A Nice Gesture

A Nice Gesture is a website by my countryman Jeroen Arendsen who is currently working on a gesture recognition project at the Delft University of Technology here in the Netherlands.

The language of gesture is rich in ways for individuals to express a variety of feelings and thoughts, from contempt and hostility to approval and affection. Every country in the world has its own set of gestures. The way people gesture is part of the culture of a country. A gesture which looks very normal to you might be offensive in another country.

For instance, here's an example of verbal and non-verbal communications when you meet someone from my country, the Netherlands.

When you meet someone for the first time in the Netherlands, you would start off by shaking hands. Generally you would remain at about the same distance as while still shaking hands. People tend to make eye contact, but while talking, one can look away occasionally in order to create a comfortable situation.

The Dutch are considered to be very direct in conversation. Foreigners often tend to interpret this Dutch directness as rudeness, yet the Dutch never realise that others might feel offended. This directness is a well-appreciated form of openness in the Netherlands.

In other words, we ask straight questions and we want straight answers. Oh, and when greeting someone of the opposite sex, it is customary to give three alternating pecks on each other's cheeks.

A Nice Gesture.

Find out about gestures in your country with this list of communication styles from countries all over the world.

(via plep)