Tapping fingers together. Unusual Finger Movements in Children: Causes, Symptoms, and Interventions
What are the common types of repetitive finger movements in children. How can these behaviors be linked to developmental disorders. What are the potential causes of unusual finger movements in children. How can parents and caregivers address these behaviors effectively.
Understanding Repetitive Finger Movements in Children
Repetitive finger movements in children are a fascinating yet sometimes concerning phenomenon that parents and caregivers may observe. These behaviors can manifest in various ways, from simple tapping to more complex motions. While often harmless, they can sometimes indicate underlying developmental or neurological issues.
Common Types of Repetitive Finger Movements
- Wiggling fingers non-functionally
- Tapping fingers repeatedly without purpose
- Flicking fingers
- Holding fingers in rigid positions
- Intently watching hands or fingers
These movements may be accompanied by other repetitive behaviors such as rocking or hand flapping. They often increase in frequency or intensity during periods of stress, anxiety, or excitement.
The Link Between Finger Movements and Developmental Disorders
Repetitive finger movements can sometimes be associated with developmental disorders, particularly those on the autism spectrum. These behaviors fall under the category of Restricted Repetitive Behaviors (RRBs), which are assessed during autism evaluations using tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2).
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Finger Movements
Children with autism may exhibit unique sensory-motor patterns, including repetitive finger movements. However, it’s crucial to note that these behaviors alone are not sufficient for an autism diagnosis. Autism involves a combination of social communication deficits and restricted interests or behaviors.
Potential Causes of Unusual Finger Movements
Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of repetitive finger movements in children. Understanding these potential causes can help in determining the appropriate course of action.
Motor Overflow
Motor overflow refers to excess movement that serves no functional purpose. It’s common in infants, older adults, and individuals with neurological differences. This phenomenon may result from irregularities in the brain’s motor planning regions, particularly the parietal lobe and basal ganglia.
Complex Motor Stereotypies
Finger movements may be part of what are known as Complex Motor Stereotypies. These are patterned, repetitive, and rhythmic involuntary movements that can occur even in typically developing children. They are often considered a manifestation of executive dysfunction.
Neurological and Developmental Conditions
Various neurological and developmental conditions can be associated with unusual finger movements:
- Developmental Coordination Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cerebral Palsy
- Intellectual Disability
- Certain neurological conditions affecting motor movement
Recognizing Symptoms of Finger Movements in Children
Identifying specific symptoms can help in differentiating between typical and atypical finger movements. Here are some key behaviors to look out for:
- Non-functional wiggling or rolling of fingers
- Repetitive tapping without apparent purpose
- Flicking and extending fingers
- Maintaining rigid finger postures
- Intense focus on hands or finger movements
These behaviors may occur in isolation or in combination with other repetitive movements like rocking or hand flapping.
Diagnosing the Underlying Causes of Finger Movements
When unusual finger movements are observed, it’s important to consider a comprehensive diagnostic approach. This process often involves multiple healthcare professionals and may include various assessments.
Medical Evaluation
A thorough medical examination can help rule out or identify any underlying physical conditions. This may include neurological tests to assess brain function and motor control.
Developmental Assessment
Specialized evaluations can determine if the finger movements are part of a broader developmental issue. These assessments often involve observing the child’s behavior, cognitive abilities, and social interactions.
Psychological Evaluation
In some cases, a psychological assessment may be necessary to explore potential emotional or behavioral factors contributing to the repetitive movements.
Treatment Approaches for Repetitive Finger Movements
The approach to addressing repetitive finger movements in children varies depending on the underlying cause and the impact on the child’s daily functioning. Here are some common treatment strategies:
Behavioral Interventions
Behavioral therapy techniques can help children become more aware of their repetitive movements and develop alternative behaviors. These may include:
- Habit reversal training
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Mindfulness techniques
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapists can work with children to improve fine motor skills and develop more functional hand and finger movements. This may involve:
- Hand strengthening exercises
- Sensory integration activities
- Fine motor skill practice
Medication
In some cases, particularly when finger movements are part of a broader neurological condition, medication may be prescribed. This decision is made on a case-by-case basis by a qualified healthcare professional.
