Differences Between Chinese and American Body Language

就读学校院河北省阜城县第四中学

指导教师院张超

There are many differences between Chinese and American body language.

In China， people shake hands to greet each other， while in the USA people hugand kiss each other. While speaking， Chinese people can touch each other， butAmerican people prefer to keep a certain distance. Touching children’s heads，which means encouragement and comfort in the USA， means love in China. Besides，to stare at others is a way of saying “I’m surprised”in China. Meanwhile， it meansrude and can cause confusion in the USA.

As the saying goes， “When in Rome， do as the Romans do.”We shouldpay attention to our body language when we are in different countries so as notto cause embarrassment.

中美肢体语言的差异

中国和美国的肢体语言有诸多不同。

在中国，人们握手打招呼，而在美国，人们互相拥抱和亲吻来表示问候。说话时，中国人可以触摸对方，而美国人则喜欢保持一定的距离。在美国，抚摸孩子的头意味着鼓励和安慰，而在中国则意味着喜爱。此外，在中国，盯着别人看是一种表示“我很惊讶”的方式。而在美国，这则意味着粗鲁、无礼，会造成困惑。

常言道：“入乡随俗。”当我们在不同的国家时应注意自己的肢体语言，以免造成尴尬。