Gestures play an important role to human behaviour, in general it accustoms to the cultural value of that human or place of stay. It’s important for travellers to remember some of the etiquette points to get away from strange situations.

Cultures vary dramatically in different religions with respect to different places. We are here to make you aware of peculiar gestures made in different countries around the world. Take a look at the top ten ways to offend people in other countries.

1). Keep your fingers to yourself

In Philippines, beckoning someone with a curled finger signifies that you are referring a person as a dog and is considered as an offense. In particular if you are found doing, so you may have your finger broken off in terms of punishment for the crime. Consequently this may debar you from visiting Philippines. So better be careful to keep your fingers to yourself if you ever decide to visit Philippines.

2). Here V is not for Victory

In places like United Kingdom and republic of Ireland the V sign with your palm outwards is considered as flicking someone off. To avoid this insignificant gesture you can flip your hand around so that the back of your hand faces the recipient to communicate at more peaceful manner.

Most people will recognise the sign as an attempt to make peace considering you as a foreigner but it is best to follow the local customs in order to avoid offending someone accidentally.

3). Simple smile to insult someone

In Korea smiling at a stranger is considered to be a very rude offense as it indicates that you think they are stupid.

Try to avoid this flawless activity in any Korea town that you may even stumble anywhere in the world.

 

4). How odd(even number insult)!!

In Ukraine it is assumed that if you send someone an even number of flowers, it signifies that you are not sending it in joyful mean or you don’t intend to get good news. The even number of flowers is reserved for funeral bouquets so better be sure to send an odd number of flowers to your Ukrainian friends.

5). Never fill your own glass

In Japan it’s impolite to fill your own glass rather it’s consider ideal for people present nearby to serve you in refilling your own glass. In case if your cup or glass is empty and you seek more then try refilling your friend’s glass or cup then hopefully they will avail you in refilling the required drink.

6). Don’t eat with your left hand

In Middle East, India and parts of Africa it is found that eating with the help of left hand is considered very rude. As per practise the left hand is reserved for use in bathroom duty.

Digging your communal food with that hand may lose appetite of your fellow dinners.

7). Resemblance of Ok sign

In Brazil and Turkey, placing your thumb and forefinger together in shape of an “O” is referred of being okay. The gesture finds similar shapes part of the human anatomy and alleges someone of being vagina. Try to avoid as it signifies as an assault to anywhere in the world.

8). Thumbs up

It’s advised to keep your thumbs to yourself if you are visiting places like Afghanistan, Iran, Italy, Nigeria or Greece. The gesture signifies “up yours” that might create unusual for locals.

9). Slurping your soup

The act of slurping your soup is considered impolite in western cultures but is rather treated as good manner in Japan which indicates that you are enjoying your food to a great extent.

Try to behave as per the importance of particular country.

10). Going late for Dinner

In Argentina it’s considered as an insult to show up in time rather make sure to come off about an hour late, as it signifies a sign of greed to be punctual.

It is usually counter faced in case of women on meeting with their male counterparts at restaurant.

So it’s better to note down different behavioural gestures in respect to concern places all around the world and have a good day!!

 

Top 10 ways to offend people in other countries by Satyakam