LEARNING TASKS

FOR NONVERBAL
CUES
 SWITZERLAND AND SPAIN
NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION IN SWITZERLAND
Although the people of Switzerland have four national languages, German, French,
Italian, and Romansch.  Unfortunately, despite Swiss efforts to protect the language,
Romansch is greatly in decline. There is one other language that they all have in common.
This is body language. Nonverbal communication is used in many ways in Switzerland and
takes form through facial expressions, body movements, the use of time, and symbols.
Facial Expressions play an important role in Switzerland since they serve as a
reaction to the conversation you are having.  The Swiss will neither smile nor frown unless
the reaction was intended specifically by the speaker. Also, the use of eye contact should be
frequent.  In particular, when doing business with the Swiss, eye contact should almost be at
the point of staring, as this conveys sincerity and builds trust. The Swiss will often use body
language as a way of showing emotions and feelings.
Finally, the Swiss are very proud of their country’s symbols and try to use them
whenever they can.  Two of their most important symbols include the flag and the Edelweiss
flower.  The flag of Switzerland consists of a white cross in the center of a red squared
background, with the white cross representing Christianity.  The Swiss flag traditionally
stands for freedom, honor, and fidelity. However, in modern times, the flag has also come to
represent neutrality, democracy, peace, and refuge (National).  The Edelweiss is a mountain
flower that grows in the Alps.  It is a national symbol for the country due to its healing
powers.  The flowers are said to cure abdominal and respiratory problems and were even used
as insignia during the Second World War (Walker).
Handshake or a kiss - Normally, a simple handshake suffices for a first meeting (don’t
forget that eye contact), but often you’ll be invited to go for either two or three kisses on the
cheek, depending on where you are on the country. Always go with your right cheek first to
avoid any headbutting incidents. Always shake hands when being introduced to a Swiss, and
when leaving. This is standard behavior, even with young and casual people. It is also
customary to greet the proprietor upon entering a shop, bar, or café, and to say goodbye when
leaving.
Touch - Prefer not to be touched, although in the French and Italian areas both men and
women may embrace if they know one another.  The French-Swiss may also kiss each other
twice on the cheek.
Space - There is formal recognition of space and the Swiss prefer boundaries.  They favor the
expression, “fences make good neighbors”.  It is important to respect the Swiss sense of
privacy.
Be punctual - It’s a bit of a stereotype, but it’s fundamentally true; the Swiss like to be
punctual, and it’s kind of expected in return. Punctuality is next to godliness when it comes to
the Swiss. If you say you’ll be meeting at 5 pm, you should try and make it for 5 pm, or better
yet 4:59 pm. Otherwise, it’s considered rather rude.
Don’t break eye contact - For casual drinkers and those who hate prolonged eye contact,
this can be one of the most unsettling Swiss experiences. When you are about to ‘cheers’, it’s
customary to do the deed with every single person around the table but you have to look them
directly in the eye when you do it. This is not only time-consuming; it can also feel
uncomfortable if you aren’t used to it.
Always wait for a toast - You should wait until the host offers a toast before sipping on your
beverage, as it’s considered rude to skip this. If you’re sitting there parched after 30 minutes
of waiting you can always offer one up yourself.
Bring a gift - Gifts are normally not exchanged at business meetings, but small gifts may be
appropriate at the successful conclusion of negotiations. If you are being hosted, whether it’s
a party or a quiet coffee, it’s considered polite and normal to bring along a little something
for the host (flowers or a bottle of wine will do). Give books, desk attire, whisky, cognac,
good bourbon, or wine. Do not give anything sharp. Do not bring large or expensive gifts.
This is considered vulgar and makes the receiver uncomfortable. Don't give red roses or
carnations (these imply romance). White chrysanthemums and white asters are for funerals
only. It is polite to send flowers to the hostess before a large party or the next day with a
thank you note.

