HSBC have a poster campaign at present which shows diferent meanings
for different hand gestures / words etc. in duferent cultures - are
there any sites o rbooks that probide information on things to avoid
doing / faux pa / in different cultures?

Hi dtnl42,
  
I found the following books / sites that deal with this subject:
  
  
::: Books :::
  
  
"Do's and Taboos Around The World"
by Roger E. Axtell 

""The basis of this wonderful book is to show the customs, protocol
and laws in societies that may be vastly different from the society in
which you live.
The book is categorized according to country, and includes cartoon
type illustrations of face gestures, hand and arm gestures, and what
they mean. In some countries the same gesture has a completely
different meaning, which anyone who uses a lot of body language would
do well to learn."
  
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=moneysavingga-20&path=tg/detail/-/0471595284%3F
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471595284/moneysavingga-21
  
  
  
"Gestures : The Do's and Taboos of Body Language Around the World"
by Roger E. Axtell 
  
"Packed with anecdotes and hypothetical scenarios as well as
historical facts and scientific theory, Gestures covers body language
from head to toe--from greetings and farewells, to endearments and
insults. Also includes rules of decorum such as how close to stand,
eye contact, and when, what, and how to touch. 140
illustrations.ions."
  
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=moneysavingga-20&path=tg/detail/-/0471183423
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471183423/moneysavingga-21
  
  
  
"Do's and Taboos Around the World for Women in Business"
by Roger E. Axtell, Tami Briggs, Margaret Corcoran, Mary Beth Lamb
  
"Bestselling author Roger Axtell combines his 30 years of experience
working abroad with the advice of three cross-cultural consultants to
provide you with guidance and specific advice on:
(..)
* Cultural differences ?A country-by-country listing of the rules for
proper dress, speech, table manners, etc."
  
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=moneysavingga-20&path=tg/detail/-/0471143642
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471143642/moneysavingga-21
  
  
  
"Multicultural Manners : New Rules of Etiquette for a Changing Society"
by Norine Dresser
  
"This informative and entertaining book gives you the understanding
you need, the perfect words to say, and the correct behavior to use in
a wide range of cross-cultural situations:
* The do's and don'ts of successful business and social interaction
with people from different cultures
* Appropriate etiquette involving body language, food, child rearing,
clothing, word choices, colors, entertaining, romance, and gift giving
* Detailed tips on avoiding embarrassment at work, in the classroom,
at meals, and at weddings and funerals
* Important rules and traditions in Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic,
and Protestant churches; in Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform
synagogues; in Buddhist and Hindu temples; and more"
  
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=moneysavingga-20&path=tg/detail/-/0471118192
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471118192/moneysavingga-21
  
  
  
"Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: How to Do Business in Sixty Countries"
by Terri Morrison, Wayne A. Conaway, George A. Borden
  
In a global economy, it is crucial for business people to be sensitive
to cultural differences. And although the best reason for doing so may
be ethical, it's great for business as well! This is an invaluable
book for "doing well while doing good" in your intercultural
relations, covering the protocols of appointments, business
entertaining, greetings, forms of address, gestures, dress, and gifts
in 60 of the nations you're most likely to be doing business. Some
interesting excerpts:
  
* Australia: The "thumbs-up" sign, which in the U.S. indicates "O.K."
is considered rude.
* Brazil: The colors of the Brazilian flag are green and yellow, so
avoid wearing this combination in any fashion.
* China: Avoid making exaggerated gestures or using dramatic facial
expressions. The Chinese do not generally use their hands when
speaking, and become distracted by a speaker who does.
* Indonesia: Since it is impolite to disagree with someone,
Indonesians rarely say "no"...a clear way to indicate "no" is to suck
in air through the teeth."
  
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=moneysavingga-20&path=tg/detail/-/1558504443
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1558504443/moneysavingga-21
  
  
  
"Do's and Taboos of Humor Around the World : Stories and Tips from
Business and Life"
by Roger E. Axtell
  
"Roger Axtell's latest eye-opening guide to the pitfalls awaiting the
business and leisure traveler is his funniest and most useful yet.
Building on two invaluable ideas?"laughter has no accent" and "no
matter where you travel in our world, there is one form of
communication that is understood?the smile"?Axtell expertly combines
fascinating business and leisure lore, more than 300 hilarious
anecdotes, and loads of entertaining, invaluable advice on proper
etiquette in dozens of countries. From embarrassing dining debacles to
unintentionally lewd gestures, this delightful guide shows how to
avoid cultural faux pas as you sidestep potential misunderstandings."
  
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=moneysavingga-20&path=tg/detail/-/0471254037
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471254037/moneysavingga-21
  
  
  
"The Do's and Taboos of Hosting International Visitors"
by Roger E. Axtell
  
With the information in Do?s and Taboos of Hosting International
Visitors, you?ll make your clients and colleagues? visits more
pleasant and avoid social mistakes that could ruin a deal. Instead,
you?ll gain a competitive edge by laying an important cornerstone of a
good business relationship.
  
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=moneysavingga-20&path=tg/detail/-/0471515701
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471515701/moneysavingga-21
  
  
  
  
::: Websites :::
  
Top Ten International Faux Pas
http://www.marybosrock.com/fauxpas.htm
  
Meanings of some hand gestures in various countries
http://www.handspeak.com/byte/gesture/gesture.html
  
Body Gestures: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly
http://www.italiansrus.com/articles/subs/body_language.htm
  
"When in Rome" by Judy Giannetto-Adams
http://www.insight-mag.com/insight/00/07/art-03.htm
  
  
  
Search terms used:
book "hand gestures" offensive cultures
 "hand gestures" "faux pas"
 "hand gestures" "faux pas" cultures
    
  
    
I hope this information is useful.
   
    
Best regards,
   
Jackburton-ga