Fingers crossed. Other ways to speak without words

The beckoning sign with your index finger that says “come to me” is taboo in Asian countries. In the Philippines, this gesture is only appropriate in relation to dogs and indicates that you consider the other person inferior to you. Moreover, using such a gesture can lead to arrest in this country.

"Goat"

“Koz” is loved by rock musicians, metalheads and their fans. However, you should not show it in Italy, Spain or Macedonia, especially to a man, since the gesture hints at the infidelity of the recipient’s wife (“cuckold”). Among superstitious people in Western countries, the sign of a “goat” means the same thing as spitting over our shoulder, that is, the usual protection from the evil eye, witches and various evil spirits.

"Like"

The familiar “like”, a gesture of agreement and approval, often erases language barriers, and lovers of hitchhiking often vote with it on the road.

However, in Thailand it is a sign of condemnation. Although it is rather childish, like sticking out your tongue, it should be avoided. In Iran, this is an offensive gesture, the equivalent of sticking out the middle finger. In some other countries, such as Greece, this gesture means “shut up.”

Gesture "Victory"

The gesture, which shows the index and middle finger of the hand in the form of the letter V, signifies victory or peace in many countries. However, if the palm is facing the person, then in the UK, Ireland and Australia the V-shape becomes an offensive gesture, which is the non-verbal equivalent of the phrase “fuck off!”

The fact is that the English archers, who instilled fear in their enemies in the 100-year Anglo-French War, had precisely these two fingers on their right hand cut off so that they could no longer shoot from bows. And if the archer showed intact fingers like this, it meant “be afraid, enemies!” The French perceived this gesture as an insult to them.

Exposed palm

An outstretched palm, which is used to express a request to stop or stop, takes on a different meaning in Greece. Palms directed towards the interlocutor - the so-called “muntsa” - are used when they want to express extreme indignation or “send” the interlocutor. This gesture remains from Byzantine times, when smoke was smeared on the face of a criminal to ridicule him.

Patting on the head

Patting a child's head is usually a gesture of friendliness and affection. However, in the Buddhist religion, the crown is the highest point of the body, that is, the place where the soul resides. Touching the top of the head is an aggressive invasion of a person’s space. This gesture should be avoided in countries where the majority of people practice Buddhism.

"Fig"

The gesture “fig”, “shish” or “kukish” is used in case of refusal or disagreement. In Brazil and Portugal it is a more benevolent gesture, a way of wishing good luck and protection from the evil eye. In Turkey it has an aggressive and rude character, the equivalent of which is the middle finger. In many countries, folded fingers are associated with sex. In Arab countries, kukish means a sexual insult. In France, this three-finger figure means the same thing as the extended middle finger of the hand.

Proposal, invitation

In many countries, people do not pay attention to which hand they use to offer something to other people. However, in India, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East, the left hand is considered “dirty”. Even a left-handed person should eat with his right hand, since only it is considered suitable for eating. The same goes for shaking hands and passing objects. But in Japan, it is considered polite when you give with both hands, while a gesture with one hand can imply disdain.

Fingers crossed

In many Western countries, people cross their index and middle fingers for good luck or to ward off the evil eye. In Vietnam, this gesture is considered offensive, especially if you are looking at another person. Crossed fingers are believed to represent the female genitals.

Middle finger

This is the most famous and recognizable indecent gesture in the whole world, which is shown when they want to send the interlocutor to hell, end the conversation or rudely refuse. In addition, this is one of the most ancient gestures, which was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as by monkeys. In Asian countries, however, the middle finger is sometimes used to point at something.

OK gesture

A ring made from the thumb and index finger, meaning “everything is okay!” or "OK", in French means "zero" or "worthless". In Greece and Turkey, this gesture is considered a hint of homosexuality. And in some Middle Eastern countries, such as Kuwait, it means the evil eye.