Dress - Appearance should always be clean and neat. The Swiss are known for conservative
and neat attire. Overly casual or sloppy attire is not appreciated. The Swiss can be remarkably
casual in their dress, save for the highest-ranking management. Also, people have been
known to sport tasteless ties (lilac or gray) with watercolor suits (green or burgundy are a
common sight among middle management). Several banks recently banned white socks with
business suits in their dress codes.
 In upper management, corporate finance, and private banks, dark suits are the rule as in
many countries. Lower-ranking employees often wear casual clothes and jeans are quite
common. The Swiss may be admired for a few things, but clothing is probably not among
them.
 The first thing the Swiss look at to judge someone’s credibility is the condition of their
shoes. Always try to have good shoes that are well-polished (never running shoes) if you
want to leave a good impression. On the same note, clean nails reveal that you are a well-
groomed person. The Swiss hold that if people make an effort to take good care of
themselves, they will also make an effort in doing business.
 On weekends you might bump into people wearing the full folkloric attire of their region.
Chances are that they are on their way to a music celebration somewhere in the mountains.
Women often carry flower baskets and men’s popular musical instruments like the Alp
Horn, which can be heard from mountain to mountain.

Dining
 Keep your hands on the table at all times during a meal -- not in your lap. However, keep
your elbows off the table.
 Cut potatoes, soft foods, and salads with a fork, not a knife.
 Use eating utensils at all times, including to eat fruit.
 Break bread with your hands if possible. Do not use a knife.
 Sample everything offered to you. Try to finish everything on your plate when dining in
someone's home. It is impolite to leave food on your plate.
GESTURES MEANING
Smiling faces This means significantly more intelligent
Leaning forward Means Agreement
Leaning backward Indicates suspicion
Crossing the arm is a sign of closure This means the person disagrees or is bored
Nod head vertically Means Yes
Nod head sideways Means No
Thumbs-up It signals approval
When in public, chewing gum or attending to matters Very inappropriate
of physical hygiene
when talking to an older person, the Swiss will never Sign of disrespect
put their hand in their pockets
Being late Form of disrespect or rude
Shake hands & Light kisses on the cheeks Sign of respect when greeting
Eye contact / not having eye contact Sign of respect/ rude
 Flattening your hand and slicing it across your neck means, “I’ve had enough!”
Tapping your temple with an index finger means someone is crazy
litter or leave trash lying around considered very rude
point your index finger to your head This is an insult
the American OK sign, with the thumb and index an obscene gesture
finger forming a circle
Slouch or stretch in public Considered impolite

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION IN SPAIN

Spain has one official language and several co-official languages. Spanish is the
official language throughout Spain, but there are also several co-official languages in their
respective autonomous communities: Catalan, Valencian, Galician, Basque, and Aranese. The
Spanish flag is often used to represent the Spanish language. The lively colors are a tribute to
the values that the country and its people hold dear. The red represents strength and valor,
while the yellow symbolizes generosity. The coat of arms pays homage to the original
kingdoms that united to form Spain in the 15th century.
In Spain, communication is sometimes non-verbal through gestures that people use
unconsciously. There are many gestures with different meanings depending on the culture
where they are used. Gestures complement information and provide additional details when
two people are interacting. Communicators also use gestures to capture the attention of the
audience. The use of gestures in Spain makes it easier for foreigners to learn the language, as
most of the gestures are similar to those used by English speakers. It is common in Spain to
be emotionally expressive. Spaniards kiss each other when exchanging greetings and use
constant eye contact while talking. Conversations between Spaniards are usually loud and
non-Spaniards may interpret that as being angry or annoyed. However, the high tone is
normal for all Spaniards. Spaniard culture allows the use of hand motions and signals.
Personal distance between two or more interacting Spaniards is usually short compared to
that of English speakers.
Spaniard’s greetings involve a lot of touching every time familiar people meet.
Relatives and friends shake their hands and men hug each other as a way of greetings.
Women kiss each other on the cheeks and make small sounds. Conversation between
Spaniards is accompanied by smiling and minimal eye contact, which makes English
speakers think that the Spaniard is not serious and cannot be trusted with what he or she is
saying. Spaniards interpret the difference in eye contact with English speakers as being cold
and threatening. Discovering a foreign culture's idiosyncrasies before arriving in another
country can prevent embarrassing situations—especially when it comes to nonverbal cues.
Certain gestures innocuous could offend a Spaniard. On the other hand, the Spanish tend to
act more affectionately toward each other. Preparing for these scenarios can also help you
acclimate before arrival.

