Let’s Learn about Body Language in Asia

Body Language in Asia

EYE CONTACT In China, It’s important to look somebody in the eyes and keep eye contact, But in Indonesia, people feel uncomfortable if you look into their eyes too long. In South Korea, you can make eye contact with younger people, but you can’t with older people. It’s a question of respect.

GESTURES Malaysians use their hands a lot when they are talking, but the Japanese do not. In some countries, for example in Thailand, you mustn,t point your finger at someone. In South Korea, teachers expect students to hand their papers with both hands. It’s more polite.

DISTANCE Filipinos keep more distance than people in many other Asian countries do. In Malaysia and Thailand, for example, people often stand very close to each other. People in Taiwan also stand close, but not when they are talking to a boss or manager. Here they keep their distance to show respect.

TOUCHING In Thailand and Laos, you mustn’t touch people you don’t know well, and you must never touch anyone on the head. In South Korea, you can touch other people. Men often touch each other more than other Asian countries.

SHAKING HANDS In China and India both men and women shake hands. But when you first meet a woman in Malaysia, you mustn’t offer your hand. Wait and see if she does first. In Thailand, you don’t shake hands but “wai” instead.