6 Cultural shocks from around the world

Cultural shocks and differences

One thing considered as positive at one place or in one culture can be negatively perceived in the other. Something considered a boon in France could be seen as a curse in Japan. Here are 6 cultural shocks; things, customs, gestures or sayings that have different meanings in different countries parts or cultures of the world.

White Colour

The significance of a colour changes from region to region, and from religion to religion. Universally, in modern times, white is seen as a symbol of peace. During a war, if one side wavers a white flag, it means they want to establish peace; indirectly saying, they accept their defeat. 

In many Western and Japanese cultures, a bride wears a white dress because it symbolizes purity and virginity. On the other hand, In old times in Hinduism, widows were supposed to wear white clothes. Even to this date, In Hindu culture people wear (or are supposed) to white or light coloured clothes at funerals; But it is also a symbol of divinity, serenity and purity in India. In other Asian countries like China and Korea, white is the colour of mourning.

In the middle ages, a white lamb symbolized sacrifice and purity. In modern architecture, white symbolizes simplicity and modernity. In Islam and the Shinto religion of Japan, white is worn by the pilgrims.

Hand Gestures

The OK gesture 👌

This might be seen as a gesture for "Okay" in your country. But it has different meanings overseas.

In Japan, it means 'money'. Sometimes it's made with the three fingers at the bottom, it still means the same. In India, this gesture means "You are looking fabulous" to some extent. If someone asks you about how their attire looks, you can respond with a '👌'.  In Brazil, Greece, Spain and some Middle Eastern countries, this sign is a very rude gesture and obscene. In France, it can mean 'worthless'.

Because of social media and exchange of culture through internet, more and more people have started to perceive this gesture as 'okay'.

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The V gesture ✌

In America, it means peace and victory ( because it looks like the English alphabet 'V' ). In most counties, it's a considered as cute pose when being photographed. It is seen as an insult if the same gesture is made with the back of your hand outwards in UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and some other countries.

The L gesture 

The L gesture or the 'Loser' gesture is usually used as a taunt in America. As the name suggests, it means "loser" there. In China, this gesture indicates the number 8. In China, eight is considered as the luckiest of all the numbers.

English Words

It is needless to say that a number of variations of English language are used across the world. 'Pissed' means 'Angry' in US whereas the same means 'Drunk' in UK. 'Handy' means something that is useful as in 'this comes in handy', but in Germany, it means 'Cell phone'. In US, the word 'Geezer' is used to refer to an older man, whereas in UK it somewhat means 'a hyper masculine man'. In America, 'First floor' refers to the ground floor of the building. While in UK, the floor above the ground floor is the first floor.

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Head Movement

It seems pretty obvious the that a forward nod of head means 'Yes' or agreement, while shaking your head sidewise means a 'No' or disagreement. That's exactly what it is in most parts of the world but for Bulgaria. In Bulgaria, the meaning of these two head movements are completely opposite. So nodding your head in Bulgaria when asked "I look good, right?" won't always get you the reaction you expect!

Apart from this, some countries have completely unique head movements that may totally mystify you. For instance, the Indian head bobble. It is a sideways nod that can have different meanings depending on the situation.

The next time you travel to any of the countries mentioned here, don't forget to consider these facts.

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