Paralanguage, silence, laughter

17 cards in this category — of which 15 complete, 2 under development.

• The whistle to call the waiterWhistling at a waiter in Paris: guaranteed no dessert. Accepted in Caracas.
  CompleteInsult
• The hissing call (pssst - Latin America)"Pssst" for hailing: commonplace in Lima, aggressively out of place in Stockholm.
  CompleteMisunderstanding
• Tss (tongue-clicking) - Eastern MediterraneanGreek, Turkish, Levantine and Persian tsk - the sound system of negation.
  CompleteCuriosity
• The pouting kiss-callKissing calls: legitimate flirting in Caracas, serious harassment in New York.
  CompleteInsult
• A strong voice in the Middle EastLoud in the Middle East: normal and appreciated. The same voice in Japan: you sound angry.
  CompleteCuriosity
• The low voice on Japanese public transportIn Japan, talking on your phone on the train is almost a criminal offense. Whispering is a respectful way to travel.
  CompleteCuriosity
• Blow your nose by sniffing (instead of blowing)Sniffing: neutral hygiene in Japan, serious rudeness in Belgium.
  CompleteCuriosity
• Blowing one's nose loudly in public (Korea)Blowing your nose loudly: normal in Korea, rude in France.
  CompleteCuriosity
• Making noise while eating noodles (Japan)Making noise while eating noodles: culinary excellence in Japan, bad education in France.
  CompleteCuriosity
• Roter as a compliment (Persian Gulf)Roter in the Middle East: respect for the cook. Roter in France: absolute rudeness.
  CompleteCuriosity
• The "ahhh" of satisfaction after drinking"Ahhh" after a beer: relaxation appreciated in North America.
  CompleteCuriosity
• The Japanese "hmm" of acquiescencejapanese "Hmm": "I listen and nod". Perplexed Westerner: "hmm" = "I hesitate".
  CompleteCuriosity
• The American "uhuh" of active listeningamerican "Uhuh": encouragement. European: "Shut up, I'm already listening".
  CompleteCuriosity
• The click of the tongue for "no" (Persia)Persian slam: "no". Westerner: "?
  CompleteCuriosity
• Rire la hand sur la bouche (Asie de l'Est)Laughing with your hand over your mouth: Asian politeness. Westerner: "Why is she hiding"?
  CompleteCuriosity
• Le « tsk » arabe vocalisé (désapprobation)« Tsk » arabe : désapprobation. Occidental : indifférent.
  Under developmentCuriosity
• Disposable vs. reusable handkerchief (Japan)Disposable handkerchief: modern in Japan. Traditional: reusable.
  Under developmentCuriosity