Balinese Body Language Part I – more than just a few thigh squeezes!
Last issue I talked about how misleading a Balinese smile can be and now I move from grimaces to gesticulations. The first most curious thing about body language in Bali is that the English word ‘body language’ in fact has a totally different meaning. ‘Body language’ a.k.a. ‘BL’ (pronounced “beh el”) means a type of slimming and muscle tightening exercise routine that focuses on the pelvis, breasts, buttocks and tummy. Mentioning the words body language and from the outset you have already invited a comic misunderstanding…
Taking the original English meaning of the words and you also open a Pandora’s box of Balinese gesticulations just waiting to be misunderstood. Let’s look at a few of the basic, most primal ones that you’ll encounter on the streets as those all-too-charming trrrrrrrrrrrrrrransport men hound you the moment you step out your hotel door. The first one will hit your ears: the clap. No they’re not applauding you on your suntan. Instantly arousing attention from across even the busiest Denpasar street, a clap is just that: an attention grabber, to let you know they’re there and they’re offering you a ride. If you catch his eye, the second will be the flap – one hand palm face-down – to beckon you towards his vehicle. This is how Balinese, in fact all Indonesians, say “come here”. To turn the hand up the other way and beckon as we do in the West is an offensive gesture in Indonesia. Finally, the bug-eyed stare. This is not meant to be rude, but is another attention grabber. His wide eyes are focussed on you and he wants your business. Staring is commonplace and completely acceptable in Bali.
To the uninitiated these may seem a little aggressive, but in Bali they are quite the norm even amongst the locals. Don’t let them phase you. Once you get to chatting to these guys, you’ll find out that most of them are genuine, friendly folk. More on grasping other unfamiliar Balinese body movements next edition.