Supporting Children with Repetitive Finger Movements
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting children who exhibit repetitive finger movements. Here are some strategies to consider:
Creating a Supportive Environment
Provide a calm and understanding atmosphere that doesn’t stigmatize the child’s behaviors. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, which may exacerbate repetitive movements.
Encouraging Alternative Activities
Engage the child in activities that promote fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This can include:
- Arts and crafts
- Puzzles
- Musical instruments
- Sports that involve hand skills
Promoting Self-Awareness
Help the child become more aware of their finger movements without judgment. This increased awareness can be the first step in developing more control over the behaviors.
When to Seek Professional Help
While some repetitive finger movements may be harmless, there are situations where professional intervention is warranted. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:
- The movements interfere with daily activities or learning
- They are accompanied by other developmental concerns
- The child expresses distress or discomfort related to the movements
- There are sudden changes in the frequency or intensity of the movements
Early intervention can be crucial in addressing any underlying issues and supporting the child’s overall development.
Research and Future Directions
The field of study surrounding repetitive finger movements in children is continually evolving. Ongoing research aims to better understand the neurological basis of these behaviors and develop more targeted interventions.
Neuroimaging Studies
Advanced brain imaging techniques are providing new insights into the neural pathways involved in repetitive movements. These studies may lead to more precise diagnostic tools and treatment approaches.
Genetic Research
Investigations into genetic factors associated with repetitive behaviors are ongoing. This research may help identify children at higher risk and guide early intervention strategies.
Innovative Therapies
New therapeutic approaches are being developed and tested, including:
- Virtual reality-based interventions
- Neurofeedback techniques
- Targeted motor training programs
These emerging therapies hold promise for more effective management of repetitive finger movements and related behaviors.
Conclusion
Repetitive finger movements in children can be a complex and multifaceted issue. While they may sometimes indicate underlying developmental or neurological conditions, they can also be a normal part of childhood development. The key lies in careful observation, professional evaluation when necessary, and a supportive approach to intervention.
By understanding the potential causes, recognizing the symptoms, and exploring various treatment options, parents and caregivers can better support children who exhibit these behaviors. Remember that each child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Patience, understanding, and professional guidance are essential in navigating this aspect of child development.
As research in this field continues to advance, we can look forward to more refined diagnostic tools and innovative treatment strategies. In the meantime, fostering a supportive environment and promoting overall developmental well-being remain crucial in helping children with repetitive finger movements thrive.
Repetitive and Unusual Finger Movements in Children
What are Finger Movements in Childhood?
Finger movements in childhood are repeated flicking, tapping, or unique finger motions commonly associated with a developmental disability like the Autism Spectrum.
These movements may be rhythmic, and it may feel that your child has no control or awareness of their fingers. The movements may increase in the presence of stress, anxiety, or excitement. Often, these movements are referred to as part of the category of RRBs for restricted repetitive behaviors. This behavior is assessed on the ADOS-2, a measure for evaluating autism characteristics.
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Symptoms of Finger Movements in Children
- Wiggling fingers non-functionally: your child is moving fingers in a rolling motion. They may hold their hands on the sides of their body while wiggling or rolling fingers around. Some kids may hold out their fingers out in front of them and watch as their hands and fingers move
- Tapping fingers non-functionally: your child is tapping fingers repeatedly and without a purpose
- Flicking fingers non-functionally: your child is flicking and extending fingers. The child may watch their fingers flick or keep their hands at their sides while moving and flicking
- Holding fingers in rigid position: your child is maintaining a rigid finger posture that may look like a muscle spasm or tensing of the hand
- Watching hands or fingers intently: your child may study hands and moving fingers and seem to be distracted by them
- Rocking or flapping: your child may have other motor behaviors like rocking and flapping along with finger movements
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Causes of Finger Movements in Childhood
- Motor overflow is an excess movement that does not serve a function. It is common in infants, older adults, and those with neurological differences. The motor planning part of the brain may not be working smoothly. Movements are controlled by the parts of the brain (parietal lobe and basal ganglia) responsible for planning and executing gross motor movements.
