Dealing with nodding or shaking of head confusion
I have recently discovered the hard way that nodding of the head for yes, shaking of the head for no is not quite as universal as I had originally thought. Sometimes, it seems, that shaking the head can actually mean yes.
So, first part of the question - is there any easy way for me to find out in advance if I am likely to be visiting somewhere where a shake of the head may not mean what I expect?
Part two, for when I am in such a region - what techniques can I use to ensure that I've understood a nod or shake of the head, especially when dealing with someone where there's a language gap. (For example, a taxi driver who speaks only some English, and with a heavy accent, who may or may not have understood my destination)
Best Answer
Wikipedia lists only a few countries where nodding and shaking are reversed: Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Albania. As a Bulgarian, I can tell you it can be quite confusing for foreigners: I've been living abroad for the last seven years or so, and in the beginning I caught a few puzzled looks when nodding or shaking: my mouth says one thing, but my head apparently another. It didn't take me long to switch to the "correct" way, but when I go back home, I'm sometimes perplexed myself when seeing somebody say one thing and shake/nod in opposition.
Speaking of how to recognize which is which: at least in Bulgaria, there are a few subtle differences which might give you a clue:
- Nodding meaning "No" starts with head going downwards first, while normally one does the reverse. Nodding is also commonly accompanied by slight pouting.
- In shaking meaning "Yes" the head doesn't go left-and-right only, but there's also a tilting motion to the side, i.e. the symmetry plane of the head is tilts with respect to the body, so that the head moves in a somewhat horizontal figure-8 trajectory. This kind of shaking is also more tentative than what one would do for a no-shake.
Generally people would subconsciously understand your nodding and shaking done the "correct" way without a fuss, but you might have problems understanding what they mean by their noggin motions.
Some finger gestures might be helpful (check first which ones are offensive in a given country, you might be surprised). In Bulgaria, thumbs-up for yes and shaking finger (or vigorously shaking head) for no should be fairly unambiguous.
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In many cultures, it is most commonly, but not universally, used to indicate disagreement, denial, or rejection. It can also signify disapproval or upset at a situation, often with slower movement.One Simple Trick for Head Tremor
More answers regarding dealing with nodding or shaking of head confusion
Answer 2
I believe that “thumb up” and “thumb down” works in most of the world. At least with people that have an incentive to understand you as you are spending money.
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Images: Mental Health America (MHA), Marisa Fahrner, Vladimir Srajber, ROMAN ODINTSOV