TRAVEL TIPS

hintsHandyWhile you are globetrotting, make a mental note of these commonly used hand gestures that are interpreted in ways unheard of.

THUMBS UPCommonly interpreted as a job well done, this all-okay signal can invite a fight in Southern Sardinia or Northern Greece where the natives perceive it as an insult. Avoid it in Iran as well, unless you wish to end up with a black eye, as it is equivalent to the use of the middle finger. It denotes the male gender in Japanese sign language and in Finland, it’s a safe bet as it can either be interpreted as a good job or crossed fingers.

VICTORYPopularised by US President Richard Nixon, the victory hand gesture is denoted by raising the index and middle finger in the form of the letter V. Often used to indicate freedom or victory, it is also commonly referred to as the peace sign in Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines. However, if the palm of your hand faces you, it is taken as a sign of insult in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK. But if the palm of your hand is facing the observer, it denotes any one of the following: the number two, victory or friend. Peace out!

THE CORNAAlso referred to as the devil’s horns, the corna is made by extending your index and little fingers and holding the other two by the thumb. It is similar to the Karana Mudra—a sacred hand gesture in Hinduism and Buddhism which denotes a positive energy that can ward off evil. Hard rock fans and metal heads associate it with thumping loud music. But in the Baltics, Brazil, Colombia, Italy, Portugal and Spain, it is often used to communicate to a friend that his wife is unfaithful. So before you hold up your hand, be careful because your little ‘rock on’ gesture might be the reason behind your friend’s separation from his wife.

58•JetWings•March 2013

– ESHA CHANDA

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