Body language, also known as kinesics, is a set of nonverbal physical behaviors that makes use of the parts of the body such as: the eyes, eyebrows, forehead, mouth, hands, head postures, and other gestures. This is to either voluntarily or involuntarily communicate a state of mind or emotion.

Other than using sounds and words, human beings, since the dawn of man, have been using body language to communicate. But first off, let’s not confuse body language with sign language. On the one hand, sign language has a structured grammar that is designed to communicate the more intricate meaning of the human language. Body language, on the other hand, is more about movements and body postures that are nuanced. This is mainly because mostly it may be involuntary or maybe something defined as an action not matching the words of a person.

This is to say that body language is a telltale sign of a person’s true thoughts or feelings regardless of what he or she says. This could be the reason why a whole study about body language has to come to fore. It is to somehow prove its validity as a scientific method in getting information about a person’s true emotional state.

Even though it’s not an exact science, no one can deny the evidence of its validity. Of course, for any conclusion based on it, it is usually backed up by other solid or anecdotal proof. It serves as a primary indicator in any kind of observation that it is being used.

The interpretation of body language differs from one country to another or suffice to say culture for that matter. It depends on how some gestures are used. For example: A raised thumb on a closed fist could mean approval to Westerners. It could also mean the number one in counting numbers in Italy. And in ancient Greece, it means “up yours”.