China vs. Russia How to Read Gestures

1. China vs. Russia How to Read Gestures

Prepared by: Olesya Onoshko, Zlata Nozhenkina, Ksenia
Andreeva, Alexandra Dobryanskaya, Diana Kryzhenkova

2. Russia

Two Different Worlds
Russia
The culture is straightforward. We say
what we think, and gestures are often
emotional and sweeping.
The culture is highly contextual. Directness
can be perceived as rude. The main thing
is to maintain harmony and maintain
appearance.
China

3. Greeting: Hugs vs. Handshakes

China
Russia
A firm handshake for men.
Hugs and pats on the back are
acceptable among friends and
A light, short handshake (too strong is a
sign of aggression).
· Hugs and kisses are only acceptable
colleagues.
between very close friends or within
For women, kissing on the cheek upon
family. Taboo in public.
greeting is acceptable.
· A slight nod or a small bow of respect
for elders.

4. The beckoning gesture

China
Curled fingers and moving them toward you is a
gesture used to call dogs. Using it on people is
extremely humiliating!
How to: Turn your palm down (fingers facing the
floor) and make a scraping motion with your
fingers toward you, as if you were raking
something.
Russia
Raise your hand and wave your wrist.
Or the classic: curl your fingers and move
them toward you ("Come here"). But even this
gesture is considered disrespectful by some.

5. Counting on Fingers

Start counting by extending your fingers from your fist (or bending
them). To indicate numbers greater than 5, use both hands. Logic:
the number of fingers equals the number.
Show numbers with one hand, starting with the fingers extended.
6
The little finger and thumb are
straight (the "call me" gesture)
7
The thumb, index, and middle
fingers are connected (like a "goat")
8
The thumb and index fingers form
an "L" (like a gun)
9
The index finger is bent like
a hook
10
The index and middle
fingers are crossed (like a
cross) or a fist
This is why the Chinese can
show double-digit numbers
greater than 50, unlike us.

6.

7. Pointing gesture

Pointing at something or someone with your finger is common.
Asking for directions? Point and walk away.
Pointing at someone with your finger is a gesture of accusation
and aggression. Pointing at objects or food is also not
customary.
The proper way: Point at an object with an open palm (all
fingers together, palm facing up). This is polite and respectful.
Another subtlety is how the Chinese point at themselves. We
typically point to our chest, but in China, this can be perceived
as odd. Here, they lightly touch their nose with their thumb. This
is a more polite and culturally accepted method.

8. The Culture of Smiling

A smile is a sincere expression of joy. If we are sad or
A smile is a social tool. A Chinese person may smile
angry, we frown. It is not customary to smile at
when angry, confused, or ashamed. This is a way to
strangers on the street (a "routine smile")
save face and smooth over conflict.
· A smile doesn't always mean "I'm having fun." It
often means "I'm maintaining calm and harmony."

9. Eye Contact

·Direct eye contact with your interlocutor is a
sign of honesty, openness, and confidence.
Looking away is a sign of lying or shyness.
Prolonged direct eye contact (especially with
someone older or more prestigious) is a sign
of challenge, aggression, or poor manners.
Norm: Looking down or to the side during a
conversation is a sign of respect and
attentive listening.

10. Less physicality

Conclusion: 3 Golden Rules
01. Less physicality
Handshakes are okay, hugs
and pats on the shoulder are
not
02. Palm instead of
finger
Point, beckon, and greet with an
open palm
Smile and don't
03. stare
A smile is your protection, and
looking at the floor is not
weakness, but respect