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Myth Busting China’s Body Language

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Whenever Kim Jong-un, supreme leader of North Korea does anything; lift his chopsticks, for instance, young men all over China decide it is time for a haircut. Yes, Monsieur Kim is the look to have, especially these days. Nothing spells out power better than his particular take on the short back and sides.

This eyebrow-raising phenomenon is only beginning to even scratch the surface of body language in China. Then again, it is also partly not even body language in itself. Very oft, what are cited as examples of Chinese body language could be more accurately termed gestures.

Making a “V” sign with one’s fingers while being photographed or handing over business cards with both hands are exactly this; gestures. So is keeping one’s feet both firmly on the floor during business meetings, although The Nanjinger found a good 75 percent of Chinese participants with their legs crossed in meetings since deciding to write this feature [Yes, we researched that figure by not-so-furtively looking under the table].

Then there’s finger pointing. Traditionally taboo in China, unless pointing at a foreigner (or the sky; see below), now many an extended digit can be witnessed across the Middle Kingdom, particularly in the working environment.

Oh, how times have changed. All however, in other words, are conscious actions. No, our interest today is in the unspoken language of those quirky unconscious bodily movements that reveal just as much of a playful side to the Chinese character as they do face-seeking actions for approval and acceptance.

Not all such knee-jerk reactions are engrained, Darwinian or passed down from one ancient dynasty or another. Some have been the product of indoctrination, not perhaps by a socialist government, but by social media.

Drop one shoulder dramatically below the other. Lean forward. Cock the head slightly to one side, preferably in sympathy with the afflicted shoulder. Open eyes wide; let them shine. [Do the “V” sign, but then again, everyone knows to do that]. Pout. Then, and only then, click the shutter button. The result may be an undeniably adorable selfie, but to the uninitiated, there is simply something worryingly wrong with this person’s spine.

Another argument could well be that this person’s arms are short and so, minus selfie stick, the only way to fit themselves into the frame is via an act of contortion. The social photographic phenomenon that started out being casually referred to as the “me and my yacht” syndrome may as well now be “me and my straitjacket”.

The underlying body language, not unsurprisingly, screams insecurity.

As can be seen, Chinese body language is buoyed by the times, and dictated by fashions or the latest trend as much as anything else. Otherwise, it would be difficult to see the connection between the innocent selfie and revolutionary vigour.

Extend an arm to point, but only metaphorically, at an aircraft maybe, preferably one domestic in manufacturer. Raise one’s head to stare in the same direction. Shoulders back, chest out. Too much to suggest that if there is a little red book kicking about, it should be waved enthusiastically?

This is also not a stationary gait; for action is the true body language of revolution. If not actually in motion, such a suggestion should be made through putting one leg firmly ahead, as if lift off is imminent.

Gil Scott-Heron sang, in 1970, that “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”. Perhaps so, but in today’s China?

It’s all about being on TV, a place where body language speaks of authority and trustworthiness. It is also easy to imagine it as a creation of American television networks. Not so. For the what-could-be-termed “news anchor” pose is, in fact, a Chinese invention. Take four good-looking television hosts, arrange them in a line of perspective, facing the camera at a 45 degree angle. Ask them to stick their chests out, point their chins slightly down and tilt their heads ever so slightly to one side. Serious expressions, all round please.

So exercise caution the next time you are considering the lecturing of the nation, or the possible overthrowing of a foreign state. The right body language is critical. In China, pose means face, in a literal sense. Mind you, it also helps to have the right haircut.

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