Franco-English battle of Azincourt, French soldiers cut off the middle fingers of a captured English archer so that they could not shoot at them later. Naturally, those of the English, whom the vile Frenchmen could not catch, showed them their middle fingers from a safe distance, thereby showing their disdain and courage. Why didn't the French just kill the prisoners? The question remains open;
5. The so-called goat. A symbol that distinguishes true "metalheads" from the people around them. In one version, it is said that the sign originated among the ancient Vikings, and symbolized the Scandinavian rune that protects its owner from the evil eye. According to another version, this is the “springing” of Soviet prisoners, who, in order not to go to work, simply cut their tendons, and the hand took this shape spontaneously. Today, this symbol of coolness says that the person demonstrating it is a principled "thief in law", and he will not collect popcorn scattered in the cinema;
   
6. The well-known American OK. There may be variations in this gesture depending on the part of the world in which you are. In some nations, it symbolizes that your affairs are in perfect order, in others it means that you are a “complete zero”, and in some it demonstrates problems with the large intestine. According to one of the most plausible versions, this sign was borrowed from the non-verbal language of the native American inhabitants - the Indians, who thus showed their fellow tribesmen that there were no problems.
   

Some hand gestures and their meaning

Each gesture has its own interesting and multifaceted history, however, it's time to talk about their meaning and the practical use of this knowledge in everyday life.

open palm

In most cultures, an open hand is associated with honesty. Therefore, if you want to make people believe that you are telling the truth, it is not recommended to present your arguments with your hands clenched in fists.

At such moments, it is better to open your palms to show that you are not hiding anything.

On the other hand, be alert when someone says important things to you with their hands in their pockets or hidden behind their backs. Hidden palms do not make phrases more believable, even if they are correct. With a high degree of probability, it can be argued that your interlocutor is lying or hiding some important information from you.

Palm position up and down

The way you use your hands when communicating with others can greatly affect how they perceive your words and yourself. Ask a simple question with your palms up and people will think you're asking for a favor.

On the one hand, they will not be bothered by your request, but on the other hand, they will not feel threatened or pressured by you. If you ask this question with your palms facing down, it will be more like a requirement that must be met.

It can not only set the tone for any business or political meeting, but also influence its results. When two equal interlocutors shake hands, their palms remain in a vertical position.

But if the palm of one person is facing upwards when shaking hands, this can be perceived as a symbolic surrender, and denote the superiority of another person.

When talking, your interlocutor holds his hands behind his back and makes meaningless movements with them - he is not interested in you, you should stop the meaningless conversation, or move on to another topic.

What is the meaning of finger gestures

No less revelation can be gleaned from the position of the fingers on our hands. Let's give some examples.

There is a fine line between a hand gesture and a finger gesture, but we will talk about those cases in which the movement of the fingers is an independent signal.

Some finger gestures are unintentional, and by their position one can unmistakably read what emotional state the person is in, or about his attitude to the topic of conversation.

• finger on the mouth - they lie to you;
• during a conversation, the index finger involuntarily points in the direction of another person - a clear sign of dominance;
• index finger up - you should be wary of such a person, since the gesture is often used by parents in relation to a negligent child;
• fingers are straight and tightly pressed to each other - the person has made a firm decision to achieve his goal and he does not care about sentiment;
• fingers squeeze the wrist or palm of the other hand - the interlocutor is furious, trying to restrain his emotions;
• fingers are clenched into a fist from time to time - a clear sign of a hidden threat.

What about deaf people?

Many gestures, unconsciously used in communication, are reflected in the alphabet for the deaf and dumb.

The sign languages ​​of the deaf and dumb belong to independent languages, which consist of combinations of hand and finger movements in combination with facial expressions, the position of the mouth, lips and body.

It is a mistake to assume that sign languages ​​for the deaf and dumb were invented by hearing people in order to convey information to the non-hearing. In fact, these languages ​​develop quite independently.

Moreover, in one country there may be several sign languages ​​that do not grammatically coincide with the verbal languages ​​of this country.

As practice shows, in the absence of the ability to use sound language as a means of communication, people instinctively begin to use gestures for this. The main means of communication for this are hands and fingers.

At the same time, deaf people have a lot of gestures, the meaning of which can be understood by an unprepared person. For example, the word “peace” in the language of the deaf and dumb will look like hands clasping each other located in front of the chest, “love” is a palm raised to the lips in the form of an air kiss, and “house” is palms folded in a triangle in the form of a gable roof.

Youth hand gestures and their meaning

Our children also use sign language for their communication, and the variety of these non-verbal signs is constantly enriched by the emergence of new ones. Here are a few examples of such youth gestures, with the help of which teenagers can easily understand each other, and people of the older generation, and even middle-aged people, will remain in the dark.

Time and scientific and technological progress dictate their conditions, and this fully applies to our gestures.

More recently, a hand folded in the shape of an English L did not mean anything, but today it is a loser, a sign that you are a loser.

