Rationale for our 4 outcomes

Rationale

We believe the best way to learn a new language or skill is through practice. Rather than sending out a booklet or flyers with information, we chose to set up in house staff training for companies because people can learn more on a direct contact basis.

The content of our movie clip is scripted on a real business situation, so that our target audience can relate themselves into the story.

The modern businessman has grown an unbreakable bond with their mobile phones. Therefore, the Gesture library (plug-ins for cell phone) we created is the most effective medium to deliver our information. Every gesture is showed in motion with detailed explanation of how and when to use it.

The in-flight demonstration would be a new, entertaining yet informative medium. While people are flying to a foreign country, they will be more receptive to learn about the customs of that country.

corporate website

the last final out come is our corporate website(prototype), in the website, we provide some useful information regarding cultural gesture for people. People could look up the information anytime, also, the gesture library and movie clip can be browsed and download form the site as well.

Cabin Crew Demonstration

We also plan to work with some airline company, so we could demonstrate some common gestures to the people in the business class. below is the snap shot for our third final outcome.

Gesture Library

The Gesture library (plug-ins for cell phone) we created is the most effective medium to deliver our information. Every gesture is showed in motion with detailed explanation of how and when to use it.
Here are some picture about how to use our gesture library.

in the library, people can search the gestures from different culture, we break it down into 3 categories:
All, Country and Situation. the user can search the gesture depends on their needs. We have male and female presenter to demonstrate the motion.

Final out come1

this is one of the ideas for our final out come, a movie clip.
the purpose of the movie clip is to educate people about the cultural differences.
We intend to make the movie in a funny way in order to make our audience remember it more.

here is the rough script of the movie clip:

1. Business Card

(Cast: Aussie/ Japanese, Role: Businessmen, Location: meeting room)

Open on a Wide Shot of office, an Australian businessman is talking on the phone with his boss and waiting for a Japanese businessman to come for a meeting.

SFX: knocking the door.

Aussie stands up and goes to open the door. The Japanese step inside the office. Japanese bows to greet but Aussie extends his hand for a handshake.

Zoom in to close up of the Aussie’s right hand which is at the level of the bowing gesture.

Zoom out, Japanese immediately stands up and extends his hand for handshaking, while Aussie tries to bow this time.

After realizing the cultural difference, now they both stand up and bow, then shake their hands. They look at each other carries with a smile.

Japanese took his name card from his wallet and pass it to Aussie with both hands. Australia receives it with his left hand put it straight way to his back pocket.

Zoom into (Close up) Japanese’s face, he is offended.

Cut to Medium shot of office table, they are about to finish the meeting. Aussie asked the Japanese one question.

Aussie: What’s the name of your colleague I should contact with tomorrow, Mr.?

Japanese: Nakamura.

Zoom into Aussie, taking the name card from his back pocket and tries to write the name on it. He repeats the name while he writes.

Aussie: Nakamura

Zoom into Japanese’s face, and he looks totally offended. He quickly stands up, throwing the files on the Aussie’s face and walks out of the room.

Focus on Aussie's face, he looks puzzled and doesn’t know what’s going on.

cultural gesture in text

in this section, there are some common hand gestures from Italy, France , Turkey and Greece.

Italian

What do you expect?
The tips of all fingers of one had are brought sharply together to from an upward- pointing cone. The hand can either be held motionless or be shaken more or less violently up and down, according to the degree of impatience expressed.

In Greece and Turkey: this gesture means “Good”

In Belgium and France it means “Fear”

Have you a cigarette?
The index and middle fingers are extended as though holding an invisible cigarette. For greater emphasis the fingers may be raised to the lips.

Ring up
The index finger makes a dialing movement near the ear.

Just a minute
This gesture, with the raised hand palm-forward at eye-level, calls for attention in order to add an explanation or raise an objection.

I have to go to the bathroom
For permission to leave the room at school or go to bathroom the hand is raised and held steady, with the index and middle fingers erect, at times in the form of a V.

Crossed fingers
This international gesture, used particularly by children, is made out of the interrogator’s sight (often behind the child’s back) and indicates that he does not consider himself bound by his words.

In UK: this gesture means protection or “I have had good luck”

In Turkey: this fingers cross means “break friendship”

Hunger
The flat hand, palm downward, cuts rhythmically sideways against the waist at stomach level.

A drink
The index, middle, ring and little finger are curved to the shape of a glass, while the thumb, raised to the mouth, suggests the flow of liquid.

Excellent
This gesture expresses approval and at the same time hearty satisfaction. It is typical of the good-natured and contented gourmet.

Contentment
The hands are rubbed together, as though to warm them.

Come here
The index finger is used in an international beckoning gesture.

Artful
The back of the thumb is drawn across the cheek from ear to mouth, to indicate that the person under discussion knows the ropes.

