Body language in different cultures People can communicate with each other through verbal and nonverbal means. Moreover, the latter plays an essential role in human communication. Nonverbal communication is connected with cultures and is the result of cultures. As an important part of nonverbal communication, body language is as effective as words—may be even more. Eye contact The ways of eye contact differ from country. According to the American tradition, communicators must gaze at each other, while two Americans will look at each other warmly in conversation because they think eyes are key to their existence. But in America, the Ar behavior is unsuitable between the same . The Englishmen believe direct eye contact between communicators is demonstration of politeness and good behavior. And the French especially like to look attentively at the other communicators with admiration. The Japanese often look at the other’s neck when they are in conversation; they believe eye contact is impolite. And the Chinese consider gazing at people unfriendly, and even challenging behavior. Handshaking Nowadays, handshaking has become a custom to show hospitality and friendliness in many countries. But the way of handshaking is a little different. For example, French men will shake hands with their host when they come into and leave the host’s house. And a light and quick handshake is common. But Germans prefer firm handshakes of reasonable duration. Some Africans will make a sound with their fingers after handshaking to show . Sometimes, the Chinese shake hands tightly and stand close to express politeness and respect, whereas in Turkey, a limp handshake is the standard. Most men in Islamic countries don’t shake the hands of women outside the family. Greetings In America, people shake hands and may say “Hello, my name is ...” when they meet for the first time. Friends and family members often hug or kiss on the cheek when they see each other. Finns greet each other with a handshake, but hugs and kisses are only for close friends and family members. In Japan, people bow. In Italy, people often kiss cheeks. Gestures Americans often touch their temples ( 太阳穴 ) to praise the other's cleverness. But to the Chinese action means that there is something wrong with one's mind or that one is stupid. The Chinese are software surprised to see Americans lay their hands on their necks when they are full, because it is a suicide action in Chinese culture; instead, the Chinese express fullness by patting their stomachs. In Western culture, people stretch out one's forefinger and swing it left and right, which signals somebody not to do something. The phrase "crossing their fingers" means wishing somebody good luck. In America, people hold their thumbs and forefingers into a circle and stretch up the other fingers, which means "OK," but it means in Japan. In China, holding up one's thumb means good, and raising their little finger means bad. Japanese will interlock( 使相互扣住 )their little fingers to signify an agreement. Smile In many cultures, smiles are signs of happiness or friendliness, like in America and China. We will find others will return smiles to the people who are smiling at them but will turn away or stop talking when the others pull long faces. For example, when we have guests at home, we will smile to show welcome. Smiles will not only reflect happiness and friendliness but also indicate apology and understanding. For instance, when we stamp on someone's foot on the bus because of a sudden brake, we will smile to the person, which means "Sorry" or "Very sorry. When colliding with a stranger, we will smile to the person, which means "Sorry" or "Very sorry. When colliding with a stranger, we will smile to show that we have no hostility. The smile on the face of waiters or waitresses means they welcome us.