Is it a basic after all even monkeys clap
2006-09-16 04:58:05 · 18 answers · asked by bwadsp 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Am I wrong? I think this question is not about what clapping signifies, as some of the other people who have answered appear to believe, but rather how is it we have chosen that action, ie beating our hands together to produce a percussive sound.
Any way, I am afraid I have no idea. A guess? To demonstrate that our hands are empty as opposed to holding a lethal weapon, or some knitting needles or a Game-Boy indicating that we weren't actually paying attention.
I believe in some cultures, people will stamp their feet instead. Is it not just about generating a reciprocal sound, so the performer realises you are acknowledging him or her and his/her work?
2006-09-16 08:02:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
If we are all monkeys and sheep while clapping are we not the same when we went to the concert or lecture.
Firstly it is in appreciation of the performance or lecture which gave us enjoyment by music or talk we got and they helped us to forget our other negative thoughts and worries for a short time atleast. If you had not enjoyed you would have left the place midway or after hearing some time.
Secondly it is the basic ETIQUETTE (we are presently discussing on the subject Etiquette on Yahoo! Answers) to clap at the end by all the audience to give encouragement to the performer in order to encourage them
2006-09-16 12:13:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clapping is believed to have been invented by the Babylonians.. I think during the reign of Ashurbanipal.
It was used in that society as an act of striking your hands together to show disapproval. Just the opposite of the way we use it today. No one knows how it came to be used as a sign of approval.
2006-09-16 12:53:42 · answer #3 · answered by RazzleDazzle 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We clap in order to cover up the awkward silence between people eventually realising the concert/event is over & when everyone feels brave enough to get out of their seats & leave.
2006-09-16 12:19:10 · answer #4 · answered by Pretorian 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it might be a little rude to clap during the concert or lecture.
2006-09-16 12:05:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's more controlled than shouting out your appreciation. I only clap when I enjoy it! Let's face it, a crowd full of folk shouting out their comments would not be a nice way to end a performance!
2006-09-16 12:00:53 · answer #6 · answered by veggiekayak 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You clap because, you enjoyed the performance, or what ever the person said, seemed to be something that hit home. just what you wanted to here, or just another way giving them kudos!!
2006-09-16 13:05:45 · answer #7 · answered by roseannetb@verizon.net 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We clap simply to show our appreciation.
2006-09-16 12:10:29 · answer #8 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To show gratitude of the entertainment and compliment the speakers etc on a good job.
2006-09-16 12:06:27 · answer #9 · answered by KISMET 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is usually the only way to show that you have enjoyed the show as a group.
2006-09-16 12:18:06 · answer #10 · answered by MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