Other gestures in different countries

In Argentina, keeping your hands in your pockets is considered indecent; in Japan, it is not recommended to tighten your belt in public - this means the beginning of hara-kiri. Bulgarians, Greeks and Turks shake their heads from side to side when they say “Yes,” but for us it means “No.” By touching the eyelid with a finger, in Italy they express goodwill, in Spain, with the help of this gesture, they express their doubts about the veracity of what was said, and the Frenchman with such a gesture makes it clear to the person that he is talking too much. When an Englishman wants to teach someone a lesson, he raises two fingers clasped together, and in the USA this gesture means a single whole, a command.

In everyday life, people constantly accompany their speech with hand movements and facial expressions. Most often this happens unconsciously, but sometimes gestures are used intentionally to enhance the emotional and expressive coloring of words, to demonstrate one’s mood, attitude towards the situation or interlocutor. Having studied some finger gestures and their meaning, you can succinctly formulate any message and quickly convey it to others, as the deaf and dumb do. Let's look at the most common signs and explain their meaning.

Thumbs up and down

With a gesture thumbs up Everyone has known each other almost since childhood. Usually it symbolizes approval or agreement, accompanied by an appropriate nod, so it is always perceived positively in our country. Often used by voting travelers on the road when it is necessary to stop transport. However, you need to be careful when using your fingers to communicate with foreigners, because in the sign language of the inhabitants of Australia, Greece and Great Britain such a sign is regarded as an obscene expression, and among Arabs it is generally associated with the male genital organ.

When thumb down, the gesture takes on the opposite meaning - that is, an expression of dissatisfaction, dissatisfaction. Today it is reflected on social networks and the YouTube channel. The pictogram depicting it is called a “dislike”.

Index finger

The next gesture is not so unambiguous and is deciphered depending on the situation, taking into account additional signals. This is the index finger up. There are several options for its interpretation:

• applied to the center of the lips - asked to remain silent;
• raised vertically at head level or higher - require attention or stop immediately;
• move it from side to side - express their disagreement or prohibition;
• shake up and down - teach or threaten with punishment;
• twisted at the temple - they show that the person is out of his mind.

By his position during a conversation, they determine whether a person is telling the truth or lying. If, for example, the eyes are looking in one direction, and the index finger is pointing in the other and slightly bent, then the interlocutor is most likely insincere.

Middle finger up

Since the times of ancient Rome, in almost all civilized countries the meaning of the middle finger gesture has been indecent and offensive. Extended upward, it symbolizes today the male genital organ. This is a rough form of the phrase "Get out!" or “Fuck off!” among young people. In our country, it is borrowed from cool American action films and vulgar 18+ youth comedies.

Crossing your fingers

The hand is very often used by superstitious people as a magical tool that can scare away evil spirits and attract good luck. In their understanding, crossed fingers (index and middle) have protective power. This gesture signifies the unity of faith and strength and is associated with the cross. One of the fingers symbolizes hope for a better outcome, and the other - help and support. Sometimes they are intertwined on both hands and hidden behind the back in order to lie, but at the same time avoid punishment from higher powers.

Research by British scientists from University College proves that such actions are not unfounded. They even found scientific confirmation. In their opinion, the gesture really helps reduce pain. But don’t even think about showing it to a Vietnamese unless you want to seriously offend him.

Two fingers up V – victory

In Russia and many other European countries, the gesture of two fingers with an open palm means absolute victory or confidence in the proximity of its achievement. This is due to the fact that the index and middle fingers, pointing high, look like the letter V. That, in turn, is an abbreviation for the Latin word Victoria - victory. For the first time in the world, the sign was used by Winston Churchill. However, it is also not universal for everyone. The British, Australians and New Zealanders will consider the gesture an insult if the back of the hand is turned towards them. In Russia, this option is interpreted as the number 2.

Three fingers up

It is known that during the Second World War, German soldiers greeted the commander-in-chief during the oath by showing three fingers at the same time - thumb, index and middle. In the Russian mind, this sign means the number or quantity 3.

Goat

Few people know that the gesture, in which all fingers are clenched into a fist, except for the index and little fingers, is attributed protective properties, so it is often used by magicians when performing mystical rituals. However, thanks to rock stars, he is more familiar to people as the “rocker goat.” In combination with a protruding tongue, it expresses insolence or a state of madness.

