In fact, in Japanese culture, people are taught not to maintain eye contact with others because too much eye contact is often considered disrespectful. For example, Japanese children are taught to look at others' necks because this way, the others' eyes still fall into their peripheral vision [28].
For example, in African-American cultures, eye contact with authority figures may be viewed as disrespectful. Similarly, among some Asian groups, eye contact between strangers could be considered shameful. In some Latino cultures sustained eye contact may be viewed as disrespectful.
In many cultures, however, including Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Native American, eye contact is thought to be disrespectful or rude, and lack of eye contact does not mean that a person is not paying attention.
Cultural Differences to our Gazes
In many Eastern and some Caribbean cultures, meeting another's eyes can be perceived as rude or aggressive. In a 2013 study published in PLOS ONE, Asians were more likely than Westerners to regard a person who makes eye contact as angry or unapproachable.
Eye Contact: In general, Indians prefer to keep eye contact minimal or avert their eyes from the opposite gender rather than sustaining eye contact. Some women may avoid eye contact altogether. Direct eye contact is generally appropriate so long as you divert your gaze every so often.
Eye Contact: Eye contact should be maintained directly as it translates sincerity, trustworthiness and approachability. However, it is important to break eye contact intermittently as holding it for prolonged periods can make Australians feel uncomfortable.
Eye Contact: Direct eye contact is generally favoured over indirect eye contact. It is considered a sign of politeness . When conversing with an unfamiliar elder, one may lower their head to lower their gaze. This is a sign of respect.
The same is true for Colombians, Spanish, French, and Germans for example. Staring for too long is not appropriate, but frequent direct eye contact is a sign of respect and confidence. Now, in most Asian, African, and South American countries, direct eye contact can instead be considered as a challenge to authority.
Eye Contact: Direct eye contact is expected and appreciated. Sometimes Mexicans may hold your gaze for a prolonged period. This is normal and is not meant to imply any particular connotation other than interest and sincerity. Body Language: Mexicans tend to use many hand and arm gestures throughout conversation.
In many Native American cultures, the eyes are believed to be the window to the soul. If you look someone directly in the eye, you could steal their soul. Or they could steal yours. In order to avoid inadvertent soul loss/theft, eye contact may be avoided.
Eye contact becomes tricky in settings that are led by culture and tradition. For example, in the Western world eye contact is polite but in African, Asian and Latin American countries, making too much eye contact or eye contact for too long is seen as disrespectful and challenging.
The simplest answer to why people avoid eye contact is that they may be nervous or uncomfortable. It makes sense—eye contact invites cooperation and increased interaction from others. If you feel insecure, you don't want people to take a closer look at you.
Higher contact cultures stand closer to each other, make more eye contact, speak louder and incorporate touch more frequently. Examples of high contact cultures include those from the Middle East, Latin America and Southern Europe.
Prolonged eye contact (staring) is considered rude. Don't show affection, such as hugging or shoulder slapping, in public. Never beckon with your forefinger. The Japanese extend their right arm out in front, bending the wrist down, waving fingers.
Why do Muslims avoid direct eye contact with the opposite sex? Eye gaze reveals cues of interest, attention, affiliation, intimacy, approval, dominance, and aggression. Due to these reasons, Muslims avert eye contact or gazing.
Eye Contact: It is best to make direct eye contact that breaks away now and again. Prolonged eye contact can make people feel uncomfortable, and staring is impolite. If talking to a group, be sure to make equal eye contact with all who are present.
Strong eye contact indicates sincerity and trust, especially in business. However, males and females are expected to lower their gaze and avoid sustained eye contact with each other. Some men may look at the ground to avoid observing a female altogether.
Conversation in Portuguese
Always maintain eye contact; it is impolite to stop eye contact while speaking to a Brazilian. People stand closely of each other, when talking. Brazilians are gregarious people and like proximity, although they are able to recognize the customs of others.
Eye Contact: Direct eye contact is expected during conversation in Spain. Body Language: Spaniards may gesticulate more in general conversation. They tend to be quite demonstrative with their expressions, using their hands to emphasise their points.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, avoidance of eye contact is customarily a gesture of respect. In Western society averting gaze can be viewed as being dishonest, rude Page 2 or showing lack of interest.
In Islam, Muslims often lower their gaze and try not to focus on the opposite sex's faces and eyes after the initial first eye contact, other than their legitimate partners or family members, in order to avoid potential unwanted desires (See References).
Within many societies and cultures EYE CONTACT is one of the most important forms of nonverbal communication as it shows respect for the person you are speaking and listening to. In most Western European countries, it is proper and polite for nurses to maintain eye contact with patients during a conversation.
No, the Chinese version of the Western middle finger would be to place your thumb between your pointer and index fingers. Sticking up the pinky finger in China is considered rude though, as it's meant to belittle or emasculate the viewer.
Chinese smile for more reasons than Americans. A smile can mean the person is embarrassed, trying to be helpful, curious, happy or friendly. In the middle of an argument, smiling means that the speaker doesn't want this to become personal. When all else fails, smile in China.
Which country is eye contact not avoided during greeting? In Japan, it is a sign of respect NOT to make eye contact with another person. Likewise, making eye contact with another person during conversation is considered rude.