An extended middle finger pointing to the side can mean that you are being sent, at the same time it can be interpreted as an invitation to sex.

With fingers folded in the form of a heart, everything is simple: "I love you." But the “horned goat” with the thumb laid aside means simple sympathy.

The English V, performed by a teenager with the back of his hand turned towards you, can mean both two "Cola", and serve as the equivalent of the middle finger in the UK. And such a familiar sign as OK, but upside down, and shown at waist level or below, is a frank invitation to sex.

Due to its specific versatility, using the language of hands and a few common English words, you can communicate with a foreigner who happens to be met on a busy street. Of course, you won’t be able to conclude a contract for the supply of gas equipment with him, but you can easily explain how to get to the nearest metro station or stadium.

Differences in the interpretation of familiar gestures in different countries

Do not rush to apply your wide knowledge of sign language when you are abroad. Some common symbols may have opposite meanings in different parts of the world. Let's look at the examples again.

1. If you're in France, the worldwide OK turns into a big fat zero. And in Turkey, with such a gesture, you will signal that your interlocutor is gay - not a very pleasant statement in a country where the majority of people are Muslims;
2. A thumbs-up and an outstretched forefinger means loser in teenage sign language, and in China this symbol represents the number eight;
3. A thumbs up in Europe and America says: “Everything is cool”, and in Iran, Afghanistan and Greece this obscene gesture will be read: “I ..., you ..., and all your relatives ...”, you understand;
4. The crossed index and middle fingers protect Europeans from the evil eye, and in Vietnam, such a figure denotes the female genital organ;
5. The stretched forward five stops all over the world, and, as it were, says: “Wait,” and in Greece it literally translates as “Eat shit.”

If, as the proverb says, silence is golden, then continuing the associative series, in some countries, the absence of gestures is a diamond.

The gestures and their interpretation that you have read are not limited to the examples given. The purpose of our article is to popularize, interest and direct. Perhaps our theses will help solve small life problems. Or maybe not small.

Some more additional information about the most popular gestures is in the next video.

Unlike folk tales and phraseological units, non-verbal signs can have more broad semantics. It varies in time, nationality, and sometimes differs even in a separate group of people. Let's say some subcultures introduce their own "language without words".

Therefore, when using a gesture, you will need to take into account not only its meaning, but also the nationality of the person to whom it is addressed.

The history of the gesture with two spread fingers is very curious.

This symbolism has been preserved due to sexual overtones. At the same time, why this gesture retained its offensive meaning remained unclear. I propose to sort out all the values ​​one by one.

Numerical designation

Speaking of V-shaped sign of the index and middle fingers, then the values ​​here are the same set. The gesture has received the maximum distribution in the field of sports. Here it means that the player must throw the ball twice, or he broke the rule by touching the ball a couple of times.

Similarly, the referee may show three or four fingers. This position of the fingers works the same way in football, basketball, volleyball and other ball games. If the referee shouts about the offense, this can disrupt the game, where it is more convenient to get by with a whistle and the corresponding testimony.

Please shut up

Its actual use in Australia and UK, but in this case the interpretation is offensive: in a harsh form, you ask the interlocutor to shut up. A clear origin is difficult to determine today.

However, the assumption is known that this is one of the options for physical damage during a fight. Straightened and spread fingers can easily cause irreparable damage to the opponent's eyesight.

Symbol of victory and peace

In addition, the gesture is understood as a declaration of victory, in English it will be written as "victory". Made a significant contribution to this Winston Churchill. The former British Prime Minister, in order to announce the victory, placed the middle and forefinger with the letter V. If England was the winning side, they gesticulated, the palm of the military leader was directed outward.

It is worth saying that Churchill treated state acts with his own philosophy and politics was for him a real war.

It is said that this symbol could also be used among the peoples who lived in English territory. This was the period of the centenary Anglo-French war. As it was known, if an archer of an English tribe was caught, then his middle and forefinger would certainly be cut off so that he could no longer pull the bowstring.

But demonstrating with such a gesture unharmed fingers the shooter frightened the enemies, as if to say: "Fear me!". In addition, France then played, and the surviving archers made fun of the losers with such a demonstration.

Therefore, when a gesture belongs to a resident of England, it is quite difficult to understand: either it symbolizes victory, or it insultingly asks to stop the conversation.

In 1960, during the development of anti-war movements in the United States, the gesture became affirmation of the world.

Wish to lose

This is a kind of opposition to the meaning that Winston Churchill gave. To the opponent of the demonstrator wish to lose. The same thing happened in the combination of the Latin letters KO, which is the opposite in the interpretation of OK.

It is worth saying that such an idea has not been confirmed, since cases of demonstrating two fingers "under such a gun" were rare.

sexual humiliation

also in Foggy Albion the mark is perceived as a sexual insult. One significant difference helps to distinguish: in this case, the palm turns to the demonstrator or his face.

