Gestures - T

· Do not wink at person, even in friendship.
· Do not put your arm around another’s shoulders. While young children of the same sex will often hold hands, it is inappropriate for others to do so or to make physical contact with people who are not good friends or family.
· Do not touch the head of another person’s child. Children are considered precious, and it is believed that they may be damaged by careless touching.
· Feet are considered dirty and should not touch things or people. Men should keep their feet flat on the floor, while women are permitted to cross their legs.
· The Taiwanese point with their open hand, since pointing with a finger is considered rude. They beckon by extending their hand palm down and waving their fingers.
· While westerners point to their chest to indicate the person “I”, the Taiwanese will point to their noses to indicate the same thing.

Gestures - C

· Avoid making exaggerated gestures or using dramatic facial expressions. The Chinese do not use their hands when speaking, and become distracted by a speaker who does.
· The Chinese do not like to be touched by people they do not know. This is especially important to remember when dealing with older people or people in important positions.
· Members of the same sex may be seen publicly holding hands, but public affection between the opposite sexes is not condoned.
· Use an open hand rather than one finger to point.
· To beckon, turn the palm down and wave the fingers toward the body.
· Do not put your hands in your mouth (biting your nails, dislodging food from your teeth); this is considered disgusting.