Cultural differences and body language - 6 Minute English

Summary

In this episode of 6 Minute English, hosts Neil and Tim explore the nuances of non-verbal communication across cultures. They discuss the phrase 'no hard feelings,' which is used to maintain friendly relations after a dispute. The conversation delves into the meaning of 'to fall out,' emphasizing the importance of understanding after disagreements. They highlight how gestures, like shaking one's head, can have different meanings in various countries, with Bulgaria being noted for its unique interpretation. The show also touches on the concept of a 'faux pas' and the potential for cultural misunderstandings, using a story from Professor Erin Meyer's experience in Dubai. The hosts conclude with a quiz question about non-verbal cues and a review of the key vocabulary, encouraging viewers to reflect on the day's topics.

Takeaways

• 😀 'No hard feelings' is a phrase used to indicate a desire to remain friendly after an argument.
• 🤔 'To fall out' is another way of saying to have an argument or disagreement.
• 🤷‍♂️ In some cultures, using gestures while speaking is common, while in others it might be considered unusual.
• 🙅‍♀️ Shaking your head, which generally means 'no', can mean 'yes' in certain countries like Bulgaria.
• 🤝 Greetings and body language can significantly differ across cultures, and misunderstandings can lead to social faux pas.
• 😳 A 'faux pas' refers to an embarrassing social mistake, such as offending someone unintentionally.
• 🤗 'Offend' means to upset or anger someone, often due to a social misstep or inappropriate behavior.
• 👋 'Gesture' is a non-verbal cue made with the hands or head to communicate thoughts or feelings.
• 🏃‍♂️ 'Gesticulate' is the act of making broad or forceful gestures, often to emphasize a point.
• 😌 'Expressive' describes someone who shows their thoughts or emotions openly and clearly.

Q & A

What does the phrase 'no hard feelings' mean in the context of the conversation?

In the context of the conversation, 'no hard feelings' is something you say to somebody you have argued with to indicate that you still want to maintain a friendly relationship.

What does it mean to 'fall out' with someone?

To 'fall out' with someone is another way of saying to argue or disagree with them.

Why did Tim think his arm-waving during an argument was 'not very British'?

Tim thought his arm-waving during an argument was 'not very British' because using gestures or movements with hands or head to express thoughts or feelings is common in some cultures but not typically associated with British behavior.

What is the quiz question Neil and Tim discussed in the script?

The quiz question Neil and Tim discussed is: 'In which country does shaking your head mean 'yes'?'

What is the correct answer to the quiz question about shaking your head meaning 'yes'?

The correct answer to the quiz question is Bulgaria.

What is a 'faux pas' in a social context?

A 'faux pas' is saying or doing something embarrassing in a social situation that can potentially offend or upset others.

What does the term 'expressive' mean and how is it used in the script?

The term 'expressive' means showing what you think or feel. In the script, it is used to describe someone who is emotionally expressive, such as the man giving directions in Dubai.

What is 'gesticulating' and how is it demonstrated in the script?

'Gesticulating' refers to making gestures with your hands or arms to express what you're feeling. In the script, it is demonstrated when the man and the student are shouting and waving their arms to communicate with each other.

What is the significance of the thumbs-up gesture in the context of the script?

In the context of the script, the thumbs-up gesture, which is commonly used to signal approval or agreement, might offend people from the Middle East, indicating that the same gesture can have different meanings in different cultures.

Why was Professor Erin Meyer initially worried when she saw her student and a man on the street shouting and gesticulating at each other?

Professor Erin Meyer was initially worried because she thought they were having a fight, but it turned out they were just being emotionally expressive while giving directions.

What is the importance of understanding cultural differences in gestures as discussed in the script?

Understanding cultural differences in gestures is important to avoid misperceptions and miscommunications that could lead to social faux pas or offend people from different cultures.

Outlines

00:00

🤝 Understanding Cultural Gestures

In the first paragraph, hosts Neil and Tim of '6 Minute English' introduce the topic of cultural differences in gestures and expressions. They discuss how certain movements are perceived differently across cultures, using the example of shaking one's head, which can mean 'no' in most places but 'yes' in countries like Bulgaria. They also touch upon the importance of understanding these nuances to avoid social faux pas. The conversation includes a quiz question about which country interprets head shaking as 'yes', and they discuss the concept of 'no hard feelings' after an argument, emphasizing the significance of maintaining friendly relations despite disagreements.

05:01

🌐 Navigating Cross-Cultural Communication

The second paragraph continues the discussion on cultural expressions, focusing on how misunderstandings can arise during cross-cultural interactions. Tim and Neil recap the vocabulary words introduced in the previous segment, such as 'no hard feelings', 'to fall out', 'gesture', 'gesticulate', 'faux pas', and 'offend'. They provide examples of how these words can be used in context, emphasizing the need for cultural sensitivity. The hosts also share a personal anecdote from Tim about committing a faux pas, highlighting the importance of being aware of cultural differences to avoid causing offense. The segment concludes with a reminder for listeners to engage with the show on social media platforms.