In Russia, “goat” can be deciphered to demonstrate one’s power and superiority over others. It also serves as a comic imitation of butting cattle.

Shaka and tongue between fingers

Many people associate a hand clenched into a fist with a protruding thumb and little finger near the ear with a telephone conversation, a request or a promise to call back. But if the action is accompanied by a characteristic tilt of the head or touching the little finger to the lips, then it takes on a different meaning associated with a call to drink alcoholic beverages and use narcotic cigarettes.

In Hawaii, "Shaka" is seen as a sign of greeting. It is popular among athletes in surfing, skydiving and Brazilian jiu-jitsu wrestling. It is also used to express jubilation by some famous football players who have scored a goal.

OK

The generally accepted meaning of the gesture is to notify others that there are no problems and everything is in order. The residents' favorite sign. However, in Turkey it is offensive to those to whom it is addressed, as it implies an accusation of non-traditional sexual orientation.

Fig or fig

Russians have a curled fist with the thumb sticking out between the other two - this is a contemptuous form of refusal. In ancient Rus', the fig symbolized coitus and could be used to scare away evil spirits. There are several other names - shish, fig, dulya. But if for a resident of Russia it means an insult, mockery, then for a Brazilian it means protection from the evil eye or a talisman to attract good luck. That is why you can find pendants, pendants and figurines depicting figs there.

Spire folded with fingertips

As psychologists note, balanced individuals who are confident in their strengths and their own competence connect their fingertips with a “house”. A spiel can mean thinking at the moment of making an important decision or demonstrate increased interest in the words of the interlocutor.

In the practice of yoga, the fingertips closed in rings help to meditate, find peace, and focus on the main thing.

Rubbing the tips of others with your thumb

Such manipulation can be seen in crime films. It means banknotes that are virtually crunchy in your hands. Another such gesture is used at a time when you need to clarify your thought, or urgently remember something, but it just doesn’t work.

Interlocked fingers

Clenched hands serve as a kind of psychological barrier. Can inform about various human conditions:

• on the head - anxiety, confusion, shock;
• on the knees - hidden tension, stiffness;
• in front of you, while your head is directed upward - an expression of distrust of the information provided, disagreement with the opinion expressed.

It is very difficult to come to an agreement with a business partner whose fingers are tightly clasped. To help him relax, you need to invite him to watch something, and then try to discuss the issue again.

In most countries, an outstretched palm means “stop.” In a conversation, a gesture formulates a request to stop, to stop doing something.

It is also a sign of greeting people and saying goodbye to them. Depends on what the situation is. However, the Greeks use such a friendly five to express negative emotions. Namely, the desire to move on the face. They call this manipulation munza, and it has a funny origin story. Thus, at the dawn of the Byzantine Empire, the judge had a way of humiliating punishment of petty criminals - smearing ashes on the face of the offender.

Inviting gesture with index finger

With a curved finger extended forward, people most often call to themselves the person with whom they want to sort things out. It is perceived by a person as a joke, but sometimes it can offend. It is a sign of a lack of culture among those who use it.

Fist

Clenching a fist shows strong tension, readiness to repel an enemy's attack, and also means an open threat, an intention to hit in the face. Symbolizes power.

Russian and English alphabet with gestures

The language of the deaf and mute is the main way they interact with the outside world. It allows people with hearing and speech impairments to communicate. Each gesture corresponds to a letter of the alphabet or a word. This can be presented more clearly in the form of a table.

As you can see, the same gestures can be interpreted in different ways. This is why they should be interpreted as a system and not individually. And only use it when appropriate.

The human body obeys certain biological laws, so speech and gestures are closely related. When communicating, the key role is played not by words, but by the movements that accompany this or that phrase. Sometimes they are so predictable that one voice is enough to determine facial expressions and accompanying movements. This fact became known only towards the end of the twentieth century, when studies by behavioral scientists were published.

Currently, interest in sign language has increased significantly. Meanwhile, beginners often make a serious mistake - they single out one gesture and immediately draw conclusions, forgetting about hundreds of other things.

