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Unspoken Language in Translation

Unspoken translation exists when considering gestures as important cultural signs: Gestures that in one culture have a positive meaning can be embarrassing to members of another culture. A Russian gesture meaning "friendship" means "winning" in the United States. Germans raise their eyebrows in recognition of a clever idea. The same expression in Britain and the Netherlands is a sign of skepticism. The U.S. OK sign means "zero" in France and Hungary, "money" in Japanese translation, and - if translated from English to Mexican Spanish - is vulgar. The thumbs-up gesture is used by pilots the world over, but in some countries, it is not so accepted. The V sign means "victory" for the English if the palm and fingers face outward; if the palm and fingers face inward, it means, "up yours." Putting your feet up on your desk, as in the advertisement for Glenfiddich, may demonstrate relaxation or a "Friday feeling" in the United States, but showing the soles of your shoes or feet is offensive in most other parts of the world, in particular in Asia and the Arab world. Showing your tongue to other people in Europe is a sign of contempt, but for children it is a sign of challenging other children. In Asia, it is impolite, even for children. For the Maoris in New Zealand, it is a sign of great respect.


Making mistakes is easy, as every seasoned traveler will have discovered. What is considered polite in one culture may be considered obscene in another. Translators of non-written content must keep these things in mind. What is friendly here is hostile there. A comprehensive guide to the meaning of gestures was developed by Desmond Morris, who adds the note that signaling by gesture is a predominantly masculine pursuit. In one country, it is so exclusively masculine that a female researcher had to withdraw before the local men would even discuss the subject.

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