Global by Design

Here’s an entertaining CNN article about the inherent risks of extending humor across cultures. For example, according to the Body Language Lady…

A smile, often the best ice breaker, is not necessarily a sign of approval, said Wood, also known as the Body Language Lady. “For Chinese, Japanese and Malaysians, a ‘masking smile,’ with corners of the mouth turned down, is a polite way of letting you know what you are doing is not appropriate.”

The moral of the article: Jokes don’t travel.

• Chinese as a Second Language
• Expedia in China
• Baidu.co.jp? China’s Leading Search Engine Eyeing Japan
• A Brand By Any Other Name
• Chinese as a Second Language (Cont.)
• @ By Any Other Name