Head bobble
Thehead bobble,head wobble,orIndian head shakerefers to a commongesturefound inSouth Asiancultures, most notably inIndia.The motion usually consists of a side-to-side tilting of the head in arcs along thecoronal plane.[1]A form ofnonverbal communication,it may meanyes,good,maybe,okay,orI understand,depending on the context.[2][3]
Usage[edit]
In India, a head bobble can have a variety of different meanings. Most frequently it meansyes,or is used to indicate understanding. The meaning of the head bobble depends on the context of the conversation or encounter. It can serve as an alternative tothank you,as a polite introduction, or it can represent acknowledgement.[3]
Head bobbles can also be used in an intentionally vague manner. An unenthusiastic head bobble can be a polite way of declining something without saying no directly.[3]
The gesture is common throughout India. However, it is used more frequently in South India.[4][5]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^Kavita Pillay (30 January 2006),How to Tilt Your Head Like an Indian,World Hum,archivedfrom the original on 3 March 2011,retrieved27 March2011
- ^Seth Stevenson (27 September 2004), "Actually Liking Stuff",Trying Really Hard To Like India,Slate,archivedfrom the original on 1 February 2011,retrieved27 March2011
- ^abcSharell Cook (9 April 2020)."What is the Meaning of the Indian Head Wobble?".TripSavvy.Archivedfrom the original on 25 December 2019.Retrieved9 December2019.
- ^Craig Storti (2007), "The Indian" Yes "Head Gesture",Speaking of India: Bridging the communication gap when working with Indians,Intercultural Press
- ^Chad Lewis (2008),Successful Communication in Multicultural Environments(PDF),Intercultural Focus,archived(PDF)from the original on 21 March 2012,retrieved27 March2011
External links[edit]
- East vs West--The myths that mystify - TED talk (ends with a reference to "the Indian head shake" )
- Do you wobble?
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