GESTURES MEANING

Pointing your finger is considered bad manners and might be a

bad habit to break for someone whose
native culture does not have that assumed
rule.

Thumbs up it is interpreted as insulting

"Come here" can be expressed by extending the this gesture carries sexual overtones. 
index finger and pulling it toward the person
gesturing.
wave with your whole hand. Saying hello in a good way/respect

tossing something to someone consider rude 

extends your hand, then touch each finger to the If someone sees a pickpocket if they see
palm, one at a time someone that they suspect is a thief.

move away from or step back from the other it is also considered rude this might insult
person. the Spaniards

one or both hands held in front of your body and this gesture is stating that a place is full of
opened and closed in quick succession. people or also can be thought of as a way
of saying that it is packed.

hold your first and middle fingers in front of your a simple way to communicate that you are
face and move them downwards. broke or ‘down to two candles.

Both hands are moved up and down, from below this gesture is a way to explain that
the waist to up above the waist, someone is lazy or perhaps sluggish: as
evidence of a large effort to carry
something heavy.

Form a circle with your thumb and first finger, if you want to exclaim that something is
similar to the ‘ok’ gesture in the United States, and really, really good you can use this gesture.
move your hand in a downward fashion two or
three times.

greeting one another with hugs or touching cheeks show great affection for family and friends
while making kissing noises

shake with two hands, and place their left hand on When meeting for the first time\ Men greet
the other person's forearm.  and close friends will each other 
also exchange a hug

kiss on each cheek, starting on the left, and also a Women greet their friends 
small hug.

Personal Space Spaniards generally keep about half a

meter of personal space from one another
 Men are generally less protective of
their personal space 
 Women are generally more
comfortable with closer
proximities.

Proximity - Spaniards prefer proximity to long

distances when they talk to each other,
which may extend to a maximum of 18
inches
-Non-Spaniards may be distanced from
each other even as wide as 32 inches when
talking

walking hand-in-hand/ walking together with Common and acceptable between couples
their arms interlocked and friends
eye contact Sign of respect and focus

nudge arm, elbow or leg reinforce their points in conversations

put an arm around your shoulder or hold both Show camaraderie and deep appreciation
your shoulders

hold one’s hand up with the palms facing upwards This is a way to signal or beckon a person
and waving one’s fingers towards one’s self. you are talking to

Avoid using a single index finger alone this can have suggestive tones

sign of the horns (made by raising the index and it signals that their partner was unfaithful
little fingers)

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN SWITZERLAND AND SPAIN IN TERMS OF

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

Shake hands – a sign of respect when greeting

Kisses on the cheeks - a sign of respect when greeting
Eye contact – a sign of respect
Pointing your finger/ index finger – is considered an insult and bad manners

REFERENCES:
https://comm220becker.wordpress.com/nonverbal-communication/
http://guide.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student_details.php?Id=27&CID=198
https://www.iorworld.com/resources/switzerland/
http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_ch.htm
https://www.lexika-translations.com/blog/cultural-differences-in-nonverbal-communication/
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/spanish-culture/spanish-culture-communication#spanish-
culture-communication
https://comm220kiefer.wordpress.com/nonverbal-communication/
https://getawaytips.azcentral.com/nonverbal-communication-rules-in-spanish-cultures-
12363547.html
https://www.alphatrad.com/news/differences-between-spain-and-switzerland
https://ivypanda.com/essays/spanish-non-verbal-and-verbal-communication/#:~:text=The
%20use%20of%20gestures%20in,constant%20eye%20contact%20while%20talking.
https://www.flags.com/spain-flag/#:~:text=The%20lively%20colors%20are%20a,Spain
%20in%20the%2015th%20century.