As you know, different countries have different customs. Also there are many gestures showing many meanings in many countries. Here are a few examples of gestures.
A fisherman in Britain will show the size of a fish he has caught by holding his two hands, palms (手掌) facing each other, the right distance apart in front of him. But the one from certain parts of Africa will measure off the size along his left arm with his right hand. In Britain the gesture to show the number "one" is made holding up the index finger (the second finger), but in Switzerland it is the thumb—the first finger which is held up. Some people point at objects with fingers, others by sticking out the lips. The gesture for "come here" is made in Britain with the index finger, which is held, pointing upwards, at eye level and bent towards the body; in Egypt the hand is held at arm's length, palm downwards, and the fingers are then bent.
The difference between the movements is very important, and the meanings of the same gestures may be opposite in different countries. It may bring trouble to those who do not know it well.
