It is important to understand the nature of non-verbal communication of any culture, particularly as it is used in everyday life. Some non-verbal cues are common to all

cultures and they send the same message. Non-verbal communication gives us information about our relationships with others, with regard to liking, status, age, gender and it is appropriate for conveying our emotions also. In the Indian context certain non-verbal cues are distinct. 

Let us understand about body language and movement, or Kinesis. In the Indian setting. couples are not expected to show affectionate or intimate gestures towards each other, particularly if they are in a public place or in the presence of the family. Holding of hands or even looking at one’s husband is frowned upon. Indians, like any other culture, have distinct gestures and hand movements. In India, when you slide one hand over your wrist, it indicates the use of a traditional Hindu woman’s bracelet called a bangle. If this is done to a man, it questions his manhood and provokes him to a fight. 

Handshakes are common, but more so between men or between women. Handshake between a man and woman are generally avoided. In cities like Delhi and Mumbai handshakes between men and women in the corporate world is quite common. Hence the context will determine the appropriate non-verbal communication.

Social factors in non-verbal communication: Indians have high power-distance index, which indicates that cultural factors, such as hierarchy, authority, and age (elders), play a definitive role in communications. Interpersonal relations, position of authority, age and gender determine the distance to be maintained between two people. People superior in status can directly look at a person from a lower status, but a person of lower status usually stands with eyes downcast (as a mark of respect), and stands at a reasonable distance from the superior person. For example, employer employee, father-son, daughter-in-law and an elder person of the husband’s family.

Women generally do not maintain eye contact with men from their husband’s family. Often women from a conservative, traditional background cover their head with a Veil. 

Indians value their personal space, usually one and a half to two metres is the norm. Yet there is little physical distance with family and close friends. Public affection, holding hands, hugging, amongst family and close friends is quite common. Also after visiting family or friends, while leaving a group each member is expected to be bid goodbye individually. Indian youngsters usually bend and touch the feet of older persons to greet them or while taking leave of them.