- Motor stereotypies: Motor movements that may include finger movements are often referred to as Complex Motor Stereotypies. These behaviors are patterned, repetitive, and rhythmic involuntary movements [3]. They can occur in children who are otherwise developing typically and are considered part of executive dysfunction.
- Restricted & repetitive behaviors: Finger movements may occur in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. A neurological difference is present in this context, and the behaviors are referred to as restricted and repetitive behaviors. Restricted and repetitive behaviors are only one of the many symptoms of autism. Thus, if a child has only repetitive behaviors but no social or communication problems, autism would not be diagnosed
Some diagnoses that commonly occur with finger movements
- Developmental coordination disorder: challenges with fine motor or gross motor skills, which may include motor planning and motor overflow. Children with this disorder may have difficulties executing fine motor movements for writing, drawing, or small tasks like stringing beads. Sometimes these issues may result in unique or impaired finger movements [3]
- Autism spectrum disorder: deficits in social communication and restricted interests or behaviors [1, 2, 3]. The sensory-motor systems in children with ASD may differ in some children, and thus RRBs, including finger movements, can be a part of the diagnosis. Often with autism, special interests are also present
- Cerebral palsy: impacts muscle tone, movement, and coordination (generally is diagnosed around the time of birth)
- Intellectual disability: finger movements may be part of a developmental, neurological, or genetic disorder that also causes intellectual impairment
- Neurological conditions related to motor movement: medical conditions that impact motor movement or medications that cause excess motor movement could lead to unusual finger movements. Parkinson’s Disease or Huntington’s Disease, for example, are medical conditions occurring in adults that may result in unique motor movements. Some medications for schizophrenia may cause tardive dyskinesia, which includes motor problems
What to Do about Finger Movements in Childhood
When a child has a movement disorder that is part of a complex medical diagnosis, or neurological condition, it will be important to consult with your treatment team before deciding on any interventions. Typically neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and psychiatrists treat these symptoms. In most cases, the best outcomes are achieved when the treatment team coordinates and works on common goals.
As psychologists, the authors of this article have worked extensively with children on the Autism Spectrum (ASD). With ASD, it can be a goal to have the child begin to recognize motor overflow behaviors. You can then start to work with them to inhibit and shape the behaviors. Shaping refers to gradually moving toward a more acceptable behavior through reinforcing successive approximations. Stated simply, we decide the behavior we want to teach and then reward every baby step toward that goal.
Many children can be provided with an alternative to occupy their hands, such as a fidget toy for the pocket, something to tap or hold, or a cool-looking textured bracelet. Once your child can recognize the finger movements, they can shift to a less noticeable behavior to meet the sensory need.
“If finger movements are infrequent and not causing teasing or embarrassment, you may decide to do nothing.
If your child does not mind the finger movements, there is no reason to worry. It is okay to let this issue go so long as your child is not suffering any negative impacts.”
However, some kids we work with tell us they want to change these behaviors. They might prefer another way to focus at school rather than drawing attention to themselves. Many kids will make adjustments at school but not worry about making changes at home, where they feel safe and comfortable.
If your child really wants to work on this issue to feel more confident around peers, here are a few ideas.
- DO listen to your child and take their cues for how you can help them
- DO provide a fidget toy to hold when your child encounters stress or excitement
- DO offer a rubber bracelet or band that is stylish and offers something to grab and twist as needed
- DO provide movement breaks regularly for other kinds of motor activity
- DO work on coping strategies for stress like deep breathing, yoga, muscle relaxation, listening to music, taking a walk or water break
When to Seek Help for Finger Movements in Childhood
If your child meets the criteria for autism or another medical diagnosis, they may need an IEP or Section 504 Plan to provide additional support and services at school. It will be important to share any diagnostic information or reports with your School Psychologist to get the ball rolling.
Professional Resources on Finger Movements
- Psychologist or neuropsychologist: to consider symptoms in a mental health and brain-based context. A testing psychologist who knows child development can comprehensively evaluate emotional, cognitive, language, learning, and motor domains to help create a profile of your child’s strengths and needs. This professional can diagnose autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities
- Neurologist: to consider other neurological causes for finger movements. Can diagnose many genetic or brain-based disorders or medical conditions.
