Globalization of today makes awareness of diverse gestures and their interpretation imperative to business people and tourists.
Visiting areas of the world where non-verbal communication meanings differ, means that travelers need to learn what sort of gestures are acceptable in a particular country and what gestures are considered impolite or rude.
In fact, performing a certain gesture may even cause legal trouble for someone who has not done their homework before visiting another country.
Nonverbal communication concerns the desire to express a feeling or thought without using language.
Gestures can include everything from winking or eye rolling to deliberately keeping the soles of the feet from being seen by others.
Gesturing can also be haptic in nature, which means the gesture involves touching someone else to produce meaning.
Shaking hands, slapping someone on the back or patting someone on the head are all haptic forms of gesturing.
Saudi Arabian Gestures and Their Interpretation Some common gestures that have a meaning in Saudi Arabia that is different from the United States and Europe include:

• Crossing your legs in front of others is considered disrespectful.
  
• Never show the soles of your shoes or feet, as this is an extremely dirty and debased body part, which indicates contempt for those viewing it.
  
• In Saudi Arabia, unlike the West, shaking your head side to side means "yes", not "no.
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• Saudis also communicate "no" by making a clicking noise with the tongue while tipping the head backward.
  
• Older individuals will greet another by saying "Salaam".
  Younger men greet each other with a kiss on the cheek and a hug
• Never appear to be in a hurry in Saudi Arabia by constantly checking your watch or acting as though you do not have time to talk.
  It is considered highly offensive and rude.
  
• Saudis will feel threatened if you point at them with a pencil or a finger when speaking.
  

Chinese Gestures and Their Interpretation Chinese gestures have unique meanings from Western culture, which include:

• Standing close when speaking to each other is a gesture of respect in China.
  It is disrespectful to stand far apart as practiced in the West.
  
• Express surprise by inhaling loudly and quickly.
  
• Silence is considered a form of gesturing in Asian countries.
  When silence falls over a group of people, it is respected and not considered uncomfortable as it is in most Western countries.
  
• A slight bow and nod is all that is required for a greeting.
  However, some Chinese applaud as part of a greeting.
  When this happens, you should respond by applauding as well.
  

Other Interesting Gestures and Their Interpretation China and Saudi Arabia are not the only cultures with special gestures that have meanings different from United States or Europe.
Other countries include:

• In Iran, performing the "thumbs up" gesture is considered very vulgar.
  
• In Japan, making an "OK" sign with your thumb and forefinger indicates money.
  In Brazil, it is an obscene gesture.
  
• In India, grabbing your earlobe means you are feeling remorseful or that you are being honest.
  
• In areas of Tibet, people stick out their tongues as a greeting.
  
• In Australia, always get into the front seat of a cab instead of the back.
  A cabbie will be insulted and think you are being snobby, if you take a back seat.
  
• Patting a child who is Buddhist on the head will distress him because Buddhists believe that the soul lies in the head.
  As a result, they avoid touching the head in order to avoid upsetting the soul.
  

Gestures and their interpretation is a fascinating subject to explore, providing insight and awareness of country's culture and mannerisms.
Basic knowledge of the cultural differences could make the difference from receiving a warm welcome versus a cold reception.