At the same time, you need to bring your hand to your face so that the tip of the nose is located at the very divergence of the fingers. Then the nose symbolizes the phallus, and two fingers - the genitals of a woman.

Originally a symbol came from the Arabs.

Now this feature is characteristic only of the British, the inhabitants of Europe assign the meaning of victory or peace to the sign. In England, this gesture, like the demonstration of the middle finger, is considered one of the most obscene.

The combination of fingers and nose lost its original Arabic meaning, but the gesture itself remained valid.

It is believed that English soldiers brought it from Egypt.

However, if you bring your hand to your head, it is not necessary, why spreading your fingers considered a phallic symbol remains a question. There is no exact answer, but several explanatory versions are known.

There is an opinion that during the Second World War the traditional gesture of the penis changed somewhat - the index and middle fingers were shown together, and the rest were bent. To say so step up the insult. Then the combination was replaced by breeding straight fingers.

The second theory talks about the combination of sexual and threatening insult.

When you travel abroad and do not know the language of the country you are visiting, sign language often comes to the rescue.

With it, you can catch a taxi, buy groceries in a store or ask for directions.

However, sometimes translation difficulties arise even with gestures familiar to us, which have a completely different meaning in other parts of the world.

Here are 10 typical gestures that may seem rude abroad.

1. Two-finger gesture "Victory"

The "Victoria" gesture, which is shown with the index and middle fingers in the form of the letter V, in many countries means victory or peace. However, if at the same time the palm is turned to the person, then in the UK, Ireland and Australia, the V-shaped gesture acquires an insulting gesture, which is non-verbal. equivalent to the phrase "back off!".

2. Hand gestures ("munza")

The outstretched palm, which is often used to say "stop," takes on a different meaning in Greece. Palms pointing towards the interlocutor, called "munza" is an insulting gesture that is used when they want to express extreme indignation or roughly speaking "send" the interlocutor.

This gesture has been left over from Byzantine times, when cinder was smeared over the face of a criminal to make him an object of ridicule.

3. Gesture "thumbs up"

This gesture of consent and approval often breaks down language barriers, and hitchhikers often vote for it on the road. However, in Thailand it is a sign of condemnation. Although the gesture itself is rather childish, like sticking out the tongue, it should be avoided. In Iran, this is an offensive gesture, the equivalent of which is the extended middle finger.

4. Beckoning gesture with the index finger

Calling the sign with the index finger, saying "come to me" is taboo in Asian countries. In the Philippines, this gesture applicable only to dogs and says that you consider the interlocutor below yourself. In addition, the use of this gesture can lead to arrest in this country.

5. Stroking on the head

Stroking a child on the head is usually a gesture of friendliness and tenderness. However, in the Buddhist religion, the crown is the highest point of the body, that is, the place where the soul lives. Touching the top of the head is aggressive invasion in the space of a child or an adult. This gesture should be avoided in countries where most people practice the Buddhist religion.

6. Gesture "OK"

Ring of thumb and forefinger "OK", meaning "everything is all right!" or "right", in France means "null" or "worthless". In Greece and Turkey, this gesture is very vulgar, having the meaning of a similar opening in the human body or serving allusion to homosexuality. In some Middle Eastern countries, such as Kuwait, "OK" means the evil eye.

7. Gesture "Fig"

The gesture "fig", "shish" or "fig" is not entirely harmless in nature, and is often used in case of refusal or disagreement. In Brazil, this is a more benevolent gesture used to good luck wishes and protection from the evil eye. In Turkey, it has an aggressive and rude nature, the equivalent of which is the middle finger.

8. Gesture with the left hand

In many countries people don't pay attention to what hand they offer something to other people. However, in India, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East, the left hand considered "dirty" designed for wiping in the toilet. Even a left-hander should eat with his right hand, as only it is considered suitable for eating. The same applies to shaking hands and passing objects.

In Japan, giving with both hands is considered polite, while a one-handed gesture may suggest disdain.

9. Finger crossing

In many Western countries, people cross their index and middle fingers for good luck or the evil eye. In Vietnam, this gesture is offensive, especially if you are looking at it or addressing it to another person. It is believed that crossed fingers are the female reproductive organs.

10. Gesture "Goat"

The "Goat" gesture, or as it is also called "horns", "fingering" or "corn" is often used by musicians and their fans. However, you should not show this gesture in Italy, especially to a man, as he alludes to his wife's infidelity("cuckold").

Bonus: obscene "middle finger" gesture

This is the most famous and recognizable obscene gesture in the whole world, which in English corresponds to the swear word "Fuck You" ("went on ...!"). In addition, it is one of the most ancient gestures, which was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as by monkeys.

Roughly speaking, a raised middle finger symbolizes the phallus, and pressed fingers - the scrotum. By showing it, you seem to be offering a "male sexual organ" to another person or rudely refusing the request. Also analogous to this gesture is elbow gesture when the left hand is placed on the fold of the right hand.

In Asian countries, however, the middle finger is sometimes used to indicate something.