COMMUNICATING WITH GESTURES

• Brazilians are considered among other Latin Americans to be big "touchers".
• Handshakes are often prolonged compared to American standards and it may be accompanied by an abraço.
• If the two men are well acquainted, the handshake may be accompanied by a slap on the shoulder, on the stomach, or a sustained pat on the back which may last into the conversation.
• Brazilian women also shake hands upon meeting someone, but most commonly they greet with a kiss, usually twice on alternative cheeks. Often women kiss the air while brushing cheeks. One begins the contact with movement to the left.
• Even if a woman meets using a handshake, she is likely to take leave with a kiss.
• Greeting with kisses has come to be used between men and women as well during the last couple of decades. If a man gives a woman a kiss to a woman as a greeting, he generally only kisses one cheek.
• Greeting and leave-taking must be done comfortably and unflinchingly by the American so as not to confirm the stereotype that we are cold and distant.
• If you back away, you will hurt someone's feelings.
• Where an American would likely refer to a business associate as "Mr. Smith", the Brazilian refers to business colleagues by their first names, i.e. "Senhor Angelo" or "Senhora Clarice". Priests, physicians and professors as well as other professionals usually go by their first name. Exceptions depend on the degree of formality of the individual. It is still a custom to use files and lists alphabetized by first name, rather then last, although telephone directories now list by last name.
• Brazilians stand very close while speaking and do not apologize for bumping or brushing against another person. They find our habit of constant apologizing in crowded situations very odd.
• In many places, such as a public market, no lines are formed. The person who pushes to the front of the booth is next.
• A Brazilian man may put an arm around another's shoulders, pat or poke his back or tummy or perhaps squeeze his shoulder, sometimes in greeting, sometimes to emphasize a point and sometimes just as a gesture of goodwill and friendship.
• Women touch more then men, often walking down the street with arms around one other, arms linked or holding hands.
• A woman may tug at the jewelry, shirt collar or buttons of another while talking.
• A Brazilian who feels that your attention is wandering may grab your chin to redirect your gaze.
• Most touching occurs between peers and usually members of the same sex.
• Whereas Americans equate touching with sexual involvement, Brazilians equate touching with general friendship and concern.
• In places where Americans usually stare straight ahead (i.e. the elevator), Brazilians will look around at each other.
• While speaking, Brazilians maintain steady eye contact to a degree that most Americans would consider it a stare. The exception is when speaking to someone of a different age or status. The younger, or less powerful person generally looks away.