Monday, October 8, 2007

Malays' Body Gestures

Malaysians are warm and friendly people. They are affectionate too but they don't show it in public. If you prepare yourself to go to Malaysia for travel, it is important to be aided first with the Malay culture.

When it comes to body language, you should avoid touching anyone of the opposite sex most especially the top of the head as this is sid to be the home of the soul. They are also particular with the use of either left or right hand. If you eat, touch people, and pass things, you should use your right hand and never your left. Moving objects and picking up things with your feet are insulting to Malays. “Excuse me” is also translated into giving a slight bow when arriving or leaving, entering or passing other people. Be careful when you give a smile or grin in Malaysia. This may mean various interpretations for them. This could mean anger, shock, surprise, happiness, embarrassment or amazement. Furthermore, hands placed inside the pockets signify anger to Malays.

5 comments:

  1. i think its innate for asians to be warm and friendly. ive got friends from different countries in asia and theyre all warm and friendly to me. Lisa Hall

    ReplyDelete
  2. i agree with you lisa. one thing i can add, those who are from the east, they are actually warm people. those who are from the west, they are straightforward.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Come to think of it, even here in America, Asians are really warm people compared to Americans and Europeans. They haven't lost it so far. Victoria James

    ReplyDelete
  4. your body gestures are already signs of language. there are so many interpretations of these gestures too.

    ReplyDelete
  5. this is so cool. i mean, knowing that putting hands inside the pockets could actually mean anger for malays? i will check the veracity of this one.

    ReplyDelete