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Body Language and Gestures

Turkish people use expressive body language. Some gestures have specific meanings that differ from other cultures and can cause confusion or offense if misunderstood.

Usage contextsocial

Do

  • Use hand over heart to show sincerity or thanks
  • Nod head forward for 'yes' (evet)
  • Shake head left-right for 'no' (hayır)
  • Maintain moderate eye contact - shows honesty
  • Use hand gestures while speaking (normal and expressive)

Don't

  • Don't use thumbs-up gesture (can be offensive, though westernizing)
  • Don't click tongue or make 'tsk' sound (means 'no' or disapproval)
  • Don't point with finger - use whole hand
  • Don't show soles of feet/shoes to others
  • Don't make OK sign with thumb and forefinger (can be vulgar)
  • Don't cross arms - can seem defensive or disrespectful