French and German gestures

Posted by Bookworm on September 24, 2004

I was reading a book on doing in business in countries other than the US and one chapter focused on Europe. They mentioned that some gestures were considered rude or vulgar, but gave no what the gestures meant or any explanation as to why they were considered offensive.

According to the book, in France it is considered vulgar to snap the fingers on both hands at the same time or to slap an open palm into your fist. These sound sexual, but that could just be me.

In Germany, it is considered impolite to talk to a person with your hands in your pockets and to sit with the bottom of your shoes facing the person to whom you are speaking and that you should not point at your head. Any ideas?

• Foot fetish Rude Boy 24/September/04
  • Foot fetish David FG 24/September/04
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      • The Big V Lotg 25/September/04
• A cautionary tale Word Camel 24/September/04
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