Keywords
greeting gestures
gestures
cultural variations
Syrian culture
German culture
How to Cite
Abstract
Nonverbal communication plays a crucial role in interpersonal interactions, bridging linguistic and cultural gaps. Although verbal communication has been widely studied, this study focuses on greeting gestures as a key nonverbal component, examining their variations in Syrian and German cultures. The study addresses the gap in comparative analyses of greeting rituals in the Middle East and Europe, particularly how cultural and religious values shape these gestures and their impact on intercultural encounters. Using a qualitative observational methodology, the study emphasizes the importance of under- standing these differences in greeting gestures to reduce misunderstandings and promote effective intercultural communication. Its implications extend to immigrant integration and work dynamics, highlighting how gestures reflect cultural identity and shared values.
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