Keywords

💡No hard feelings

This phrase is used to indicate that despite a disagreement or argument, one wishes to maintain a friendly relationship. It is a way of saying that past conflicts should not affect the present or future interactions. In the script, Tim uses it after discussing an argument with Neil, emphasizing that they are still on good terms despite their disagreement over who should introduce the show or choose the quiz question.

💡Fall out

To 'fall out' with someone means to have a disagreement or argument with them. This term is often used in casual conversation to describe a temporary state of discord. In the script, Neil mentions that they often 'fall out' over trivial matters, highlighting the commonality of disagreements in everyday life.

💡Gesture

A 'gesture' refers to a movement made with a part of the body, typically the hands or head, to communicate something without using words. It is a form of non-verbal communication that can convey a range of emotions or intentions. The script discusses how gestures can vary significantly across cultures, with Tim noting that using gestures is common in some countries but not in others.

💡Gesticulate

To 'gesticulate' means to make broad or expressive movements with one's hands or arms, often to emphasize a point or to express strong emotions. It is a more animated form of gesture. In the script, Tim and Neil discuss how Erin Meyer's student was 'gesticulating' while talking to someone out the car window, which initially led Erin to believe they were in a heated argument.

💡Faux pas

A 'faux pas' is a social error or blunder, often resulting from ignorance of social rules or customs. It is something that causes embarrassment or offense. The script uses this term to caution about the potential for misunderstandings in cross-cultural interactions, such as using a thumbs-up sign which might be offensive in some cultures.

💡Offend

To 'offend' someone means to cause them to feel upset, angry, or insulted. It often results from a perceived slight or disrespect. In the context of the script, Tim and Neil discuss how certain gestures or behaviors can unintentionally offend people from different cultures, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity.

💡Expressive

Being 'expressive' means showing one's thoughts or feelings in a clear and effective way. It can refer to both verbal and non-verbal communication. The script uses this term to describe how individuals from certain cultures might be more emotionally expressive in their interactions, which can be misinterpreted by others as hostility.

💡Cultural misunderstanding

A 'cultural misunderstanding' occurs when actions or behaviors from one culture are incorrectly interpreted by members of another culture due to differences in social norms or customs. The script provides an example of this with the story of Erin Meyer's student, who was shouting and gesticulating as a form of friendly direction-giving, not a fight.

💡Nod

To 'nod' is to move one's head up and down, typically to signal agreement or understanding. The script discusses how the meaning of nodding can vary across cultures, with the quiz question highlighting that in Bulgaria, shaking one's head means 'yes', while nodding means 'no', which is the opposite of many other cultures.

💡Argument

An 'argument' is a reasoned discussion in which opposing points of view are put forward, typically with the aim of persuading others to change their views. In the script, the term is used to describe the disagreements between Tim and Neil, which are presented in a light-hearted manner to illustrate the theme of resolving disputes amicably.

Highlights

Introduction to the show and the topic of body language and cultural differences.

Explanation of the phrase 'no hard feelings' and its use after an argument.

Discussion on the idiom 'to fall out' and its meaning in the context of disagreements.

Observation that body language, such as gesturing, varies significantly across cultures.

Example of a common gesture like shaking the head meaning 'no' but having different interpretations in other countries.

Quiz question about which country interprets shaking the head as 'yes'.

Mention of the complexity of gestures like the thumbs-up, which can be offensive in some cultures.

Definition and example of 'faux pas' in social interactions.

Story from Professor Erin Meyer about a cultural misunderstanding in Dubai.

Explanation of the term 'gesticulating' and its meaning in the context of the story.

Clarification that 'expressive' means showing what you think or feel.

Reveal of the quiz answer: In Bulgaria, shaking your head means 'yes'.

Review of the vocabulary word 'no hard feelings' with a light-hearted example.

Discussion on the phrase 'to fall out' with a personal anecdote.

Illustration of the word 'gesture' with examples of its use.

Definition and usage of 'gesticulate' in a sentence.

Example of a 'faux pas' and its social implications.

Explanation of the word 'offend' in the context of cultural interactions.

Final vocabulary word 'expressive' and its application in communication.

Closing remarks and invitation to follow their social media platforms.

Transcripts

Neil: Welcome to 6 Minute English. In this

programme we bring you an expressive topic

and six items of vocabulary. I'm Neil.

Tim: And I'm Tim. So, we had an argument just before

we started the show.

Neil: We did, Tim. But no hard feelings?