- School psychologist: to consider a 504 plan or IEP based on behaviors and learning in school
- ABA therapist: to treat RRBs and help a child find appropriate replacement behaviors for any problematic finger movements. ABA therapists may come into the home. Many parents find it helpful to have support in the setting where they see these behaviors
- Occupational therapist (OT): to work on fine motor movements with a child in a school or community setting. Occupational Therapists can work on sensory sensitivity and sensory regulation. If your child needs an OT and has a medical condition, a community referral can come from your doctor, and most insurance plans will likely cover services
- Physical therapist: to work on motor skills. Generally, an OT works with the hands, but a child with more motor needs may find regular physical therapy helpful. A medical doctor can make this referral
- Developmental pediatrician: to look at the whole child and identify any genetic conditions or needs related to neurology, behavior, or development. Can prescribe medication as needed. This professional can diagnose any medical or genetic condition, including autism
Similar Conditions to Finger Movements in Childhood
- Motor coordination: finger movements could be related to a general motor control problem
- Executive functions: finger movements are often associated with executive functioning deficits in multiple areas
- Attention challenges: finger movements may be associated with attention deficits
- Social challenges: finger movements may be associated with the social deficits often seen in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD
- Sensory sensitivity: finger movements are often seen in children who have sensory sensitivities. In this case, Autism Spectrum Disorder should be considered
Book Resources on Finger Movements in Childhood
[1] Kroncke, Willard, & Huckabee (2016). Assessment of autism spectrum disorder: Critical issues in clinical forensic and school settings. Springer, San Francisco.
[2] Fein, Deborah (2011). The Neuropsychology of Autism.
[3] Mahone, Mark E.; Ryan, Matthew; Ferenc, Lisa; Morris-Berry, Christina; Singer, Harvey, S. (2014). Neuropsychological function in children with primary complex motor stereotypies. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology.
[4] Goldman, S., Wang, C., Salgado, M. W., Greene, P. E., Kim, M., & Rapin, I. (2009). Motor stereotypies in children with autism and other developmental disorders. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 51(1), 30-38.
What It Means When Someone Taps Their Fingers (Full Facts)
When it comes to tapping the fingers, there are many different meanings as to why someone is doing this. In this post, we will take a look at the top 6 reasons why someone would tap their fingers.
When someone taps their fingers, they are usually indicating that they are impatient or want something to happen more quickly. This can be interpreted differently depending on the context, but generally, it is a sign of impatience. In some cases, it may also be a nervous habit or a way to release energy.
Context is key to understanding why someone would be tapping their fingers. The next question is what is context?
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Understand Context First.
Context is simply what is going on around the person you are observing, You need to understand context in order to better guess why the person is tapping their fingers in the first place.
Things to think about: where are they? Who are they with? What is the conversation about? Once we take these things into account, we can make a better judgment call on why someone might be tapping their finger.
6 Reason Somone Would Be Tapping Their Fingers.
- It’s a nervous habit.
- They’re impatient.
- They’re bored.
- They’re drumming along to music in their head.
- They’re thinking.
- They’re trying to get your attention.
1. It’s A Nervous Habit.
When we see someone tapping their fingers, it could be due to nerves. It’s a way of pacifying themselves or relieving nervous energy. Context would play a big part in understanding if this is due to nerves or not.
An example would be when a boss walks into a room and a colleague suddenly sits up and starts tapping their fingers.
2. They’re impatient.
Waiting around can be frustrating, especially when you are running late. Tapping your fingers together is a body language cue that shows everyone you are becoming impatient.
3. They’re bored.
When someone becomes bored, they may start tapping their fingers together or on the table in order to relieve the boredom. Context will play a strong role in determining whether or not they’re bored.
4. They’re drumming along to music in their head.
A simple one to understand is when someone is tapping their fingers together, it could simply be that they are listening to music and enjoying it.
5. They’re thinking.
They are probably thinking about something that has put them into a perplexed state, or they might be trying to figure out what the next step is!
6. They’re trying to get your attention.
Sometimes tapping or drumming the fingers can be a way to get attention. It’s quite a complex movement and can be a subtle way to draw someone in.