Thumbing a lift
A gesture introduced by hitch-hikers. The arm moves parallel to the road and the thumb indicates the direction.

What a bore
The hand is tapped slowly and rhythmically against the chest to suggest a weight on stomach.T The gesture expresses boredom and weariness with something or someone who proves indigestible.

Secret liaison
The index fingers of both hands are brought sharply together and held parallel for a moment. This means that two people have reached a secret understanding, or that they meet in private.

Rage
Race can be expressed by biting the knuckle of one finger, generally the index. It is not necessary to bite it hard, the mere gesture is sufficient.

Threat
The flat hand, palm dawn wards makes a rapid, slashing movement across the throat, to suggest a blade.

Payment
The closed first is lowered slightly while the ball of the thumb and index finger are rubbed together. It may also mean” have you the money?” or “it is a question of money”

Ok (Good)
The hand is held up, with the palm facing away from the gesturer, and the thumb and forefinger touching to form a circle. The other three fingers are extended and slightly spread.

France: zero or worthless.

Turkey: butt hole

Be alert
The index finger is placed on lower eyelid, drawing it slightly downward. The meaning is: beware or remember our agreement.

In France and Greece: it means “I am alert”

Theft
The open hand is held out. Then the fingers, one at a time, beginning with the little finger are slowly closed, only the thumb remaining extended. The movement resembles that of the hand on a harp.

Silence
The index finger is laid across the lips, as if to keep them shut.

Wait a moment
The hand is kept flat as to stop the person whom we are talking to.

To write
The right hand pretends to write on the left hand.

To read
The index finger of the right hand runs across left hand as on a page.

Word of honor
The flat hand stops on the chest.

Prison
The hands are crossed at the wrists, as if they were handcuffed.

I don’t care
The hand touches the chin then moves forward.

As thin as this
The little finger is the smallest one, it means skinny.

Crowded
From the position of the fingers brought together, we understand how crowded the place was.

Contrast
The index fingers are pointed one against the other.

Congratulations
Shaking of the two hands. It is a useful gesture to congratulate somebody at a distance.

I insist
The index finger knocks rhythmically on the palm of the other hand.

Idea
The index finger points to the place where the idea is supposed to be born, namely the temple.

I have not understood
The flat hand is placed on the ear so as to hear better.

French gesture

Sleeping

Join your hands, place them on your shoulder, rest your cheek on them, and (optionally) close your eyes. It could means who is tired and wants to go to sleep, or who is asleep and shouldn't be woken up.

http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901b.htm

Silence (same motion as Italian “just a minute”)

To let people know that they need to be quiet, raise your index finger in the air. The stern facial expression is optional.

http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901c.htm

Clever

To indicate that you are clever or that you realize the truth faster than anyone else, tap your nose with your index finger.

http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901e.htm

Great

To indicate that something is great, fantastic, etc., stretch out your arm, make a thumb up sign, and bring it down slightly, as if you are pounding in a nail in the air.

http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901f.htm

Disbelief (same motion as Italian “Be alert”)

To express your disbelief at what someone is telling you, use your index finger to pull down the skin under your eye.
This is equivalent to the English expression "My foot!"
http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901h.htm

Laziness
To say that someone is lazy, hold out your hand, pull on an imaginary hair growing out of it
http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901i.htm

Payment

The closed first is lowered slightly while the ball of the thumb and index finger are rubbed together. It may also mean” have you the money?” or “it is a question of money”

http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901j.htm

Boring
To say that someone is boring or irritating, fold your hand and use the back of your fingers to stroke up and down your cheek
http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901k.htm

Crazy (same motion as Italian “idea”)
Tap your index finger on your forehead.
http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901L.htm

In trouble
To indicate that someone is in trouble, hold up your hand, palm facing your chest, with your fingers loose, and shake it up and down rapidly
http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901o.htm

Somebody is drunk
Make a loose fist, hold it up in front of your nose, and twist your hand (as you would rev a motorcycle) while tilting your head the other way.
http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901p.htm

I’m fed up
To indicate that you are fed up or that you've had it up to here with something, hold your hand up to your forehead as if shielding your eyes from the sun, and drag it across your forehead.
http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901q.htm

I don’t give a damn (I don’t care)
To indicate that you don't give a damn, bend your arm toward your shoulder several times, as if you are hitting your shoulder.
http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901r.htm

Let's get the hell out of here
"Let's get the hell out of here," hold your hands out, palms down, and smack one hand down onto the other
http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901s.htm

movie clip for Italian hand gesture

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVCuyrPk7P4

3rd research_Data Collection_French gestures

Raise your shoulders; hold up your hands, palms out; stick out your lower lip; raise your eyebrows







To indicate that you are clever or that you realize the truth faster than anyone else, tap your nose with your index finger







To let people know that they need to be quiet, raise your index finger in the air. The stern facial expression is optional.






