Mind Your Head

Indians are very expressive with their heads. They have head movements to say yes. Head movements to say no. Head movements that mean probably yes. And head movements that mean most likely no. There are head movements to show that you're paying attention. And head movements to show ok, ok it's time to move on. Head movements for hello. Ones for goodbye. Ones that approve and ones that disapprove.

I've ordered items like club soda in a restaurant and got in response a friendly bobble of the head. I'd then have to wait five or ten minutes to figure out whether that meant that he was going to the fridge to get me one or I was out of luck for the day.

The best advice I have probably received since arriving was that if I want a clear answer to any question, don't look at the head.