Australian Nonverbal

Australian

Nonverbal Codes

"Do's"

Australians cover their mouth when they yawn. This gesture is used along with the phrase, "Excuse me.* (http://www.webofculture.com/worldsmart/gesture_asia.html#AUSTRALIA")
Since Australians have a great love and appreciation for sports, they very value good sportsmanship, including any sportsmanlike gestures. Congratulating a team for their good performance or acting as a "good loser" are two expressions that are highly respected by Australians. http://www.webofculture.com/worldsmart/gesture_asia.html#AUSTRALIA"
If an Australian man wants to fight in a bar, he or she needs to finish his or her beer, turn the empty glass over, and place it "squarely" on the bar. http://www.webofculture.com/worldsmart/gesture_asia.html#AUSTRALIA"

"Don'ts"

Australian men do not show emotions often. If they show too much physical emotion, they are labeled as "unmanly." http://www.webofculture.com/worldsmart/gesture_asia.html#AUSTRALIA"
In Australia, if a man wants to express feelings or friendship to a woman, winking is not the way to do so. To wink at a woman is considered inappropriate and improper (Axtell, 1985).
Australians consider a "thumbs up" a rude gesture (Axtell, 1985).