Gestures - by Roger E Axtell (Paperback)

About the Book

Never use your thumb to hitchhike in Nigeria; and under no circumstances indicate "OK" to a German using your thumb and forefinger to form a circle--that would be rude. This revised and expanded edition of GESTURES covers body language from head to toe. From the intricacies of Japanese bowing to the best way to signal a waiter in southern Europe, this book is vital for an international traveler. Cartoon illustrations.

Book Synopsis

Never use your thumb to hitch-hike in Nigeria; it could be hazardous to your health. And under no circumstances should you indicate "OK" to a German using your thumb and forefinger to form a circle--that would be rude. This revised and expanded edition of Gestures covers body language from head to toe--from greetings, beckonings, and farewells, to terms of endearment and insults. Covering everything from the intricacies of Japanese bowing to the best way to signal a waiter in southern Europe, this book is vital for any international traveler.

From the Back Cover

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

About the Author

ROGER E. AXTELL is a popular after-dinner speaker and the bestselling author of seven Do's and Taboos books (all available from Wiley), including Do's and Taboos Around the World and Do's and Taboos of Preparing for Your Trip Abroad. He lives in Wisconsin.