In many Asian societies, communication relies heavily on indirect cues, subtle gestures, and respect for hierarchy. People often choose words carefully and pay close attention to body language, tone, and silence to preserve harmony and avoid offense (Scroope, 2021). Each culture has its own distinctive gestures and rituals: for example, bowing in Japan or using the right hand for greetings in Muslim communities. Recognizing these patterns helps travelers and students interact politely and confidently. The sections below explain key non-verbal signals and etiquette rules in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Dubai (UAE).
Japan: The Language of Bows and Silence
In Japan, bowing (ojigi) is a fundamental greeting and sign of respect. People bow with varying depth and duration: a shallow ~15° bow (eshaku) for casual greetings, a ~45° bow (keirei) for ordinary formalities, and a deep ~90° bow (saikeirei) for sincere gratitude or apology (Nippon, 2023). Generally, Japanese avoid direct touching and keep personal space; handshakes are less common than bows, though seen in international or business settings. It is considered impolite to point with a finger – instead people gesture with an open hand (Scroope, 2021). Nodding often means listening rather than agreement. Direct eye contact is usually minimized, especially with seniors or superiors, so averted or downward glances are used to show humility. Loud voices and overt displays of emotion are generally avoided; silence itself is valued as a sign of thoughtfulness and respect.
Beyond gestures, Japanese etiquette stresses politeness and hierarchy. People use honorific language (keigo) to address elders or higher-status persons, and typically add suffixes (e.g. -san) to names. Formal introductions often include exchanging business cards with both hands (not shown here). During bowing, one should keep hands by the sides or clasp them respectfully; clasping hands in front is reserved for formal service settings, not casual greetings (Scroope, 2021). Many Japanese smile or laugh to cover embarrassment or discomfort, so context matters. Overall, Japanese communication favors restraint and mutual respect – a degree of distance and “remaining spirit” (zanshin) even after a bow is part of the etiquette of harmony (Knutsen, 2011).
South Korea: Respect in Every Gesture
South Koreans also prioritize respect and hierarchy in non-verbal communication. Like Japan, formal greetings are done by bowing, but handshakes are common especially among men or in business. The depth of a Korean bow signals respect: a slight bow of the head (eyes often closed) suffices for casual situations, a deeper ~30° bow for business, and a very deep ~45° bow to show deep gratitude or apology (Evason, 2016). When shaking hands, Koreans traditionally use only the right hand – the left hand may support the right wrist to add deference. A Korean woman may greet another woman by clasping both hands. It is polite to wait for an elder or woman to extend a hand first, and senior people are greeted before juniors
Korean communication tends to be indirect and high-context. Speakers often understate points and avoid blunt refusals, using nuance to “save face”. Silence is used thoughtfully: a pause indicates respect and careful consideration. Koreans often speak in firm tones with few overt gestures or facial expressions, which can seem serious to outsiders. During conversation, direct eye contact is expected with peers but is lowered when talking to someone older or higher-status. Koreans generally stand close to friends, but personal space is not strictly guarded even in crowds.
Several specific gestures carry meaning in Korea. Never point with one finger – point with the whole hand instead. To beckon someone, palm-down waving of fingers is used (beckoning palm up would be rude). The hand gesture with the thumb tucked under (a Korean fist with thumb inside) is considered impolite (Evason, 2016). Sneezing without an excuse is also considered rude. When seated, do not sit with feet pointed at someone or putting feet on furniture. Younger people show additional respect in posture: for example, not crossing legs in front of elders. In group dining, wait for elders to begin and use two hands (or support the wrist with the other) when pouring drinks or offering objects. Overall, Korean non-verbal cues emphasize humility, attentiveness, and respect for age and rank.
Taiwan: Harmony Through Humility
In Taiwan, a Chinese-influenced culture, communication is polite and harmony-focused. Taiwanese tend to speak indirectly and avoid blunt refusals, often speaking softly to spare others’ feelings (Scroop, 2016). They carefully understate opinions to prevent embarrassment, and may use humble language. Context and “face” are important: speakers often look for cues in posture and tone to infer meaning. Taiwanese commonly greet each other by handshake or slight bow. Handshakes are generally gentle and not firm, and it is considered respectful for men to wait for a woman to extend her hand first (Commisceo, n.d.). The oldest or most senior person is always greeted first, often with a nod of deference. During introductions, many Taiwanese lower their eyes or look down momentarily to show respect.
Physical contact in Taiwan is formal. Public displays of affection are rare. It is common for close friends or same-gender companions (especially younger people) to hold hands or link arms, but hugging is usually kept private (Scroope, 2016). When speaking, Taiwanese rarely point with a finger – using an open hand is polite, as single-finger pointing can seem hostile. A wave of the open palm sideways in front of the face means “no”. Covering one’s face (usually with the hands or a fan) signifies embarrassment. Smiling may not always mean happiness: it can signal nervousness or be an apology for an inconvenience.
Etiquette also extends to titles and honorifics. Taiwanese usually address others by honorific titles or family names, especially on first meeting (Commisceo, n.d.). Bowing slightly or nodding is a common way to excuse oneself. When exchanging business cards or gifts, both hands are used as a sign of respect. Because Taiwan is multilingual, many urban Taiwanese speak Mandarin or English; however, local courteous phrases (e.g. nǐ chī fàn le ma? “Have you eaten?” as a greeting) often precede conversation. In general, Taiwanese social etiquette stresses modesty, respect for elders, and careful, considerate communication.
