Hey, folks! Today, we (me, Gita, Rachella, and Mawas) are going to show
you some common hand signs or gestures that are mostly used here in our
country, Indonesia. Hand gestures are really helpful when you are having
trouble expressing some words to others, it feels really great if
someone just gets it by what you mean by only signing your hand
different way as each sign means different thing, cause you know, hand
speaks! Hand gestures are also used to support you words while talking
to others. Hand gestures reflect some etiquette and considered very
important here in Indonesia. However, we don't recommend you to use
certain hand gestures in another country or places as it could mean
differently (rude). So, do you know how to speak with your hands in
Indonesia?
1. I Heart U
This
"I Heart You" gesture was initially popular among teenagers in some
Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea. You just simply make the
heart shape with your forefinger
and the middle finger from both of your hands. This gesture is usually
used to express someone's feeling and admiration
towards someone else especially to say I Love U or to flirt someone.
#nowplaying Smash - I Heart You
2. Cium Tangan
This
is an Indonesian way to greet elders especially to your parents,
relatives, teachers, and basically just someone who's OLDER than you.
You use your right hand, hold their right hand, and put the back of
their hand onto your forehead, or young kids like to kiss them. It is
considered polite. This gesture is also commonly used when you are about
to leave and ask for their permission.
3. Salam / Apology
This gesture could mean a lot of things! Clasp your hand together in
front of the chest while slightly bowing to greet someone. In Bali, this
gesture is traced to Dharmic Añjali Mudrā. This gesture is also used to
express apology when the hands are slightly raised from your chest.
Indonesians used this gesture commonly in religious holidays to beg for
forgiveness and bless the soul, such as Eid day and say
#minalaidinwalfaidzin.
4. Be Quiet, Please
This gesture is used when someone feels annoyed and disturbed and would like to tell someone to be quiet or don't make any noise. Put your forefinger in front of your mouth and #sssssttt... and the whole room will be quiet immediately like magic.
This gesture is used when someone feels annoyed and disturbed and would like to tell someone to be quiet or don't make any noise. Put your forefinger in front of your mouth and #sssssttt... and the whole room will be quiet immediately like magic.
5. Mari / Monggo
This is a polite way to let
someone enter the room or sit down. Make a thumbs-up sign with your
thumb from both of your hands and point it to the spot where you let
someone to enter. Usually used in a certain region/culture in
Indonesia such as in Central Java and East Java.
6. Everything's Gonna Be Okay
The
gesture for OK is made by raising (usually the right) hand and forming a
circle with the thumb and index finger. It means that everythingg is
fine, it's all good or great sign.
7. Thumbs Up
This gesture shows that
you are agree with something/someone. This sign also means that someone is
complimenting you because you are doing such a good job. However, in certain parts of the Middle East, thumbs-up is considered offensive/rude.
8. Thumbs Down!
When you don’t agree/like with someone/something, you can use this gesture to show your opinion. That also
means that you have to be real upset about things maaaaan.
9. Pointing
Meanwhile in Indonesia, pointing
someone with your forefinger is extremely rude and insulting, so don't
ever make this gestures towards someone. If elders point to someone who
is far younger, it is less rude and fair. However, pointing towards
something/direction is more polite but you have to do it smoothly and
don't do it with sharp, strong movement. And always, use your RIGHT hand
while pointing!
10. V Sign
A hand gesture in
which forefinger and middle finger are raised and parted while the rest are folded. Generally considered
a “Victory” sign, it can also mean the same as “peace". Some Asians put up the V
sign when they have their picture taken because it is #cute and #kawaii. But if you happen to be in the United Kingdom,
don’t ever make this sign when the back of your hand is facing away from you
if you don't want to get in trouble. You’ve been warned.
11. Stop
When you flash your palm at someone, you want them to pause or stop. You can do this while anyone is speaking and they will almost instantly be quiet or stop moving. However, in Indonesia, using this gesture to elders is considered impolite.
12. Me! Present! Pick Me! Senpai, Please Notice Me!
Raise your
hand when you are desired to be volunteered or choosen, usually when in a
large group of people. While raising your hand, you also can shout "SENPAI PLEASE, NOTICE ME!” #jk
13. Air Quotes
Air quotes,
which are quotation marks made with the index finger of each raised hand,
accompany speech and often express the opposite to what is said, because they
are gestures and expression for sarcasm.
14. High Five!
14. High Five!
This gesture is called as "Tos" in Indonesia. It is used when two
people simultaneously raise one hand, about
head-high. The other person responds with the same gesture and so their
palms would meet and slap together. The meaning of this gesture varies
with the context of use, including greeting, congratulations, and celebration.
15. Call Me!
It is the simplest way to say
"call me". Raise your thumb and little finger while the rest fingers are
folded. However, if you use this sign to someone you don't know, it
means flirt, which is a bit nasty eww.
16. Pinky Promise
This gesture is for pinky swear, or to make a pinky
promise, by join the little fingers (“pinkies”) of two people to signify that a
promise has been made and they have to keep their promises.
17. No, Not Like That!
Forefinger's up! while the rest
left folded. Then, move the finger from right to left for several times
and yeah, it simply means disagreement, or expresses "Do not".
'Can I touch this painting?'
'No.'
18. Take and Give
When the palm is upwards, it means that someone is asking for money or
food (most commonly) / begging sign. It is also a pleading gesture of a
street beggar and, used as a 'handover' gesture to offer to help and let
someone talk.
19. Praying
As we know, Indonesia is a multicultural country that consists of
different religions. Each religion has different praying practices and
simply, the hand gestures while praying also differ. As a
muslim-majority country, it is common to see people pray with their
hands towards their face. The praying hand gestures are universal.
Christians pray with their hands folded. Buddhists pray with palms held
together at chest level (one of the gestures), Hindus, also clasp their
hands while praying (one of the common practices).
Yeah, that still so many hand gestures that we commonly use here in Indonesia, but we think, that's all! Yeay.
Sintia Gumara Dini
15112141017
Psikologi 2A
Hand Gestures / English
Group members:
Rachella Ryandra Fitri
Mawas Dwi Cahyadi
Hergita Syi Vadilla Sudarisman
Hand Gestures / English
Group members:
Rachella Ryandra Fitri
Mawas Dwi Cahyadi
Hergita Syi Vadilla Sudarisman
