Italian Gestures:
In this post, I am going to give information regarding gestures or body language according to location and community. One gesture which can be positive to one locals can be negative to another. So, to maintain our personality and to be accepted we must know gestures or body language which are specific to certain people. That’s why I am going to take Italian Gestures as the first and foremost one.
If you are planning a trip to Italy, here are some of the basics:
Introductions and Greetings
When it comes to introductions in Italy, Italians prefer to be introduced by a third party, if possible. When meeting people, it is proper to be introduced to women and older people first. It is the same protocol when introducing yourself to others.
Shake hands with everyone with a firm grip during introductions and departures. While doing this always say "buon giorno" during the day time or "buona sera" in the afternoon and evening. It is commons for Italians to greet people they know with a hug but it is not expected from a foreigner to the same gesture.
Conversations and Behavior
Italians are known for using hand gestures when they are talking. It is their way of giving emphasis to their feelings or point.
It is common to see people walking hand in hand or having their arms linked together in public. This is normally seen in the evenings during strolls known as "passeggiata". An Italian's personal space is smaller than those of Northern Europeans or Americans. It is common for them to have a conversation that is much closer than what you are used to.
Eye contact is also very important to Italians, as it shows if you are interested in a person or not. Be aware that looking away may perceived to be a sign of boredom or of rudeness. Placing the hand on the stomach means dislike for another person.
Public Transportation and Gatherings
It is common courtesy for younger people to give up their seats to older people and for men to give up their seats to women. Always wait for your host to tell you where to sit.