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           Hitting the side of one's face with the palm of one
hand, head slightly tilted, and eyes wide open,  is meant as an
expression of surprise.

           Flicking the right thumbnail on front teeth can be
translated to mean "I have no money" or "I have only a little."

           Biting the right forefinger, which has been placed
sideways in the mouth, may be a threat or an expression of
regret.

           In Western culture the "A-OK" sign is a positive
gesture.   However, in the Arab world, if the gesture is shaken at
another person it symbolizes the sign of the evil eye.   An Arab
may use the sign in conjunction with verbal curses.   This sign
can be used in the Arab world to mean "Perfect," if it is held
(not waved)  at chest height and used when talking about something
good.

           Hitting the right fist into the open palm of the left
hand indicates obscenity or contempt.

           Placing the tips of the left fingers and thumb together
so that hand faces right, then placing the tip of the right
forefinger directly on the left finger tips indicates an
obscenity or insult directed at one's birth or parentage.
Specifically "You have five fathers."

     Additional gestures commonly seen include:

           Placing the palm of the right hand on the chest, bowing
the head a little and closing one's eyes connotates "Thank you"
(in the name of Allah).

           Kissing one's own right hand and then raising one's
eyes and that hand to heaven with the palm up means "Thank you"
(in the name of Allah).

           Touching noses together three times when greeting is an
old Bedouin gesture of friendship and respect.

           A guick snap of the head upwards with an accompanying
click of the tongue connotes "No," "Perhaps" or "What you say is
false."

           By joining the tips of the right thumb, forefinger and
middle finger, and then moving the configuration rapidly in front
of the body, an Arab will add emphasis to his speech.

           Patting another person's shoulder with the right hand
is a conciliatory gesture.

           Before serving coffee, a bit of it may be poured onto
the ground.   This is a Bedouin gesture of sacrifice.


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