By: Kirsten Nyakoe
Thank you. Gracias. Merci. Asante. ありがとう. 谢谢. شكراً. All mean the same thing and are fairly straightforward. Showing thankfulness verbally is easy enough; most people do it daily—when someone opens the door for them, compliments them, or praises their work. Though giving thanks itself is a universal thing, the nonverbal ways people do it, how it differs from culture to culture is what’s truly fascinating. I believe that the fact that such a simple concept can be shown in many different ways is part of the beauty of our world, and deserves as much recognition as other parts of culture do. In honor of this month of giving thanks, I want to explore beyond the verbal ways thanks is shown in the hopes that we all learn something new.
The first way many cultures show thanks is through symbolic gestures. In America, this could mean a thumbs up or an open-palm wave. In Latin America, this could mean a hearty hug or kisses on both cheeks. In France, subtle nods and head tilts get the job done. In Kenya, a full handshake will get the message across. In Japan, people bow. The lower the bow is, the more respect and therefore thanks is being shown. In China, receiving a gift using both hands is one way to show gratitude. In Middle Eastern countries, putting your hand on your chest shows an elevated level of sincerity. Even without these specifics, universal gestures like smiling and holding eye contact apply to all these cultures—shows of respect that transcend cultural and physical boundaries. Though verbally saying thank you is simplest of all, combining it with even one of these gestures can make it that much more meaningful.
Of course, gestures are not the only way to show thanks—thanks can be shown through what one does for someone else, too. In nearly every culture—American, LatAm, French, Kenyan, Japanese, and Chinese, the basic concept of quid pro quo is followed. If someone does you a favor, you do them one in return. Maybe not right away, but for many cultures, if they reach out in the future, the expectation is for you to pay it forward. Last but certainly not least is the other universal gesture of thanks: gift-giving. This could range from treating someone to a drink to getting them a souvenir when going on vacation. What is actually given or done for someone isn’t the focal point—it’s about showing that you care.
There are so many ways to show that you care, and I’ve barely scratched the surface with the information I’ve shared. There’s so much more to giving thanks than this, and so many opportunities to show it. This month, I’m challenging myself to not just say thanks on autopilot or out of obligation, but to really think about it and mean it, and I invite you to join me too. Adding a little intent to an activity that should be anything but mundane is just one way to honor this month of thankfulness. I think that’s a good place to start.
Languages in order: English, Spanish, French, Swahili, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic.
Photo Credit: AIFS Study Abroad Blog