To indicate that something is "nothing" or "worthless," make a circle with your index finger and thumb.






In order to express how delicious or wonderful something is, stretch out your fingers and thumb, touch them all together, noisily kiss your fingertips, and immediately extend your fingers, as if tossing something light into the air.







La bise or le bisou means kiss: French friends and acquaintances exchange kisses on alternating cheeks upon meeting and separating. Two people introduced by a mutual friend may also faire la bise, particularly kids and young adults.







This simple gesture is used with any kind of statement related to a phone call:

• I'll call you
• Call me
• Your friend called
• Did he call?
• There's a call for you
• While talking on the phone...

In order to indicate that what you are saying (the time you'll arrive, how long something will take, etc.) is just an estimate, hold out your hand, palm down and fingers spread, and wobble it back and forth.



http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa020901a.htm

3rd research_Data Collection_Italian gestures

Come?
English translation: What?



Ehi tu, vieni qui! (Ascolta!)
English translation: Hey! Come here, you! (Listen!)



Ho fame.
English translation: I'm hungry.


Mah!
English translation: Perplexed. Gesturer is undecided.



Un momento!
English translation: One moment please! or May I speak?


Scongiuro.
English translation: Gesturer wants to ward off bad luck.



Mi dà un passaggio?
English translation: Can you give me a ride?


C'è da fare o no?...
English translation: Yes or no?


Andiamo a dormire.
English translation: Let's go to sleep.



http://italian.about.com/library/handgestures/blgesturesindex.htm

Greeting Custom Around the World

It is always important to give people a good first impression, it shorten the distance between people, it is especially important for business live meeting.

there are many ways to greet another person, it depends on where you are or how well you know that person, below is part of our third research. it shows you how to greet people in different countries.

BELIZE --- Press fists together and press the counterpart’s fist together.

JAPAN --- Bow from the waist.

RUSSIA --- Kiss three times, on alternate cheeks...left, right, left. This is an old tradition.

EGYPT --- Kiss three times, on alternate cheeks...left, right, left. While men will cheek kiss other men and women will cheek kiss other women, no woman of a good family would cheek kiss a man, even if it is a friend of long standing.

ITALY --- Kiss on cheek 2 or 3 times -- Just kiss in the air.

NEW ZEALAND --- When Maori people greet each other, they press their noses together. This custom is called hongi.

BOLIVIA --- The Aymara women in Bolivia says hello to a friend with a tip of her bowler hat.

ECUADOR --- An Ecuadorian woman greets her friend with medio abrazo ("half embrace") -- like a partial hug.

MEXICO --- One kiss on the cheek. (Kiss in the air to the left or right)

U.S. --- Businessmen (women) usually shake hands when meeting each other.

SOUTH AFRICA --- The Zulu of South Africa say, "Sakubona" when greeting friends.

ITALY --- In Italy, friends greet each other by saying, "Ciao."

FIJI --- Men are expected to say "oooo" when greeting their chief.

AFGHANISTAN --- It is traditional for women to be more reserved in their greetings than men. When meeting a stranger, a man will say "manda na bashi." (May you not be tired.) A Ghilzai woman will raise her hand to cover her mouth.
U.S. and EUROPE --- The High-fives originated among American college basketball players in the early 1980s. It soon spread to other sports and became fashionable among young people.

ZAMBIA --- To find your partner, nod, slightly bend knees, and shake hands, right hand extended, with left hand under right elbow.

PORTUGAL --- Bom dia means "hello" in Portuguese.

GHANA Ming-gah-bou, Ga means "hello" in Ghana.

ISRAEL --- Shalom means hello in Hebrew.

CHINA --- Some people in China just say Ni-hao-ma which means "How are you?"

TURKEY --- Merhaba means "hello."

MADAGASCAR --- People used to greet nobles by saying Tsara Va?, which meant are you well?

FRANCE --- In France, people say Bon jour (Good day) during the day and Bon soir (good evening) in the evening.

SOUTH AFRICA --- The Afikaners of South Africa say "Goeie more" in the morning, "Goeie middag' in the afternoon, and "Goeie naand" in the evening.

CYPRUS Telephone greeting --- In Cyprus, people answer the phone with "Ano" ("Yes").

CZECH REPUBLIC Telephone greeting --- In Czech Republic, people answer the phone with "Prosim:" ("Ready").

GERMANY Telephone greeting --- In Germany, people answer the phone by saying their last name.

GREECE --- In the exotic Greek language, "Kalimera" (Good morning) is said.

