Rica Sefti Wardani Putri : 2214050042

Nurul Azmi Harahap : 2214050043

TBI-B 22
CROSS CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

FACIAL EXPRESSION AND GESTURE APPLIED IN INDIA

A. FACIAL EXPRESSIONS
 Namaste
“Namaste” is a
traditional greeting
performed by bringing
the hands together in
front of the chest and
bowing the head
slightly. The facial
expression when doing
so is usually
accompanied by a light
smile. It signifies
respect, humility, and a
warm greeting. In Indian
culture, Namaste also
carries spiritual
significance,
acknowledging the
presence of God in
others.
 Hawk and Shake of the
Hand
Head movements in
India can be confusing
for people from other
cultures. A “head
wobble” or a sideways
shake of the head often
signifies agreement,
understanding, or even
uncertainty, depending
on the context. Unlike in
Western countries, a
 firm vertical nod does
not always mean “yes”.
This expression is part
of the rich and varied
body language in
different parts of India.
 Angry Expressions
Like many other
cultures, angry
expressions in India are
characterized by
furrowed brows, a
furrowed forehead, and
sometimes firmly pursed
lips. In formal situations
or in a more
conservative society,
people may hold back
their angry expressions
and display outward
calmness despite being
angry inside.
 Expressions of
Happiness
A smile is the most
common expression of
happiness in India, but
the level of a smile can
vary. A full smile and
shining eyes often
signify happiness or
deep satisfaction.
Indians often show their
joy directly and openly,
especially in social
settings such as
celebrations or family
gatherings.
  Expressions of
Shockor Surprise
This expression usually
involves wide-open
eyes, slightly open
mouth, and raised
eyebrows. In Indian
culture, it is considered
normal to show surprise
or admiration in public,
especially in positive
contexts such as hearing
good news.
 Sad Expression
Sadness is often
expressed through a
somber face, a dropped
lower lip, and narrowed
or even teary eyes. In
more traditional
societies, people are
more likely to express
their sadness openly,
especially in the context
of family or mourning
ceremonies.

B. GESTURE
 Namaste (Joining Hands
on Chest)
This is a traditional greeting
done by bringing the hands
together in front of the chest
and bowing the head
slightly. This gesture is
used to show respect,
humility and a friendly
greeting. In a spiritual
context, Namaste can also
mean “I honor the God
within you
 Head Bobble
The side-to-side wobble of
the head is a typical gesture
widely used in India. The
meaning of this gesture can
vary depending on the
context. This head shake
often signifies agreement,
understanding or
acknowledgment without
any firm commitment.
While to outsiders this
gesture can be confusing, in
Indian culture it is a subtle
way to communicate a
positive attitude without
being overly enthusiastic.
 Nodding the Head (Gentle
Nod)
A gentle nod or downward
head movement often
means “yes” or “I agree.”
However, in India, it may
be more subtle compared to
the more assertive head
nods in Western cultures.
 Touching Feet on Older
Person
This is a traditional gesture
used to show respect to
elders or teachers. By
touching their feet and then
touching the forehead, one
shows humility and respect
to a person who is
considered wiser or more
experienced.
 Wiggling Hands to Call
In India, hand gestures to
address someone tend to
differ from Western
countries. The hand is
usually raised with the palm
facing downwards and the
fingers moving towards the
body. This is used to call
 someone over in a more
polite manner rather than
facing them upwards, which
may be considered less
respectful.
 Crossing Hands on Chest
Crossing one's arms over
one's chest while talking to
someone is often a sign of
courtesy and respect,
especially in formal
contexts. It shows that one
is paying full attention and
listening intently.
 Honoring eith the Hand
on the Nose or Chest
In situations of deep
apology or respect, one may
bring their hands together
on their chest or nose as a
stronger gesture of respect.
This is often seen in the
context of religious
ceremonies or traditional
rituals.
 Bowing the Hand while
Speaking
When someone is talking to
you, they may constantly
nod their head. This is a
gesture to show that they
are listening, understanding,
or agreeing with the
conversation.
 Wide Open Eyes to Show
Interest
When someone is very
interested or wants to
express admiration, they
can show this through more
open eyes and more intense
eye contact. In some areas,
this is a gesture to show
openness to new ideas or
discussions.
 Hand Pointing at
Someone
Pointing directly at
someone with the index
finger is considered rude.
Instead, Indians usually use
an open hand gesture or
point their fingers
downwards when they want
to point at something or
someone.
 Giving Prasad or Items
with the Right Hand
In Indian culture, the right
hand is considered cleaner
and more respectful to use
in giving things to others.
Giving something with the
left hand may be considered
disrespectful or taboo,
especially in religious
contexts or when giving
food.
 Shakes Head in Rejection
As in many other cultures,
shaking the head sideways
in India indicates rejection
or disapproval. However,
this gesture is often more
subtle compared to the more
assertive version in the
West.
 Touching the Forehead
with Open Hands
(Showing Guilt or
Respect)
This gesture is often used
when someone feels guilty
or shows remorse. It can
also be interpreted as a sign
of respect in some contexts,
such as when dealing with
someone who is respected.