105 Journal #3

[Krystin Schwarze]

Indians typically use many forms of nonverbal communication to express themselves. Hand gesturing is very common in conversation, and some hand signals have specific meaning. For example, if someone grabs their own wrist, as if they are wearing a bracelet, they are basically calling the other man a woman, and instigating them to fight. Touching in India is a sign of being very close with someone. Especially in conservative states, it is not appropriate for people of the opposite sex to show affection in public, but it is common for people of the same sex to show physical affection for one an other. Touching someone on the head is a definite no in India. This would be particularly offensive for a Western non-Hindu to do because many Indian's believe the head is the temple of the soul. Oppositely, feet/shoes are seen as the lowest part of ones body, unclean, and thus touching things with your feet, or not removing your shoes are incredibly offensive. Staring is also a very common thing in India, and is not considered rude. However, if a person is talking to an official, or someone in a higher caste/ position than themselves, it is not uncommon for them to look down while talking to the person as a sign of respect. The most notable gesture in India is probably the "head wobble". Because people in India do not like to say things other people don't like to hear, the head wobble is often used to sort of say "yes", "no", and "good".