Culture

Nonverbal "Yes" and "No"

Many Arabs, especially youth, will use nonverbal communication to say "yes" and "no."

• To communicate "Yes": Bow the head slightly (sometimes even undetectably) while slowly blinking both eyes.
• To communicate "No": Flick the head upward, while making a clicking noise by placing the tongue at the roof of the mouth. At the same time, raise the eyebrows. Note: Some individuals only raise their eyebrows.

© 2004 UC Consortium for Language Learning and Teaching. All rights reserved.