Gestures that are inappropriate for the country of Jamaica?

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joe

Just do not do what you know is not accepted,"in" America,for Jamaicans know everything,that you guys have as gestures,as we are very familiar with them through travel and international media,and etc; However as we Jamaicans always say action speak louder than words.
Jamaicans are very smart,understandable,so don't worry too much,if you visit.
Things that you can do that are positive,making your hand into a fist and knocking it strait on into the other persons own[ gently],knock both.
hand shaking,do as if your shaking the other persons hand { hand position will come together in an up right position,with thumbs pointing up} and with a twist,your thumps will touch each other strait on, and move side to side,[like snapping your thump with index,but with the other persons thumb instead],these are just greetings even though they are not necessary.

Oh,by the way,don't be arrogant,that in my opinion is a major turn off as you'll be adding to stereotype comments and so on. just be open minded expect anything ( not bad) fun especial in the form of dance,you'll be amazed,most gestutre are made by the whole body,when a jamaican is speaking,so be prepared to laugh,but do it conservatively.

bashmentgyal

to add to what have been said previously, if you are and your partner are the same sex, try to refrain from touching too suggestively in public, no holding of hands and kissing in public, save it for the bedroom. Jamaicans have a very low tolerancy level for MALE same sex partners, we seems to be more receptive to FEMALE same sex partners.

boy_jam_arch

Jamaican is not offended by fingers, don't call them b-i-t-c-h,or tell them to go and s-u-c-k their mother,don,t talk about their mama in no bad ways.You can talk about thir father not their mother,If she is even dead.

naughty

Don't talk bad about anyone's mother! We are an english speaking country, however we do have a dialect called patois, which is merely broken english. We are a very friendly people. If you need help, just ask and you will get it, but be careful who you ask. Don't act like you are better than other people, Jamaicans don't like that and you will get cussed out! However people on the island are pretty laid back and like to have fun. If you visit the country, just be yourself and have fun and be safe.

Kailee

The middle finger is bad everywhere. Males shouldn't kiss other males on the cheek. Don't flash your hand at someone.

kleo

I don't think you have anything to worry about. The same gestures that are rude for Americans are rude for Jamaicans.

One thing that strikes me is that in American culture, persons require a lot more 'personal space' and aren't as immediately trustful as many Jamaicans. Don't be taken aback if someone touches or taps you lightly on the arm or shoulder while talking, or if persons tend to stand closer, or if a total stranger approaches you and chats with you as if you you've been friends forever!

You might also find that a lot of people get very animated and excited when they are talking... hands all over the place, loud talking and lots of promptings for you to agree with their point :)

If you come, lots of things will be similar to home... only with a wonderful Caribbean flavour! Relax and enjoy yourself. You'll have a great time :D

maivas229

Jamaicans speak English like us.The middle finger is bad there also.I am not aware of any other.I travel there every year.

shasha

same as ours really.they speak english .

Give Blood

Never use the word "buddy". That is their word for the male organ.

Do not be surprised if you see men with their arms around each other or holding hands. That means nothing greater than friendship.

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