VIETNAM --- Hello in Vietnamese is different depending on whom you are addressing. To an older man it is "Chao ong." To an older woman it is "Chao da." To a younger man it is "Chao anh." To a younger woman it is "Chau co." To small children it is "Chao chau."

source: Hawaii Geographic Alliance
Updated: March, 1998

Business in Japan

Japan business Part 1 - Working in Japan (Pre-departure)

• Working practices in Japan
  • Due to the strong contemporary business competition in Asia, the old concept of the 'unhurried' Japanese negotiation process is no longer applicable. Decisions are made swiftly and efficiently.
  • When arranging a business appointment, making a personal call will be more effective than sending a letter and seen as good manners.
  • Punctuality is essential in Japan; lateness is as sign of disrespect. Arriving 5 minutes prior to an appointment is good practice.
• Structure and hierarchy in Japanese companies.
  • The strong hierarchical structure in Japanese business is reflected in the negotiation process. They begin at the executive level and continue at the middle level. However, decisions will often be made within the group.
  • Generally speaking, in business meetings the Japanese will line up in order of seniority, with the most senior person at the front and the least senior person closest to the door. In addition to this rule however, you may find that the most senior person chooses where to sit.
  • It is important to bear in mind that in contemporary Japan, even a low ranking individual can become a manager if his or her performance is good.
• Working relationships in Japan
  • Due to the influence of Confucianism, it is important to show greater respect to the eldest members in Japanese business culture. Age and rank are strongly connected, however a change in today's business climate means that educational background and ability are often considered over age.
  • Personal space is highly valued in Japan due to the densely populated areas in which they live. Physical contact, other than a handshake, is never displayed in public.

Japan business Part 2 - Doing business in Japan

• Business practices in Japan
  • Business in Japan cannot begin until the exchange of business cards or 'meishi' has been completed. Use both hands to present your card, which should be printed in both languages. On receiving your counterpart's business card make a show of examining it carefully before placing it on the table. It is important to deal with another's business card with care.
  • A significant part of former Japanese business protocol was gift giving. In contemporary Japanese business culture, although not expected, the gesture is still practiced and will be accepted with gratitude. However, be careful not to take too big a gift as it may be regarded as a bribe.
  • It is good business practice to engage in small talk before negotiations. Expect your Japanese counterpart to ask questions regarding your education, family and social life. More private questions are not acceptable.
  • In Japanese business protocol contracts are not necessarily final agreements or a sign that business in over. In Japan, looking after partners or clients even after business is very important. Aftercare and long-term relationships are positively encouraged.
    
    
• Japanese business etiquette (Do's and Don'ts)
  • DO use apologies where the intention is serious and express gratitude frequently as it is considered polite in Japan.
  • DO avoid confrontation or showing negative emotions during business negations. Express opinions openly but evade direct or aggressive refusals.
  • DO greet your counterparts with the proper respect and politeness. If your counterpart bows make sure you return the gesture, which is usually performed shortly and shallowly. More often than not, a handshake is sufficient.
  • DON'T give excessive praise or encouragement to a single Japanese colleague in front of others. Remember that the group is often more important than the individual.
  • DON'T address your Japanese counterpart by their first name unless invited to do so. Use the titles 'Mr' or 'Mrs' or add 'san' to their family name; for example, Mr Hiroshima will be "Hiroshima san"
  • DON'T use large hand gestures, unusual facial expressions or dramatic movements. The Japanese do not talk with their hands.
• * Source: CIA The World Factbook 2004

returned cultural probe (pic)

We took some pictures for cultural probe after it returned
from participants.

The result is pretty diverse. Most of them have been
to Australia and some parts of Asia, such as Hong
Kong, Japan and Singapore. Although none of them
have been to Middle East of South America, they show
interest in visiting those countries one day. Most of
them chose Europe as their favorite destination.

For the section section, (Schedule),the results indicated
that they all have a pretty routine lifestyle.
Most of them only travel between their work
places and home. Also, users reported that they have
to communicate with different people from other
countries at their workplaces.

Third Section – Movie clips
Interestingly, all of them got over half of the
answers wrong. The result indicates that they have
a fairly low understanding about different cultural
gestures. Also, we realized that they tend to have a
negative interpretation of the gesture when they do not
understand what they are.

Last Section – experiences
it is the most interesting part, cause there are some stories
we just never expect, also we got people's opinions as well.

The Thai participant said that it is awkward for her to
see Australians put their feet on the coffee table at
home, as it is considered to be very rude to one’s feet
in her culture.
Also, she was surprised to know the dining culture in
Japan. She was told that she had to make loud eating
noise in order to show your respect to the chef, and in
fact, the louder the better!

Another participant from US doubts that whether
teenagers know the real meaning of putting two fingers
up on their shoulder, as this gesture means “I want to
buy $20 of Heroin” in the underground drug markets.