That’s our top six reasons for what it means when someone taps their fingers. Next, we’ll take a look at some commonly asked questions..
Questions And Answers.
Why do people tap their fingers?
There are many reasons people might tap their fingers. Some people tap their fingers when they are thinking or concentrating. Others might tap their fingers when they are bored or anxious. Some people might tap their fingers to keep rhythm or to help them think.
What can finger-tapping reveal about a person’s personality?
Finger-tapping can reveal a number of things about a person such as if they are impatient, frustrated, or bored. It can also signal to other people if they like the music that is playing.
Is finger-tapping a beneficial or harmful habit?
It depends on the context if finger tapping is beneficial or harmful. In one way, it can be beneficial, such as calming yourself down, and in others, it can say to people in authority that you are going to be in trouble.
What is it called when you tap your fingers?
This is called ‘finger-tapping’.
What does it mean when someone taps their fingers on a table?
When someone taps their fingers on a table, they are usually indicating that they are impatient or anxious. It is a way of releasing energy, and can also be used to help calm oneself down. Tapping your fingers is also a way of showing that you are bored or not interested in what is going on around you. Some people do it because it feels good, or because it helps them focus. It is also a common way of communicating when someone is unable to speak.
What does it mean when someone taps the side of their head?
When someone taps the side of their head, they are trying to communicate something important. This can be done with one hand or two, but tapping the head with the index finger is the most common way to do it. It’s important to try and interpret what the person is trying to say, as it may be something crucial. Children may use this gesture more often than adults, but it can be seen in people of all ages.
What does it mean when you tap your fingers together?
Tapping your fingers together is a way to show someone that you are becoming impatient or thinking about something.
Why does someone constantly tap their fingers?
Someone may constantly tap their fingers together out of habit or frustration.
Summary
What does it mean when someone taps their fingers? It can mean many different things, depending on the context of the situation. No one body language movement can indicate something good or bad; we have to read into the situation first. If you have found this post useful you should also check out What Does Body Language Of The Hands Mean (Find Out More) for more useful tips. Until next time thanks for reading.
Sign Dictionary – Power
George W. Bush tells Americans they are OK and sexually abuses the proud peoples of Spain, Greece and South America |
F gestures, meaning admiration for female beauty, in all cultures considered immodest. But if in Europe women quite favorably endure all kinds of whistling, winking, snapping fingers and air kisses sent to them, then in Asian countries one can get in the face for such delights. It is also useful for young ladies to be able to distinguish simple flirting from dirty sexual innuendo. In France, it is a crude sexual gesture to snap the fingers of both hands at the same time and pat the palm of one hand on the clenched fist of the other. In Greece, sexual harassment is expressed by tapping a finger on the chin, winking, whistling and air kissing. In Argentina, a man makes an obscene proposal to a woman by tapping on the inside of the thigh, and in Egypt, tapping each other with the tips of his index fingers.
Insult
Fidel Castro demonstrates his male power in Pakistani style and threatens to use it |
In most cultures, offensive gestures have phallic symbolism. In many cultures, it is considered offensive to raise a fist (for example, Pakistan), thumb (Iran), index finger or elbow of the hand with a clenched fist (China). But there are also purely national insults. In England, the sign V (Victory) is considered offensive if it is made not with the palm outward, but with the palm to the face. Apparently, the British adopted this gesture from the Arabs, who raise the tip of the nose with two fingers, imitating the movements of the phallus. The most rude sexual insult among Americans is a fist with a raised middle finger.
The Greeks, on the contrary, wanting to offend a person, put their thumb down. Usually this gesture is used by drivers who use it to express something like “Where are you going, idiot! Can’t you see, I’m on my way!”. In our country, this gesture is common among the youth and means “sucks”, that is, “bad”.
In Greece, there is another gesture that has an offensive meaning. It consists of stretching out the hand, palm forward, with the fingers spread out, much as we do when we want to ask someone to be quiet. This gesture dates back to the times of antiquity, when the faces of defeated enemies were smeared with mud. A similar offensive gesture exists in Nigeria. And in Chile, this gesture has a more specific meaning and means “Junk!”. In Saudi Arabia, a more complex version of this gesture is used, when the hand with spread fingers is parallel to the ground, while the index finger is pointing down.
