Nonverbal messages - examples

2). Although nonverbal messages are more universal than verbal messages, nonverbals do not always carry the same meanings in other cultures. Can you give examples of some of the nonverbal displays that take on different meanings in other countries? If you have moved around within this country, have you ever encountered regional differences in nonverbal meaning?

In United States, most people from kids to adults at one point in their day have their hands in their pockets for whatever reason; In Turkey this is considered very rude, as is sitting with your legs crossed.

Many Asian countries frown upon showing facial expressions, where as in United States this is cherished and often encouraged.

For instance, in many countries when one is in a grocery store and if the cashier is to accidently touch your hand while handing you the change it is considered perfectly fine; In Korea, members of the opposite sex avoid touching strangers, and that is considered a norm. In addition, in some Islamic countries it is perfectly fine for two men to hold hands, while in the US this would draw a lot of strange looks from other people if they did it in public.