In class last week, we discussed different cultures and how different gestures have different meanings in other countries. Its important for us to study other cultures so that we dont do a gesture that may disrespect their culture. For example, "your mama" jokes may be funny for us, but it may be disrespectful to others who arent use to the jokes. There are many different gestures that can be misinterpreted or have different meanings. I learned in class from a reading that the "A-OK" gesture can be related to money in the Japanese culture. In our culture we use gestures such as the head not to say "whats up" or even instead of doing high fives we say "pound it" and put up our fists to pound together. So, if we study other cultures and their gestures it will save us the trouble of being disresepctful to them!
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How about other parts of the world where you give 2 or 3 kisses to someone when you encounter them. Can you imagine how long it would take to get class started if I had to kiss each student....or how quickly I would get fired if I tried that here...or how much faster swine flu might spread??? Ever wonder why in some Asian cultures they wear the surgical masks??? It isn't b/c they are afraid of other people, instead it is b/c they are trying not to get others sick....it is actually out of respect for others!!!
ReplyDeletehaha good point smith. i think that most of the asian cultures where the masks as both respect for other, and protection for themselves. but i do find it interesting how one gesture can have a completely innocent meaning in one culture, and yet the same gesture can be harmful in another. you gotta watch what you say and do.
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