Rubbing his nose with his index finger, Anatoly Chubais warns in French that small shareholders should not be trusted |
If in Russia the figurine refers mainly to children’s insulting gestures (like a protruding tongue), then for many peoples (for example, the Turks, Latin Americans, Mediterranean inhabitants) this gesture is a deadly insult, since it has a phallic meaning. In Brazilians, on the contrary, it means a wish for good luck. And in Paraguay, a gesture is considered an insult, which in the United States means a wish for good luck: crossed index and middle fingers. Probably, such an inversion of positive and negative meanings is not accidental: in Russia, the ritual of wishing good luck also consists of phrases whose literal meaning is far from benevolent (No fluff, no feather! – Go to hell!).
Westerners may offend Arabs by their habit of sitting cross-legged, especially in the American manner – “number four” (the shin of one leg rests on the thigh of the other). This is due to the fact that in the Middle East it is considered an insult to show another the soles of your shoes. By the way, the American manner of crossing legs cost the lives of several spies during the Second World War, who, thanks to this gesture, which is not characteristic of Europeans, were exposed by German counterintelligence.
In India, it is considered a terrible insult to step on someone’s foot (even by accident). In Thailand, a person may be offended if you put your hand on the back of the chair on which he is sitting, and in Japan, if you hold out a business card to him with one hand, and not with two (you also rely on two hands and with a slight bow to take the thing extended to you).
Beyond just hurtful gestures, many cultures have ways of expressing more specific accusations.
Stretching out his hand with the palm forward, Mikhail Gorbachev in Greek promises to mix everyone with mud |
Drunk. To warn that a person is drunk, the French join the thumb and forefinger into a ring and “put” this ring on their nose. The Dutch in a similar situation tap their nose with their index finger.
Chatterbox. To show that they are tired of someone’s meaningless chatter, the French make a gesture that imitates playing an imaginary flute. In Latin America and the Middle East, to convey the meaning of “talker”, “yap”, brush movements are used, depicting the opening of the mouth.
Greedy. To show that a person is greedy, in Colombia they hit the fingers of one hand on the inside of the elbow of the other.
Liar. A specific gesture for portraying lies exists in Israel. When an Israelite taps the index finger of one hand on the open palm of the other, he says: “Rather grass will grow in my palm than I will believe your words.” In France, the index finger at the lower eyelid means “lie” or “I am considered a liar.”
Homosexual. In the Middle East, a person’s non-standard sexual orientation is reported as follows: licking the little finger and combing their eyebrow. In Italians, a similar meaning is conveyed by pinching the earlobe. In Spain, there is an insulting gesture with a similar meaning, also meaning “girl” or “sucker”: the head is tilted to one side, the cheek rests on the palm (imitation of the pose of a falling asleep child).
Cleverness and stupidity
Touching her lower eyelid with her finger, Valentina Matvienko admits in French that she is a liar. Aleksey Kudrin is preparing to perform an offensive Arabic gesture: reciprocating movements of the nose between the index and middle fingers imitate the movements of the phallus |
Gestures depicting intelligence and stupidity often have opposite meanings in different cultures. For example, when a Frenchman, German or Italian thinks an idea is stupid, he expressively knocks himself on the head. A German slap on the forehead with an open palm is the equivalent of the exclamation: “You’re crazy!” And when a Briton or a Spaniard knocks himself on the forehead, he, on the contrary, is pleased with himself. Despite the fact that in this gesture there is a share of self-irony, the person still praises himself for his quick wit: “This is the mind!”
Germans, Americans, French and Italians have a habit of drawing a spiral near the head with their index finger, which means “crazy idea …”
The gesture “finger to the temple” among the Germans and Austrians means “crazy!”, and in a number of African cultures this gesture means that a person is deeply thoughtful. In France, a finger to the temple means that a person is just a fool, and in Holland, on the contrary, that he is smart or said a smart thing.
