(Bk Business) Carol Kinsey Goman Ph.D.-The Nonverbal Advantage_ Secrets and Science of Body Language at Work -Berrett-Koehler Publishers (2008)

Chapter 9: Translating Body Language across Cultures
157
The crossed-fingers gesture (the American “Good luck!”
signal—or the cancellation sign when telling a lie) has several
other meanings. In Turkey the gesture is used to break a
friendship. Elsewhere it is used to indicate that something is
good or to swear an oath—and as a symbol for copulation.
The eyelid pull, in which the forefinger is placed on the
cheekbone and pulled down to widen the eye a little, translates
to “I am alert” in France, Germany, Yugoslavia, and
Turkey. In Spain and Italy, it means “Be alert.” In Austria it
signals boredom. In Saudi Arabia touching the lower eyelid
with the forefinger indicates stupidity.
Even the “okay” sign commonly used in the United States
as signifying approval is a gesture that has several different
meanings according to the country. In France it means zero,
in Japan it is a symbol for money, and in Brazil it carries a
vulgar connotation.
As globalization remains a major factor in business, organizations
and customers from a host of different cultures are
insisting that we become sensitive to their ways. Professionals
who try to negotiate or sell or even interact without that
sensitivity will undoubtedly lose business opportunities.
It’s a fact of life. People from any culture prefer to do business
with those who put them at ease. Although you can’t
learn every gesture and facial expression used around the
world, you can develop a curiosity about, and a deep respect
for, the multitude of differences. It’s just good manners—and
good business!