The first aspect of nonverbal communication I want to start with gestures. Jannie told me that for the most part our gestures are the same and have the same meaning. In doing a little more research I found that there are a few differences. In America we have all done or seen someone call another person crazy by circling our index (pointer) finger near the temple of our head. In Denmark this gesture is used to insult another driver while on the road. Another gesture is the O.K. sign we make when connecting our thumb and forefinger to make a circle. Here in America it is a good sign but like in other countries it is considered an insult in Denmark.
Next, make the "victory" sign with your hand. Was the palm of your hand facing outward or inward? If it was outward, than I think you will be okay in Denmark! When making that sign in Denmark, it is interpreted as a rude or obscene gesture if your palm is facing inward. Jannie told me that in Denmark pointing at someone directly is considered rude but to point in a direction is acceptable, much like the United States. In order to beckon someone, such as a waiter, you do so by using your index finger.
Another question I asked Jannie was about body movement, do the use their hands when they speak or use large arm movements to get a point across. Her response was that it depends on how extroverted you are. She said that usually people my wave at someone and smile but large gestures are not used. This found out is because in Denmark people do not do anything to draw attention to them. It is more important to blend in with the crowd then to stand out. As far as how you present yourself in public, one should not slouch because it is considered juvenile and shows lack of respect and laziness. Let me ask you a question, how do you enter the row of your choice at the movies? Do you turn your back to the people already sitting in that row or do you face them? I know I turn my back to them. Turning your back to someone with walking through the movie theater row is considered an insult; you should face them and have your back side facing the stage/screen.
In Denmark space and privacy are very important. In my conversation with Jannie she told me that when in the company of close friends and family is the only time when people are comfortable with people being in their personal space. In my research I found that even on the buses or when standing in large groups, people tend to act like no one is around them. They do not like their space to be invaded, especially from strangers. If you are having a conversation with a Dane, you would need to stand at least two arm's length away from them. In regards to their houses, they often are separated by large amounts of land or tall trees, bushes, or fences so that people can no see into their private property. In fact, even for me to go over to Denmark, it would be considered a privilege for Jannies mother to offer me into her home since she does not know me. Danes keep their homes very private.
The last thing I want to talk about is time. Like Americans, Danes have great respect for time. It is important to make appointments when meeting with them and even more important to be on time.
While at a quick glance we may seem much like the same country separated by an ocean, we are different! However, I do not think it would be hard for an American to adjust if they new these simple things to know!
Denmark: Public Behaviour. (2007, October 18). Retrieved March 30, 2012, from
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(n.d.). Retrieved March 2012, from Kwintessential:
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/denmark-country-profile.html
Dinesen, J. M. (2012, March 28). Danish Nonverbal
Communication. (C. Rohde, Interviewer)
Hog, E., & Johannessen, H. (n.d.). Culture of
Denmark. Retrieved March 11, 2012, from Countries and Their Culture:
http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Denmark.html
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