Cultural Checkpoint - Hand Gestures

Around the world, seemingly simple things like hand gestures can have very different meanings depending on where you are. Anything that feels second nature to you may need to be magnified and dissected when trying to appeal to cultures across the globe. If you’re creating a game and using hand gestures, localization will be your best friend, helping avoid awkward or offensive mistakes.

Here are some examples of how the meanings behind hand gestures can differ:

Thumbs-up

A thumbs-up gesture is a positive, widely recognized signal in Western society. It signifies a sign of approval or a confirmation that everything is good. In other parts of the world, such as Japan and Germany, it means number one. However, in some places, you may want to be cautious with a thumbs-up. In parts of Europe, Latin America, Russia, and the Middle East, it's an insulting gesture, meaning ‘up yours.’

Fingers Crossed

In the UK and the US, crossing your fingers is used to wish someone good luck. In China, it represents the number ten. In Germany, as well as the UK, it can mean you’re telling a lie; the action of crossing your fingers negates the consequences of lying. The worst place to make this hand gesture is in Vietnam, where it’s used as an insult to represent female genitalia.

OK Sign

When you make a circle with your hand, touching your thumb to your index finger, in the UK and the US, this usually means everything is OK. It shows approval, agreement, and understanding. In China, it means the number seven, and in Japan, it represents money. However, in contrast, in Brazil, Spain, and Greece, it means that you are calling someone an asshole, resembling the body part.

V/Peace Sign

When you make this gesture with your palm facing outward, it’s the universal sign for peace or victory. However, in places like Australia, the UK, or Ireland, if you turn your hand round, this is seen as offensive, equating to putting your middle finger up at someone.

A recent news article surfaced where a South Korean Content Creator was visiting Turkey. In a video she posted, she was making the peace sign but was stopped by two men nearby who informed her that this gesture is banned in Turkey due to its links to terrorism. The symbol has been frequently used by a terrorist organization in the region, so because of this, it may provoke negative reactions from local people. This is a real-life example of how something harmless in one country can be deeply offensive or distressing in another.

This goes to show how greatly the meanings of hand gestures can differ across the globe. Next time you think about adding them to your game, bring in a localization partner to help guide you on cultural differences, nuances, and effective translations.

ECI Games is your localization partner, delivering quality, communication, and expertise every time. Find out how we can help you reach players across the globe; get in touch now!

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