Gestures are used in verbal and non-verbal communications. The role they have in communications is different in every culture. Some are used in several countries but have different meanings. People use gestures either with speaking or alone. There are hundreds if not thousands of them. A gesture is determined by it’s user depending on the situation, the user’s emotional state and if the person on the receiving end is a family member, friend, acquaintance, colleague or stranger.
Hugging, kissing and beckoning are examples of gestures that family members show each other. In the US they often hug not only immediate but also extended family members when saying hello, goodbye, to offer congratulations and sharing in lost. In France, the French kiss each other on both sides of the cheeks when greeting family and also friends.
Beckoning in North America and North Europe is made by extending the index finger while the rest of the hands are closed and then pulling the index finger in several times. It is different in Northern Africa where the beckoning sign uses the full hand. (1) In all of these areas the beckoning sign is used to tell family, friends or even acquaintances to come closer.
Giving the finger, waving with one hand and the a-ok sign are three gestures used with friends. Giving the finger is a sign of disrespect. Friends and close colleagues in the US often give each other this sign when they are angry with each other and want to show it. This anger is usually at the root of some disagreement that each party feels vary strong about. In Nigeria if a person waves his hand very close to the face of a friend then it is thought of as an insult. When the a-ok sign is given in the US it means that everything is fine. In other countries like, Brazil and Germany, the a-ok sign is obscene. (2)
Gestures play an important part in everyday society all around the globe. They help people to interact with family, friends, acquaintances, colleagues and strangers. When used with verbal communication they help to emphasis the words. Used with non-verbal communication are often used to send a message whether the receiver is close or farther away. Gestures are and always be a part of the way we humans communicate with each other.
Resource http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_of_gesture
http://www.everythingesl.net/inservices/body_language.php