Especially confusing is the designation of the intellectual level of the interlocutor in modern Israel. In the “official” sign language generally accepted in the country, putting a finger to the temple means praising someone for a smart idea. At the same time, many ethnic groups inhabiting Israel perceive this gesture differently. For Moroccan Jews, as for the French, it means “stupidity”, for American Jews – “are you crazy”, and for immigrants from Romania – “I think” or “think. ”
Affirmation and Denial
Bill Clinton mortally insults the entire Arab world by showing him the soles of his shoes |
For those who are accustomed to understanding head-down movement as “yes” and side-to-side movement as “no”, there will be many difficulties in the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia, “yes” is turning the head from side to side (like our “no”), and “no” is tilting the head back and clicking the tongue. In Lebanon and Iran, to say “no”, it is enough to sharply raise and throw back the head, and to say “yes”, on the contrary, to slightly tilt it forward and down. In Turkey, denial is expressed as follows: you need to tilt your head slightly back and close your eyes. The Turkish affirmation is to tilt the head down and slightly to the side.
Evil tongues claim that it was Princess Diana’s flirtatious habit of tilting her head slightly to one side and down that influenced her charitable career. Whenever she visited any of the Middle Eastern countries on a humanitarian mission and listened to numerous requests for help there, this gesture of hers was taken as an agreement to help and were scattered in gratitude. The princess had no choice but to really fulfill the requests of all those who suffer.
In India and Malaysia, in agreement, they shake their heads from one shoulder to the other (this gesture in Russia means condemnation).
In Germany, “no” is often indicated by waving the hand from side to side (a favorite gesture of Soviet leaders on the podium of the Mausoleum).
Bulgarians, as you know, shake their heads from side to side in agreement, and nod in denial. The legend says that these gestures originate from the act of a folk hero. The conquering Turks persuaded him to renounce the faith of his fathers and to accept Islam. Under the threat of death, he had to verbally agree with them, but with a parallel gesture he simultaneously expressed denial. Since then, a nod in Bulgaria means “no”.
Calling attention
To draw attention to what they are saying, Brazilians snap their fingers while throwing their hand sharply to the side. In Portugal, to be heard, you need to stretch your hand forward with your palm down and wiggle your fingers, as if you are stroking someone on the head. A gesture that is often used by Western speakers to attract the attention of the audience (outstretched palm with spread fingers), among the Greeks means a rude insult.
Danger signal
Alexander Rutskoi performs a universal threatening gesture that makes humans related to primates |
touches with the index finger to the lower eyelid and slightly pulls it down, this means: “Be careful look both ways!” If a Frenchman or a Dutchman rubs his nose with his index finger, he warns: “Something is unclean here,” “Be careful,” “These people cannot be trusted.” This gesture is very close to the Italian tapping of the index finger on the nose, which means: “Beware of danger. ”
Doubt, bewilderment
When a Portuguese taps his chin with his index finger, this gesture means: “I don’t know!” And if you tap on the chin with your thumb, this gesture will have a completely different meaning: someone has died. In Paraguay, to say “I don’t know”, they grab the chin with two fingers, in Japan they shake their hand from side to side. Puerto Ricans, shaking the tip of their nose with their fingers, ask: “What’s going on here?”
Apology
If an Indian puts his fingers on your shoulder and then on his forehead, it means that he apologizes to you. And if he grabs his earlobes, then he deeply repents of his deed and swears his devotion. This gesture is the traditional gesture of a servant being scolded by his master.
Good luck wishes
The Austrians, to wish a person good luck, put two fists together and make a downward movement, as if hitting them on the table. In the United States, for good luck, the middle and index fingers are crossed. The same gesture in Russia among children means that the person is about to tell a lie. In China, a wish for good luck is fingers clasped and pressed to the chest. Another variant of the Chinese gesture is the little fingers interlocked. This means reaching an informal agreement and the hope that it will be long-term. Our children use the same gesture as a symbol of reconciliation, and in Latin America and the Middle East, interlocked little fingers, on the contrary, should be interpreted as: “That’s it. We had a fight.”