Nations differ from each other not only in culture and verbal language, but also in their understanding of non-verbal. For different nations, the same gesture takes on several meanings, sometimes even opposite ones. Consider the well-known “Okay” gesture or circle, which is formed using the fingers. It emerged in the 19th century with the help of the American press, which promoted shortening titles by first letter.

There is no consensus on the history of this gesture. Some believe that it was formed as a contrast from the word knockout (English K.O.). Others say it's short for the state of Old Kinderhook, where American President Martin Van Buren was born.

In English-speaking circles, it is customary to perceive a circle of fingers as meaning “everything is fine.” However, if you show "OK" to the French, they will mistake it for the number zero; the Japanese will think about money; in Tunisia will be interpreted as a threat to life; and Brazilians will see a hint of homosexuality.

The thumb that is raised up also has several meanings. For example, in America and England, this is how it is customary to stop a taxi, and in Greece this position of the fingers means “Shut up.” So while preparing for your travels, don’t forget to learn common gestures to avoid awkward situations.

Other reasons influencing nonverbal signals

To understand sign language, you need to remember that gestures cannot be read individually. They can be compared to pieces of a mosaic - only the assembled pieces will show the picture. For example, scratching the back of the head means lying, but it is possible that the person is simply hot, restless or awkward.

Or in winter a man walks down the street with his head down and his arms crossed. This will be a sign that he is cold, not his critical attitude. On the other hand, if you see such a person in negotiations or an interview, then the first meaning will be correct. The exact result is given by the surrounding environment, analysis of facial expressions and external signs of the autonomic nervous system, that is, all the pieces of the mosaic. Let's take a closer look at the gestures most often found in conversation:

• palm movement;
• pin-shaped position of the hands;
• putting your hands behind your back;
• handshake;
• clasped fingers;
• arms crossed on the chest.

Also, some of these gestures are exceptions and can be considered as an independent element.

Palm movement

Palm gestures are a hidden and complex signal of nonverbal communication that can be analyzed separately from other gestures. When a person is frank, he unconsciously opens his palms partially or completely. This phenomenon only lasts a couple of seconds, so you need to carefully watch your hands. And, on the contrary, if he lies, he hides his hands or crosses them on his chest to feel more confident. If you deliberately open your palms and at the same time deceive, the body will react to the discrepancy between words and gestures - sweating will begin, the eyes will drop down and the lips will close tightly.

In addition to truth and lies, they are able to convey another meaning. When you are asked for something, look at the person's palms. Relaxed fingers and palm in an open position indicate goodwill and trust.

On the contrary, a lowered palm with outstretched fingers signals that a person feels his authority and puts himself in the role of a boss. However, you can not only observe your palms, but also use their properties to your advantage - in a normal conversation, gesture more with open palms, they will evoke a feeling of sincerity and will win over your interlocutors.

Spiral hand position

This gesture is often used by self-confident individuals and people in leadership positions. You can clearly see this by looking at photos of politicians on the Internet. There are two types of spire position: spire up and spire down.

• The first version of the gesture is used when expressing an opinion or voicing ideas.
• The second option shows that the person is listening carefully.

But in both cases, this gesture speaks of subordination and an “omniscient” position. It is curious that successful women use the second option in gestures, and men use both. In itself, the spire-like position of the hands is considered a positive gesture, but if it is followed by a chain of negative gestures (crossing the arms on the chest or crossing one leg over the other leg), then it also becomes negative.

Putting your hands behind your back

Refers to the gestures of a confident person. When a person places his hands behind his back, he unconsciously exposes vulnerable parts of the body such as the neck, heart and stomach. This pose is usually taken by police officers, high ranks and bosses. You can benefit from this gesture: placing your hands behind your back in times of stress will help you feel confident and calm.

However, in a pose where the hands are placed behind the back, an additional gesture may appear that completely changes the picture. If a person wraps his fingers around his wrist and squeezes them tightly, then he feels angry or disappointed. The higher the area where the fingers wrap around the wrist, the more negative feelings he experiences and the more he loses control over himself.

