Head bobble

2021-09-05T18:13:38Z

103.21.164.97:

{{short description|Gesture; side-to-side tilting of the head to approve}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
The '''head bobble''', or '''Indian head shake''' refers to a common [[gesture]] found in [[South Asia]]n cultures, most notably in [[India]]. The motion usually consists of a side-to-side tilting of the head in arcs along the [[coronal plane]].<ref>{{Citation|url=http://www.worldhum.com/features/how-to/tilt_your_head_like_an_india_20060128/ |title=How to Tilt Your Head Like an Indian |author=Kavita Pillay |date=30 Jan 2006 |publisher=[[World Hum]] }}</ref> A form of [[nonverbal communication]], it may mean ''yes'', ''good'', ''maybe'', ''ok'', or ''I understand'', depending on the context.<ref>{{Citation|url=http://www.slate.com/id/2143259/entry/2107076 |title=Trying Really Hard To Like India |chapter=Actually Liking Stuff |author=Seth Stevenson |date=27 Sep 2004 |publisher=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]] }}</ref><ref name="tripsavvy"/>

== Usage ==
In India, a head bobble can have a variety of different meanings. Most frequently it means ''yes,'' or is used to indicate understanding. The meaning of the head bobble depends on the context of the conversation or encounter. It can serve as an alternative to ''thank you'', as a polite introduction, or it can represent acknowledgement.<ref name="tripsavvy">{{Cite web |url=https://www.tripsavvy.com/meaning-of-the-indian-head-shake-1539322 |title=What is the Meaning of the Indian Head Wobble? |author=Sharell Cook |website=TripSavvy |language=en |date=9 Apr 2020 |access-date=2019-12-09}}</ref>

Head bobbles can also be used in an intentionally vague manner. An unenthusiastic head bobble can be a polite way of declining something without saying no directly.<ref name="tripsavvy" />

The gesture is common throughout India. However, it is used more frequently in South India and Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Citation|author=Craig Storti|title=Speaking of India: Bridging the communication gap when working with Indians|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QDqkdaNwGwgC&pg=PA37|year=2007|chapter=The Indian "Yes" Head Gesture|publisher=Intercultural Press}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|author=Chad Lewis|title=Successful Communication in Multicultural Environments|url=http://www.luthais.com/index_files/papers/Chad%20Lewis%20-%20Successful%20Communication%20in%20Multicultural%20Environments.pdf|year=2008|publisher=Intercultural Focus}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Head shake]]
* [[Nod (gesture)|Nod]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.ted.com/talks/devdutt_pattanaik.html The myths that mystify - TED talk (ends with a reference to "the Indian head shake") ]
* [http://delhibelly.blogspot.com/2004/06/do-you-wobble.html Do you wobble?]

{{Gestures}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Head Bobble}}
[[Category:Human communication]]
[[Category:Gestures]]
[[Category:South Asia]]

{{India-culture-stub}}

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Head bobble