ANNA FENKO
Popular seven-language phrase book
“Come here!” | “Hello” | “Class!” | “Fuck you!” | “Yes” | “No” | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Russian | Palm rotated | Handshake | Fist, large | Raised fist, | Nodding head | Head shake from |
up, fingers | thumbs up | arm flexed into | up-down | side to side | ||
beckon | elbow, other | |||||
lies on the elbow | ||||||
fold | ||||||
American | Palm rotated | Handshake | OK (ring) | Raised fist | Nodding head | Head shake from |
up, fingers | up middle | up down | side to side | |||
beckon | finger | |||||
Arabic | Arm extended | Right hand to | NONE (BLANK | Fingers in | Tilt slightly | Throw back sharply |
palm forward | to the heart, then to | CAGE) | “Victoria”, between | head sideways and | head | |
down. Fingers | forehead, then – | them nose tip, | down (head | |||
move like | palm forward | lift it up | hung) | |||
as if digging the earth | up | imitating movements | ||||
phalluses | ||||||
Chinese | Arm extended | Direct bow | Bring the palm to | Raised fist, | Nodding head | Head shake from |
palm forward | head | lips | arm flexed into | up down (as in | side to side | |
down. Fingers | elbow, other | us) | (like ours) | |||
move like | lies on the elbow | |||||
as if digging the earth | fold (like ours) | |||||
French | Palm rotated | Handshake | Blow kiss | Patting | Nodding head | pumping |
up, fingers | palm of one | up down (as in | index | |||
beckon | clenched hands | us) | finger out | |||
fist other | side to side | |||||
(as we have | ||||||
forbid children) | ||||||
German | Palm rotated | Handshake (as | Hands in the lock over | Raised fist | Nodding head | Hand waving |
up, fingers | with us) | head | up middle | up and down (similar to | from side to | |
beckon | finger | us) | palm to side | |||
to the interlocutor | ||||||
Greek | Arm extended | Handshake | Hand in a fist, | Pulled forward | Tilt slightly | Head up |
palm forward | thumb | palm to | head sideways and | |||
down. Fingers | up (like ours) | interlocutor’s hand | down (head | |||
move like | splayed | hung) | ||||
as if digging the earth | fingers |
Home Development – Fun Hands – Mommy Club. All About Pregnancy, Infant & Toddler Development
According to scientists, “a child’s intelligence is at their fingertips.”
The most basic motor skills of children’s hands are the mobility of small muscles, the ability to perform manipulations that require precise coordination of eye and hand movements. The development of fine motor skills is directly related to the development of the child’s speech, as well as his attention, mental activity, intellectual and creative activity.
Here are some activities from the Fun Hands series that you can do with your child.
All it takes is your hands, your child’s hands and some vibrations. These exercises can be done anywhere and anytime. For example, you can sit your baby on a mat or place him between your legs to create a nest-like structure – little ones love it.
It’s easy to get started – first show the movements yourself, in a playful way. When your child sees that you are enjoying the game, he will willingly repeat the movements after you. Depending on your child’s age, you can help him reproduce these figures with his fingers. Children older than two and a half years old can repeat the movements with their own hands, but the participation of parents will make this process more enjoyable for everyone.
Depending on the age of the child, do these exercises for 5-10 minutes. You will get better results if you practice every day.
1. Candles
From a position where both hands are clenched into fists, sharply and simultaneously straighten the fingers of both hands
Alternative: 9 0734
We light candles when the night falls!
We extinguish them when the sun rises!
2. Flower
Description: Use both hands to form a “bud” with the wrists pressed together and the fingers curl inward.
Description: Slowly open your fingers, stretch them up, pressing your palms together.
Description: The sun rises – the flower blossoms! (The wrists remain pressed together, and the fingers open and spread apart)
The sun sets – the flower goes to bed. (Return your fingers to the starting position).
3. Woodpecker
Description: (Gently tap the open palm of your left hand with your right fist).
Description: Bring the fingertips of the right hand together to represent the beak of a woodpecker, raise the left hand, spread the fingers apart like a “fan” to represent a tree).
Description: Use the woodpecker’s beak fingers to tap the palm of your left hand.
4. Turtle
Description : Place your fists on the table or knees, tapping them slowly.