These include self-grooming behavior, such as adjusting hair or clothing. A behavior that many women practice in these situations, without even realizing it, is rubbing their forearms with their hands. Different cultures will have their own unique gestures. In fact, the same gesture may exist in one or more cultures, but will carry a completely different meaning. Gestures can be used to convey anger, friendliness, or send a warning.
Gestures can also be obscene, embarrassing, secretive, or dangerous as in the use of gang gestures.
Regardless of their meaning, gestures are a powerful form of nonverbal communication that vary across cultural and national boundaries. Members of a culture typically know ONLY the gestures from their own society. Look at the following pictures and try to figure out what they mean.