Handshake

When people greet through a handshake, they convey information about their character and predetermine the outcome of their meeting. There are three types of handshakes:

• Superiority: During this handshake, the other person's hand is higher than yours and slightly turned down with the palm facing down. At the same time, he tightly clasps your hand with his fingers. Such a greeting communicates that he is in control of the situation and feels his dominance. In 80% of handshakes, it is the people in power who extend their hand first.
• Submission: differs from the first handshake in that your hand is now on top and his palm is in an open position. In this case, the other person unknowingly puts himself in the background, and you get the leading position.
• Equality: with this handshake, there is a struggle between two leaders - both hands are in the same position, which evokes a feeling of respect and understanding.

However, you should not draw conclusions about a person until you take into account the circumstances. For example, musicians, actors, artists and other creative individuals do not like to shake hands tightly, since their hands help them earn a living. Perhaps, when meeting you, they will touch your hand with their fingertips and that will be enough for them. There are situations when a person has arthritis, then he is physically forced to shake hands lightly.

Fingers clasped

At first glance, it seems that this is a trusting and prepossessing gesture. But no, if you see someone’s hands with their fingers clasped, the person is disappointed and angry. The closer the hands are to the face, the more negative emotions a person feels. In this state, he does not want to listen to anyone, and any contact will cause aggression.

Here you can use a little trick. For example, give him some object to hold (a piece of paper, a pen, a phone) so that he can unclench it. Then emotions will not be confirmed by gestures and the person will become more relaxed.

Arms crossed on chest

A universal gesture, something like a “defensive” pose that protects from the outside world. You can see him quite often in crowded places: at a bus stop, in a queue, on the metro or on a bus. A sense of personal security and an uncomfortable situation are the reasons for crossing your arms. In addition, a person crosses his arms over his chest when he disagrees with something.

If they nod in response to you, but keep “defense” with their hands, it means that the interlocutor is actually against what you are talking about. In this case, you should find out the reason for his disagreement and win over the person with a gesture with open palms.

Gesture imitation

It is almost impossible to fake the signals that the body sends along with speech. For experienced liars, this takes years of practice, assuming they lie every day. Then their ability to harmonize with the body is dulled, and the body lives separately from words. An ordinary person will immediately give away his lies through movements.

If he comes forward with open palms and a charming smile, while experiencing negativity, his smile will turn into an asymmetrical one and his eyebrows will rise mockingly.

However, in some cases, people are specifically trained in the art of signing. For example, such lessons are given to beauty pageant participants so that the movements of their hands, fingers and bodies are graceful and friendly. As a result, their photos will be the most sincere, and the judges will be more sympathetic.

Highly paid fashion models are trained in the same way, because no program can change a photo with a stony face into a welcoming and lively one. Despite special training and practice, the signals of the human body cannot diverge from words for long. Therefore, even professionals are not able to imitate gestures for more than a few minutes. So success awaits any person if he begins to learn to read body language and apply this knowledge to his advantage.

“I’m going to an interview, so keep your fingers crossed for me,” a friend of mine told me, whom I met on the way home.

I nodded. Okay, and then I asked:

- So, should you cross your fingers or keep your fists?

She looked at me blankly, and then her gaze cleared:

- You know what, ... give me this and that for a greater chance that luck will be with me.

We all have called luck to our side at least once in our lives. And they each did it using their own proven method.

But since childhood we know that for good results we need to keep luck close to us for some time. How to do this?

And again, from somewhere in my childhood memories comes the knowledge that I have to cross my fingers. Just cross two fingers: middle and index.

It seemed that with this gesture we were holding luck by the tail.

So where did this gesture come from? And why does it symbolize the message of good luck and fortune?

It turns out that this was precisely the gesture - with two crossed fingers - that believers greeted each other during persecution. It was these crossed fingers that showed that they belonged here, there was nothing to be afraid of.

This gesture symbolizes the cross, faith in God and his protection. Now we come to the most important thing... protection.

Remember how, when seeing you off on your journey, your mother always tried to cross you. Those. she placed you mentally, but sincerely, with maternal care, under HIS protection. She herself would happily protect you, but what if she’s not around?

With this simple gesture, with crossed fingers, we mentally protect ourselves. Protection from adversity and trouble. But this is already luck.

