人教新课标必修4 Unit4 Body language[背景文章]Hand Signs.docVIP

Hand Signs Generally listed in order of frequency, hand signs are very circumstantial. Men use them more than women, though this will depend on who is watching. As a foreign male, students generally feel freer using hand language with me, than, for example, with my wife who is Japanese and commands more authority and thus more respectful formality. Also, as I wish to be aware of the feelings and opinions of my students, I often intercept messages not meant for my eyes. 1. ‘Come here’ (Chotto...oide) Used when calling someone towards you, this gesture resembles a Western-style good-bye, often confusing foreigners. With a somewhat limp wrist, flap four fingers in the direction of the person you want to attract. Generally not recommended for superiors, it is still considered preferable to yelling.2. ‘Good-bye’ (often accompanied with the English loan-word bye-bye) Fingers fully extended, the hand moved left and right rapidly. Compare with the Japanese ‘Come here’ #1.3. No Waving the hand, thumb towards the face, back and forth as if fanning in short strokes, means no, not me, or no thank you, depending on the situation. Used a great deal by students who do not know the appropriate English expression, or to avoid being embarrassed about their inability to speak English. The more emphatic the wave the more emphatic the ‘No’.4. ‘Excuse me’ (Sumimasen) Used when cutting between two people, or as a general apology. Derived from a Buddhist sign for blessing, similar to the two-handed salutation used in Southeast Asia but with only one hand. Hand flat, thumb near the nose, head and back slightly bent, eyes averted downward.5. Writing Kanji (Chinese Characters) A form of thinking out loud, or spelling out a message, Japanese often write with their finger, onto the palm of their hand, on their thigh when sitting, or into the air. By visualizing the character it helps to distinguish which character from several with the same pronunciation.6. Peace/Victory Sign Ca