COMPARISON OF PEACE SIGN IN DIFFERENT CULTURES
Keywords:
peace sign, V-sign, intercultural communication, gesture, non-verbal communication, cultural variation.Abstract
This article explores the cultural meanings and variations of the two-finger “peace sign,” also known as the “V-sign.” It examines the historical origins of the gesture in Western culture, where it evolved from the “V for Victory” symbol during World War II into a universal sign of peace in the 1960s. The paper then compares how this gesture is interpreted in different cultural contexts, including Western societies, East Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea, and Commonwealth nations like the United Kingdom and Australia. The comparative analysis reveals that the same hand gesture can convey contrasting meanings—from peace and friendliness to offense—depending on palm orientation and cultural background. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of cultural literacy and awareness of non-verbal communication in intercultural settings, suggesting that even seemingly universal signs are culturally constructed and context-dependent.
References
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