4 Gestures to Reconsider When Teaching an ELL Class

Learn basic non-verbal communication that is safe to use in the classroom with students from all over the globe. Body language can contribute to learning in surprising ways.

Communication is connected to culture. One part of communication is, of course, language, which is verbal communication. There are other ways to convey meaning besides using words, and this nonverbal communication can be distinct from culture to culture just like the language.

A large part of communicating with English Language Learners, especially before they have acquired much English, will naturally be done by using gestures and other body language. This is entirely appropriate, and teachers can convey quite a lot of meaning without much speech.

However, body language varies from culture to culture just as spoken/written language differs. A gesture that is positive in one culture may mean something offensive in another culture. While it is not your job, or even possible, to know the significance of every gesture from around the world, being familiar with a few key differences is a good idea when trying to welcome learners from diverse backgrounds. Teachers should reconsider the following gestures:

1. ‘Come Here’ and ‘O.K.’

In the United States, people beckon someone to come to here by extending the arm, holding the palm of the hand up, and making a hook with the finger. In other parts of the world, including Portugal, Spain, Latin America, Japan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the Middle East, this gesture is only used to beckon a dog or other animals. If used with a person, it is very insulting. If a teacher wishes to call a student to their desk or to the board, therefore, it is better to beckon them with the palm up while using all fingers together.

When a teacher wants to convey approval, comprehension, or praise to a student, their first instinct might be to make a circle with your thumb and index finger to mean “O.K.” Be aware that in Brazil and Germany, this gesture is obscene. In Japan, it means “money.” In France, it means “zero” or “worthless.”Using the “thumbs up” sign instead is NOT a good substitute either because this gesture is very insulting (comparable to the middle finger in the United States) in the Persian Gulf, parts of West Africa, South America (except Brazil), and Australia. Even though the thumbs up is becoming more internationally accepted and understood, it’s probably safest to verbally say “O.K.” or “good,” which most English Language Learners will understand.

2. Pointing and Nodding

Teachers often point to objects as they talk about them, as this is a great way to help English Language Learners understand what they are talking about. When pointing to objects in the room, try to get into the habit of pointing with an open hand instead of with one finger. Just as it is considered impolite to point at a person in the United States, in the Middle and Far East it is impolite to point at objects using your index finger. If a teacher wants to point at something small, such as a word of text, perhaps use a pen or pencil instead.

In many Asian cultures, nodding the head means that a person is giving his or her full attention. It does not necessarily mean “yes, I agree” or even “yes, I understand.” Teachers are often puzzled, therefore, when students or their parents appear to be agreeing with them and then do not follow through with action.In the United States, people nod the head up and down for “yes” and shake the head side to side for “no.” In some countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, and Saudi Arabia, nodding the head at all means “no.”

3. Body Parts

In the United States, teachers sometimes pat students on the head for a job well done, or count a line of students by tapping each one on the head. It would be very upsetting to a person from a Buddhist culture to have her head touched, since Buddhism teaches that the soul resides in the head, therefore the head is sacred. Fortunately, most U.S. schools have no-touch policies, which eliminate such problems.

Teachers should be careful sitting with their legs crossed. In many parts of the world, including the Middle East, Thailand, Japan, and France, showing someone the sole of your foot or the bottom of your shoe is a serious insult, since you are exposing the lower and dirtiest part of yourself. This issue may also be a concern when younger students are expected to sit on the floor.

4. Smiling

Smiles are universally understood as signs of happiness, so use them liberally! Be aware, however, that in some cultures, particularly in Asia, smiles are reserved for close friends. English Language Learners may not smile at their teacher or classmates as readily as people raised in the United States do. This tendency goes for their parents as well, which may lead a teacher to think incorrectly that a serious-faced parent is an unhappy parent.

Like this article for teachers?

Browse the Professional Learning Board COURSE CATALOG to find related online courses for teachers in your state. Professional Learning Board is a leading provider of online professional development classes that teachers use to renew a teaching license or renew a teaching certificate.