How come an horizontal movement of the head is NO and YES for vertical movement?

Question

This body language seems to be universal in any civilisations!

Answer 1

No ---it's not universal...in some cultures it is exactly the opposite.

Answer 2

The upward movement of the head indicates an increase of height... a positive movement. YES is a positive answer. I know your head goes up AND down to indicate yes but that is to reset the start point of the nod. I suppose you COULD leave your chin up.

The vertical movement to indicate NO is simply the opposite movement of the head as NO is the opposite of Yes.

This is probably universal because MATH and logic are universal in all civilisations. Similar to the X and Y axis and +/- .

Answer 3

Good question. I am trying to analyze this. When you move your head from left to right, you get a clearer view of your surroundings. When you move your head up and down, your sight is focused toward the center. If you are agreeing with someone, you maintain visual contact with them by moving your head up and down. But if you disagree with them, you are looking around them as if to find other choices.

I have no clue if this has any scientific merit, but it's all I can come with.

Answer 4

in india(espeically in the south) the head bobble(kind of like our NO) is a gesture meaning yes--it confused me for a while.

Answer 5

This can change in different countries...You have to be very careful with head / hand motions. You can insult someone without knowing it...

Answer 6

well i dont know abt others but i confuse everyone by doing it the other way not deliberately.n i m an indian.

Answer 7

actually, some places do it the other way around