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In India, if a person shakes their head from side to side, it means “no”. If a person nods their head up and down it means “yes”. This is all pretty familiar, no? But here there is a spectacular third possibility. It is called the Indian head bob. It is achieved by the smooth and undulating weaving of the head from side to side. A “sinuous back-and-forth-up-and-down-at-the-same-time movement, as smoothly as if the head rested on ball-bearings”. This bob possesses a myriad of meanings. It can mean “yes”. It can mean “OK”, “Great”, or “I guess so”. It can mean “Sure” or “Eh, why not?”. If exhibited while another person is speaking, it can also mean “I'm listening” or “I understand” or “I appreciate the meaning of what you are saying, even though I don't necessarily agree with you”. I have also come to learn that it can sometimes mean "OK, you crazy American. Whatever". The funny thing is that I've already started to do it at home while speaking to Christopher. I have yet to get caught doing it in public ,but that day can't be far off. It's very useful and easy to pick up. | |||||
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