Malaysia: Graceful Manners in a Multicultural Nation
Malaysia’s multicultural society blends Malay, Chinese, and Indian traditions, but a common thread is politeness and avoiding conflict. Malaysian communication is typically indirect and gentle: people choose words with care and often understate criticism to save face (Evason, 2016). Speaking in a soft, calm voice is expected; loud or aggressive tone is viewed as rude (the Malay word kasar means coarse). Malaysians rarely say “no” bluntly – they hint or use subtle cues to decline. Laughter often signals embarrassment rather than humor. Silence, like elsewhere in Asia, can indicate thoughtfulness and respect.
Physical gestures reflect religious and cultural norms. The right hand is privileged: Malaysians give or receive objects with two hands, or at least with the right hand alone, because the left hand is traditionally used for personal cleaning (Evason, 2016). For example, never pass food or shake hands with the left hand only. Malaysians consider the head the most sacred part of the body, so touching someone’s head is disrespectful. Feet are considered unclean: avoid showing the soles of your shoes, and do not point your feet at people.
When interacting socially, gender and age matter. Among Muslims (the Malay community), a man and woman who are not related may not touch. Thus a male should wait for a female to offer her hand before shaking, or simply greet with a nod or salam. Men usually do not continue prolonged eye contact with women out of modesty, and will respectfully lower the gaze to elders. General rules include removing shoes before entering a home and modest dress, especially in rural or Muslim settings.
Gesture etiquette includes never pointing with a single finger (use the right thumb or whole hand instead), and beckoning with the palm down. It is impolite to point or pass objects over someone’s head. Bowing slightly or lowering one’s head when passing in front of an elder is considered a polite “excuse me”. In general, Malaysian non-verbal communication emphasizes courtesy: gentle tone, minimal offense, deference to elders, and adherence to cultural taboos rooted in Islam and local tradition.
Dubai (UAE): Formality, Faith, and First Impressions
Dubai (and the wider UAE) follows Middle Eastern Arab norms in communication and etiquette. Greetings among men typically begin with a right-hand handshake. The handshake in the Emirates is generally firm and may be held longer than Western custom (Commisceo, n.d.). Men often support this by placing their left hand lightly on the forearm or shoulder of the person they greet. Men who know each other well may also exchange a nose-kiss (khashm-makh) or linked arms as a warm greeting. When meeting, it is customary to greet the eldest or highest-ranking person first.
When Muslims of opposite genders meet, handshakes are subject to strict customs. Many Arab men and women will not shake hands with a stranger of the opposite sex for religious reasons (Commisceo, n.d.). A courteous alternative is to place the right hand over the heart with a slight nod if no handshake occurs. It is not taken personally – one should simply follow the lead of the local person and avoid insisting. Both men and women dress conservatively as a form of respect in these encounters.
Emirati communication style is indirect and high-context (IOR World, n.d.). Small talk about family, background or general topics is expected before business, and one often speaks in a polite, roundabout way rather than being blunt (Commisceo, n.d.). Politeness and personal honor (sharaf) are paramount. Criticizing or contradicting someone (especially an elder or leader) is avoided to save face. For example, absolute “no” answers are rare; one listens for subtle implications. Unlike Malaysians, Emiratis may speak more loudly when passionate, as volume can convey sincerity in Arab culture. Overall, patience and respect for hierarchy (such as acknowledging sheikhs and elders) guide the communication style.
Eye contact and body language follow conservative norms. Men maintain eye contact with other men, but should avoid prolonged eye contact with women and never compliment a woman’s appearance (Commisceo, n.d.). It is forbidden for unrelated men and women to show affection or touch in public – even holding hands or a quick kiss between a husband and wife is not done in public. Showing the soles of one’s feet is highly offensive, and one should not point with the foot. Sitting with the ankles crossed so that the sole faces someone is rude. Always stand when greeting elders or entering a meeting, and do not lean back or place hands in pockets, as that can appear disrespectful.
In Dubai hospitality, the right-hand rule also applies to dining and giving gifts. Guests eat with the right hand and never use the left hand to pass food. After a handshake, it is common for Emiratis to place the right hand over the heart as a sign of respect. Titles and family names are used when addressing people, and meeting rituals often include offering coffee or dates before beginning conversation. In sum, non-verbal etiquette in Dubai emphasizes formality, generosity, and respect for social rank and religious customs.
Cultural Fluency Starts with Immersion
Understanding the non-verbal cues and etiquette of these cultures is key to respectful communication. Students interested in international education can experience these customs firsthand by studying in Asia. Programs offered through the Study in Asia platform provide opportunities to live and learn in contexts like those above. For example, Fo Guang University in Taiwan offers courses where international students can immerse themselves in Taiwanese society and practice local customs – such as the respectful greetings and indirect communication we have discussed (Commisceo, n.d.). By enrolling through Study in Asia at institutions like Fo Guang University, students gain not only academic knowledge but also a deeper understanding of Asian cultural etiquette and everyday communication. Studying abroad in places like Japan, Korea, Malaysia, or the UAE can turn the cultural insights above into lived experience, preparing students to interact gracefully in our diverse world.
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