Body language as an important communication factor
In all parts of the world, body language plays an important role in communication. Intercultural training in India therefore attaches great importance to this aspect. Body language determines 2/3 of how we understand a message. Words alone are of secondary importance! But how to decipher the code, because what is understood as a positive sign in one part of the world can be offensive in another.
Intercultural training in India imparts this knowledge and the participants learn to memorize the various behaviours and then interpret them accurately.
Gestures and their meanings
- Head bobble (“Indian Head Bobble”): A unique gesture that can express agreement, understanding or politeness, depending on the context.
- Namaste greeting: Put your hands together in front of your chest and bow slightly – a respectful greeting. But: this is not expected of a foreigner. It is perfectly sufficient to shake hands (men) or nod your head (women) as a greeting.
- Avoid touching: Public touching, especially between men and women, is unusual. Hence the nodding of the head to greet women.
- Pointing with the feet: Feet are considered unclean; one should not point with them at people or holy objects.
- Avoid the left hand: It is considered unclean, so it should not be used for eating or handing over objects.
Facial expression & eye contact
- Smile: An expression of friendliness, but can also conceal insecurity. Don’t be surprised if, for example, the waiter in a restaurant accidentally spills a drink down your trousers and then smiles! He doesn’t think it’s great, but is trying to make up for his loss of face.
- Direct eye contact: In hierarchical relationships, it can be perceived as disrespect, especially towards elders or authority figures. Germans are often confused if you don’t look them in the eye. Don’t worry, this is a way of showing respect.
Posture & distance
- Closeness between men: Men are often closer to each other than in Western cultures, without this being perceived as uncomfortable.
- Women and men: A respectful distance between the sexes is the social norm.
Conclusion
This small list is of course not exhaustive. But it also shows how important it is to prepare for a stay in India with intercultural training. After all, unfamiliar things can easily cause you to put your foot in your mouth. And that is precisely what our participants are trying to avoid.
