Managers' Forum ~ Book Reviews
 

This book reinforces the importance of how and when to use gestures, when traveling abroad. The author, Roger Axtell, relays this message through, several humorous anecdotes, as well as historical facts and theories.
Additionally, the book also, addresses the importance of body language and it's perception within certain countries.

The author provides, several embarrassing (although comical) stories, involving Americans unintentionally offending people of different cultures. The author, uses these examples to stress the point, sometimes certain gestures have multiple meanings. Subsequently, it is better to avoid "American" gestures (O.K., thumbs up, etc.,) when interacting with people from different cultures. Additionally, travelers should learn general country specific gestures, like beckoning and waving, before traveling abroad.

The gesture section reveals several important points; however I feel the old adage "less is more" sums up the gesture section nicely. Americans should not overly-rely on gestures or excessive hand motions, when conversing with foreigners. I found the country specific body language section, more, interesting and insightful. This section includes greetings, eye contact, comfort zones, table manners, and other relevant country information. The author, then categorizes this information by country; therefore providing quick and easy access. This section provides an invaluable reference when preparing, for trips abroad.

Overall, I thought the book was humorous and easy to read. However, the book primarily focused on "American" acquired gestures. Therefore, to fully understand the book, one must have knowledge of "American" gestures and body language. Consequently, some foreigners may find it difficult to understand the author's stories, without knowing the implied gesture's meaning.

Axtell, Roger E., & Fornwald, Mike (illustrator) Gestures: The Do’s and Taboos of Body Language Around the World: John Wiley & Sons, 1998,  ISBN: 0471183423

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