Location:  Home » Business Etiquette » Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World  

Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World

Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the WorldAuthor: Roger E. Axtell
Publisher: Wiley
Category: Book

List Price: $16.95
Buy Used: $3.98
as of 3/10/2010 16:42 CST details
You Save: $12.97 (77%)

Qty 1 In Stock


New (40) Used (28) from $3.98

Seller: goodwillbooks
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 8 reviews
Sales Rank: 14046

Media: Paperback
Edition: Rev Sub
Pages: 256
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8.9 x 6 x 0.8

ISBN: 0471183423
Dewey Decimal Number: 153.69
EAN: 9780471183426
ASIN: 0471183423

Publication Date: October 28, 1997
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Features:
  • ISBN13: 9780471183426
  • Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
  • Notes:

Also Available In:

  • Paperback - Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World
  • Kindle Edition - Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World
  • Digital - Gestures: The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World
  • Paperback - Gestures: the Do's and Taboos of Body Language around the World

Similar Items:


Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
As featured in the New York Times and Reader's Digest "An eye-opener into the pitfalls awaiting the unaware traveler." —Washington Post "Can save the innocent abroad from great gobs of serious trouble." —Chicago Tribune Before you raise your hand to signal the waiter, extend your thumb to hitchhike, or flash the "O.K." sign with thumb and forefinger, Stop! Think of where you are and exactly what you are trying to say—otherwise you could create an international incident. Remember when President Bush thought he was flashing the "V" for Victory sign to cheering Australians? (See inside.) Exploring the ins and outs of body language from head to toe, this newly revised and expanded edition of Roger Axtell's indispensable guide takes you all around the world of gestures—what they mean, how to use them, and when to avoid them. This latest edition includes:
  • Updates about the 200 most popular gestures and signals—and dozens of new examples
  • New sections covering special gestures—from American Sign Language and tai chi to flirting and kissing
  • Information to guide you through gestures country by country—from Switzerland to Japan, Nigeria to the Netherlands
  • Amusing anecdotes and helpful hypothetical scenarios



Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 8



5 out of 5 stars High interest for middle school students   September 15, 2001
Mark J. Falco (Willimantic, CT USA)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

I've added the three Roger Axtell titles to my classroom
for use during silent reading period. My students have learned
a lot about cultural differences and what is deemed acceptable
social behavior around the world.



5 out of 5 stars An opener of not only eyes but attitudes.   August 2, 2000
Crafsgt (Rancocas, New Jersey United States)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

Speaking 5 languages I already had an appreciation for the customs of the people's languages that I speak. Working in Corrections ( in a prison ) for twenty years I have seen a change in the mix of different cultures that are entering the correctional system. What an advantage to be able to speak fluent Spanish, and armed with further knowledge of the Spanish culture your dealing with was definitely a plus. I also have many friends that are Japanese, Hindu, and Latin American, so this book for me was more than just a helping hand, it enabled me to experience a more down home taste of their every day culture. Great book. A must read for any one in state or federal government services.


5 out of 5 stars "Thumbs up!"(U.S.)   November 4, 2001
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Very helpful, amusing,well-organized, and no unnecessary information. For our diverse society, this is good to have on hand. connie338 shipped the book right away, too. Thanks!


5 out of 5 stars Covers everything you will need to know about gestures   April 7, 2007
Traveling Spirit
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Well, I was really blown away by this book, which seems to cover more things than I could have conceived! Well written, easy to understand, numerous drawings for us visual people so we have no doubt about what is being discussed, and a sense of humor too.

Although the book is over 200 pages in length, it was a quick read because of the easy format and interesting history behind why we do what we do when it comes to gesturing.

And for me, it brought back memories of places I have traveled to, and customs encountered. For instance, in India when the people you are talking to want you to know that they agree with you or that they are listening to you, they bob/nod their head quickly back and forth, left to right. At first you think they are indicating "no" or disagreeing with you. Had I bought the book before that trip, I wouldn't have been so confused!

Highly recommend this to anyone who travels a lot or for someone who just has an interest in customs around the world.



4 out of 5 stars Useful, interesting and funny   November 20, 2001
Justo S.
19 out of 21 found this review helpful

This is a nice book. If you are going to travel abroad or you meet foreign people, you would like to know what these people understand from your body language. Of course, the book also gives you good material for chatting with friends from anywhere (including your own coutry).

Don't expect the book to tell you what a gesture means in every part of the world or to show you every gesture used in some part of the world. The book of course doesn't do such a hard task, though it tries: it explains you the gestures that are generalized (or most common) in a country. However, be always aware that there are exceptions and gestures you should know and are not included in the book.

Below are some questions you'll answer reading the book. In some cases the book gives you also the explanation about the gesture (what it comes from).

Where should you avoid the "OK sign"?
Where should a man enter before a woman?
Why Latin people get closer to you when talking?
How should you bow in Japan?

Showing reviews 1-5 of 8


Subcategories
Paperback
Mass Market
Trade