Same gestures, different meanings

[(starbucks)LeeEugene]

As we already know, there are a lot of body languages which have same shapes, around the world. Some of them are universal so each they have same meanings. But the thing is that the others which have same shapes, are meaning differently each countries. For example, certain gestures mean good things in some countries but also mean bad things in other countries. So it can cause misunderstandings and even fights because of ignoring that differences. Then, Do you have any experiences about this problem when you meet foreigners or take a trip on another countires? And when you met this situations, how did you solve that?

[(starbucks)Han Sun Joo]

I didn't go other country so, I have not any experience like your comments. But If I meet these situation, I solve the problem through conversation. I will talk our culture to foreigners and explain what the gestures mean.

[(101)bibeksharma]

in some country the "ok" sign that is made through hand is offensive. there are lots of other examples that can be given about it. for example: the Italian hand motion for "WTF" if you make the same gesture in India it means you are hungry and you want to eat.

[(Starbucks)Cho Yoon Jeong]

Actually, I have experienced that situation during scuba diving. When I visited Thai, I did scuba diving and I had my guidence to take me through the procedure. After he and I have reached to the bottom of the sea, he asked me if I was doing fine for he was aware of the fact that I am new to underwater. To show him that I am perfectly fine, I did 'thumbs up'. However, to my surprise, he took me OUT of the water and asked me what was wrong. As it turned out, in scuba diving, thumbs up means that someone wants to 'go up'.

[billhood]

So it can cause misunderstandings and even fights because of ignoring that differences. Then, Do you have any experiences about this problem when you meet foreigners or take a trip on another countires? And when you met this situations, how did you solve that?