Nonverbal Communication for India

Nonverbal Communication In India Compared to the U.S

Communicating nonverbally is the most effective way to communicate to others.  The only problem is that nonverbal communications differ from country to country.  Going to another country and not being informed about the right things to do and the wrong things is very important.  As an "outsider" you don't want to seem ignorant or rude to others.  For example shaking someone's hand when you meet them is normal in the United States, but if you were to travel to India it is unacceptable to shake hands.  They tend to greet each other with the Namaste, which is a bow to each other.  Knowing some nonverbal communications can help to interact better with others.  Here are some of the nonverbal communications for India compared to the U.S. Ignorance of these nonverbal communications can cause communication problems.  It is important to know other countries cultures because you wouldn't want to offend them in any way.  You could think your saying hi to someone in India but they might think you want the to go away.  Not knowing nonverbal acts will affect your interpersonal communication with someone in a negative way.

A Namaste greeting 

1.     Greetings - Placing both hands together in front of you in a praying gesture while slightly bowing is a nonverbal way of saying hello. This is referred to as a "Namaste"

                 - In the U.S. people generally greet one another with a handshake                           

2.     Public Affection - Displaying affection in public is  considered not proper. This applies even to friendly hugs. 

- In the U.S. public affection is regular as long as not extreme

3.     Shoes - It is disrespectful to walk into someone's home while still wearing your shoes. You must take your shoes off and leave them outside before proceeding into a home.

- In the U.S. people normally walk into a home and then remove their shoes at the door           

Indian man waving

4.     Folding of Hands - Folding one's hands is perceived as an arrogant  gesture.

                 - In the U.S. folding hands is considered a polite gesture

5.     Waving - Waving ones hand at another person is a signal for "Go Away".

                 - In the U.S. waving at an individual means "Hello"

6.     Receiving - The left hand is considered "dirty" in India and you should never receive anything with your left hand only. It is acceptable to use both hands when necessary.

                 - In the U.S. people do not

7.     Nodding - Shaking one's head in an up and down motion is a nonverbal indication of "no".

- In the U.S shaking the head up and down is an indication of “yes”

This man seems angry by his nonverbal act

8.     Finger to Temple - Putting a finger on one's temple is an indicator that the person is angry.

            

                       - In the U.S. this can mean that a 

      person is thinking or confused

Ignorance of these nonverbal communications can cause communication problems. It is important to know other countries cultures because you wouldn't want to offend them in
anyway. You could think your saying hi to someone in India but they might think you want
the to go away. Not knowing nonverbal acts will affect your interpersonal communication
with someone in a negative way.

Gall, Timothy L. (1998). Worldmark encyclopedia of cultures and daily life. 

http://fits.depauw.edu/mkfinney/culturaleresumes/india/NONVERBALFINAL.htm