And even in pagan times, people believed that where the cross appears, the spirit awakens. Whether he was good or evil is not so important; this spirit was called to help the one who put up the cross.

Now let's remember how children cross two fingers behind their backs when they lie.

This is already the influence of watching American films, but this also happens in our lives.

Why is the gesture of protection moved behind the back?

It is believed that in this way the human image is turned over, i.e. at the same time, you can do things that you wouldn’t usually do. The spirit won't recognize you anyway. Therefore, he will not punish for lying. Those. This is permission for yourself to behave incorrectly.

Remember how sometimes people try to cross the place where they passed? Backward forward. So the crossed fingers behind the back have the same meaning.

One day, a friend of mine told me that her little son was crossing his fingers. She was then very surprised at this skill of his. And the doctor, a woman about 50 years old, said that children are very wise creatures. They heal themselves, protect themselves, protect themselves. They just do it the way their subconscious tells them - they make mudras with their fingers. Remember, this is yoga for the fingers. But in mudras, every gesture speaks, every gesture carries a certain protection. Some even heal.

So, no matter what happens in this world, everything makes sense. And very often this meaning is a little different from what we are used to thinking.

And if crossed fingers help you keep your luck, don’t get lost, everything is in your hands.

I am always glad to see you on the pages of the site

Superstitious people often cross their fingers in hopes of luck - before a difficult exam, an important interview or a fateful meeting. They use this gesture when they make a promise, even knowing that they will not keep it. Or when they lie, but want to somehow justify themselves.

The tradition of crossing fingers dates back to early Christianity and was used to help fugitive believers recognize each other during times of persecution. Later, a superstition arose that crossing one's fingers (an allusion to the Christian cross) would certainly save one from hell. In the 16th century, Londoners began using this gesture to ward off evil spirits. The British also crossed their fingers when someone coughed or sneezed.

A new study by scientists from University College London proves that not all superstitions are unscientific. It turns out that the Christian tradition helps confuse the brain and reduce pain. British researchers advise:

The next time you hit your fingers with a hammer, simply cross them.

The researchers believe their discovery will help patients suffering from chronic pain. According to Patrick Haggard, the leader of the work, “pain sensations can be manipulated by moving some parts of the body in relation to others.”

The experiment was based on the famous trick of the Swedish doctor Thunberg. More than a hundred years ago, Thorsten Thunberg invented an illusion that causes a phantom sensation of pain. The trick was subsequently called the “grill illusion” and became extremely popular among young people.

The illusion is as follows: you need to take two containers - with warm and cold water, ask the participant to blindfold the eyes and dip his index and ring fingers into the warm liquid, and his middle finger into the cold one.

After some time, the person will begin to feel a burning pain with his middle finger.

The same experiment can be repeated with sausages: you need to take cold and hot meat products and, alternating them with each other, carefully place them on the table. Then ask the participant to put his hand on the sausages and wait until he screams from sharp and unpleasant pain.

We feel the same pain when we put our hand in a snowdrift or expose our limbs, numb in the cold, to cool water. Painful sensations arise because the brain is deceived by the difference in temperature signals.

Scientists attached special equipment to the fingers of the experiment participants, creating a feeling of heat and cold. The principle of operation completely repeated the “illusion of the grill.” According to most participants, they experienced painful sensations. “This pain has nothing to do with tissue damage,” says Angela Marotta, one of the organizers of the experiment. “Pain is a perception that is only loosely related to actual sensations,” says Professor Giandomenico Ianneti.

The researchers found that when participants crossed their middle finger with their ring or index finger, the sensation of pain disappeared.

Painful sensations returned only if the study authors cooled the subjects' ring and index fingers.

According to the study's authors, the human brain does more than simply receive temperature data. He, processing signals from each finger, uses their position in space, and not their location on the hand. Scientists believe that crossing your fingers will relieve not only phantom pain, but also real pain.

According to Patrick Haggard, earlier research has found that the way the human brain represents the body plays an important role in the experience of pain. An example is illusory pain that occurs in amputated limbs after surgery and goes away over time as the brain changes its image of the body.