The same gesture, movement or posture might have a different meaning or be subject to different interpretations in two different countries, or even in different cities or regions within a country. In some places, if you don't look people in the eye it can seem like you're being evasive. In other places, if you look people in the eye it can seem like your being combative.

’Body language' refers to the way in which a person’s physical demeanour conveys their mood. This has to be interpreted by the listener who, as observer, will recognise certain features in the manner of the speaker. This behaviour is culturally acquired, through experience of interacting with people in different situations, and therefore varies between groups of people.