Roger E. Axtell

Information on the different ways misunderstandings can occur when interacting with different cultures, from hand gestures to speaking in English euphemisms to etiquette. Anecdotes help to keep things interesting in what would otherwise be a very dry book. It definitely brought to attention things I might not have thought of while traveling.

For example, the book says that the English language has thousands of euphemisms for going to the bathroom ("bathroom" being one of them), which can show more create confusion when your traveling. It suggests using "toilet" as the term of choice to avoid any confusion. Something I learned to be true, when I asked where the "restroom" was in Germany, only to be met with a blank stare. show less

Interesting but hardly scintillating

In it's day, invaluable, as most didn't even realize the point he was making. Realize people think differently and think yourself.

As featured in the New York Times and Reader's Digest "An eye-opener into the pitfalls awaiting the unaware traveler." -Washington Post "Can save the innocent abroad from great gobs of serious trouble." -Chicago Tribune Before you raise your hand to signal the waiter, extend your thumb to hitchhike, or flash the "O.K." sign with thumb and forefinger, Stop! Think of where you are and exactly what you are trying to say-otherwise you could create an international incident. Remember when show more President Bush thought he was flashing the "V" for Victory sign to cheering Australians? (See inside.) Exploring the ins and outs of body language from head to toe, this newly revised and expanded edition of Roger Axtell's indispensable guide takes you all around the world of gestures-what they mean, how to use them, and when to avoid them. This latest edition includes:
* Updates about the 200 most popular gestures and signals-and dozens of new examples
* New sections covering special gestures-from American Sign Language and tai chi to flirting and kissing
* Information to guide you through gestures country by country-from Switzerland to Japan, Nigeria to the Netherlands
* Amusing anecdotes and helpful hypothetical scenarios show less