Tim: None. No hard feelings is something you say

to somebody you have argued with to say you'd still like

to be friends. We often fall out

over silly things.

Neil: Like who's going to introduce the show.

Tim: Or who's going to choose the quiz question.

Neil: But we understand each other. That's the important

thing, isn't it? To fall out with somebody by the

way, is another way of saying to argue or disagree

with them. Did you know that you wave your arms

around a lot when you're arguing, Tim?

Tim: No, I didn't know I did that.

Neil: That isn't very British.

Tim: I know. Using gestures, or movements you make

with your hands or your head to express what you are

thinking of feeling is common in some

countries but not in others. Then there are

some movements, like shaking your head, which

mostly means 'no' but in some countries can mean the

opposite. Neil: That's right. In which country does

shaking your head mean 'yes', Tim? Is it?

a) Greece,

b) Japan or c) Bulgaria?

Tim: No idea. I'll guess Greece. I do know that

in India people shake their heads to mean

lots of different things.

Neil: There are plenty of gestures you need to be

careful with when you're meeting and greeting people

from a culture that's different to

your own, to avoid offending people or making an

awkward faux pas.

Tim: If you make a faux pas it means you say or

do something embarrassing in a social situation.

For example, our every day use of the thumbs-up

signal might offend people from the Middle East.

Neil: And to offend means to make somebody angry

or upset.

Tim: Let's hear now from Business Professor Erin

Meyer talking about how easy it is to misunderstand

why some people behave the way they do in everyday

situations when we don't belong to the same culture.

Professor Erin Meyer: A while ago I was in Dubai

and one of my Emirati

students was driving me home after a session and the

car stopped at a light and she rolled

down her window, and she started shouting at someone

outside of the window. This guy

was crossing the street with a big box of

cloth. And he started shouting back, and she

opened up the door, and they started gesticulating and

shouting at one another. And I thought,

wow, they're having a huge fight, I thought

maybe he was going to hit her. And she got

back in the car, and I said, well, what were you fighting

about? And she said, 'Oh no,

we weren't fighting, he was giving me directions to

your hotel. And I thought that was a great example of

how someone from another culture may misperceive or

misunderstand something as a fight when in fact they

were just being emotionally expressive. '

Neil: Gesticulating. What does that mean?

Tim: It means what I was doing earlier! Waving

your arms around to express what you're feeling.

Neil: Erin Meyer was worried because her student

and the man on the street were shouting and

gesticulating at each other. She thought they

were having a fight when in fact they were

just being emotionally expressive.

Tim: And expressive means showing what you think

or feel.

Neil: You were nodding in agreement, there, Tim.

Which reminds me of our quiz question. In which

country does shaking your head mean

'yes'? Is it? a) Greece, b) Japan or c) Bulgaria?

Tim: I said Greece.

Neil: That's the wrong answer I'm afraid. The right

answer is Bulgaria. In some Southeastern European

areas such as Bulgaria and southern Albania,

shaking your head is used to indicate 'yes'.

In those regions, nodding in fact means 'no'

as well.

Tim: OK, I hope I remember that next time I meet

somebody from Southeastern Europe.

OK, shall we look back at the words we learned today?

Neil: No hard feelings is something you say to

somebody you have argued with or

beaten in a game or contest to say you'd still like

to be friends.

Tim: For example, I always get the quiz questions

right, unlike you Neil. But no hard feelings, OK?

Neil: That's not a very realistic example, Tim,

But I'll let it go. Number two... to fall out

with somebody means to argue or disagree

with them.

Tim: I fell out with my best friend at school.

We didn't talk to each other for a whole week!

Neil: That must've been a serious disagreement,

Tim! What were you arguing about?

Tim: I can't remember. It was a long time ago.

Number three, a 'gesture' is a movement you make with

your hands or head to express what

you are thinking of feeling.

Neil: She opened her arms wide in a gesture

of welcome.

Tim: Or the verb: 'I gestured to Neil that we only

had one minute left to finish the show!'

Neil: Is that true, Tim? You're nodding your head,

but we should also quickly mention 'gesticulate' which

means to make gestures with your hands

or arms!

Tim: A 'faux pas' is saying or doing something

embarrassing in a social situation. For example, I

committed a serious faux pas at a party

last night that I'm too embarrassed to tell

you about!

Neil: Oh dear, Tim. I hope you didn't offend too

many people - 'offend' is our next word and it means to

make somebody angry or upset

Tim: Well, you've given us a good example already,

Neil, so let's move on to the final word - 'expressive',

which means showing what you think or feel.

Neil: Tim has a very expressive face.

Tim: Thanks! Another quick example - 'I waved my

hand expressively to signal to Neil that it

was time to finish the show.

Neil: Taking my cue from Tim, that's all for

today. But please remember to check out our Instagram,

Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages.

Both: Bye!