Communicating Egyptian Style 247of the non-verbal aspects of communication that accompany
speech. Sometimes called the silent language, paralanguage,
or body language, it comprises all those hidden means of
communication we convey with our presence. Non-verbal
communication among Egyptians is intense and very much
a sensory experience. Talking is often accompanied by
gestures, touching, mutual enjoyment of warm, moist breath
and smells, and piercing looks with the eyes.
Gestures
Especially when excited, Egyptians make liberal use of
gestures when talking. If you watch people closely, you
will also begin to notice head and facial gestures that are
commonly part of communication. Since foreigners often
use gestures in the wrong place or situation, it is advisable
that you do not use these gestures until you are very familiar
with Egyptian culture, but it is important to recognise
them in order to get the full meaning of what is going
on around you. You should note that the most common
hand gestures should be made with the right hand only,
never the left.
Here are some of the more common do’s and don’ts
concerning gestures.
Most Western lewd hand or arm gestures are well
understood throughout Egypt, and should not be used
under any circumstances.
Probably every tourist book in the world written about
ravelling in the Middle East reminds people not to cross
their feet exposing the soles to people. This is an extreme
insult.
A common gesture used in the United States is to raise
one’s hand and make a circle with the thumb and
forefi nger to mean ‘good’ or ‘OK’. The same symbol may
mean ‘zero’ to the French, ‘money’ to the Japanese, or
‘male homosexual’ in Malta. Do not use this gesture in
Egypt. If you want to indicate something is OK or very
good or that you are winning, it is a better bet to use the
old ‘thumbs up’ gesture by making a fi st with the right
hand with the thumb extending upwards.