Most parents in the West teach their children that pointing is rude. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the image of Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer pointing her finger during an exchange with President Barack Obama last week would fill a series of etiquette books on hand gestures, diplomacy and decorum in the workplace.

The animated body language Gov. Brewer displays in this now-infamous photo would be considered offensive in many other countries. The Chinese do not use their hands when speaking, and become distracted by a speaker who does. In North America, waving your open hand from side to side translates to "hello" or "goodbye." In Europe it means "no" and in Peru, "come here." The meanings of gestures can change in a short period of time, too. The "V" hand sign for "Victory" popularized by Winston Churchill, for example, became a worldwide symbol for peace during the 1960s.

Whether it's bowing in Japan, keeping both feet on the ground in Israel or avoiding an open-handed wave in Greece, the customs of other cultures vary greatly, and knowing them is a necessity for any traveler.

Pointing: Often used to stop or warn an individual, the index finger, extended vertically, is commonly used in our culture as a silent parent-to-child gesture. Pointed at someone, it indicates domination and can be interpreted as aggressive. In a professional setting pointing one's finger either vertically or at someone, is extremely inappropriate. In fact, pointing of any kind is considered impolite and rude in most cultures.

When giving directions or indicating objects, many cultures outside North America do so with a glance, bent fingers and an open hand.

V Sign: Synonymous with victory since World War II in Europe, this gesture is made with the index and middle fingers, palm facing out. The same sign, with palm facing in means "shove it" in many English speaking countries outside the United States. In the UK, for example, gesturing palm in to the pub barman that you'd like two beers may land you a drink in your face.

Horns: Also known as the "corna," you're likely to see this devilish gesture -- a clenched fist with the index and pinky fingers extended vertically -- at a head-banging heavy metal concert. It's also used as a rallying sign at University of Texas, Austin, football games, where it symbolizes the longhorn steer. In Buddhism and Hindu cultures, the corna is known as Kurana Mudra, and is used to dispel evil. In parts of Africa, pointing horns at someone is interpreted as putting the "evil eye" on him/her. Italians use the corna as an insult to a man who is being cuckolded (cheated on). You may also see it during a soccer match when a player disagrees with a referee or in baseball to signal how many outs there are.

The Finger: Also known as "the flip-off" or "the bird," this universally recognized offensive hand gesture has been used for millennia.

Come here: The curl of the index finger to beckon someone can be interpreted as seductive or, when used by a parent to summon a child, as a stern gesture. In the Philippines, Middle East and Far East, however, it is considered an insulting gesture.

Thumbs up: Often associated with the Fonz on Happy Days and commonly used by politicians, the thumbs up sign stands for something positive in many parts of the world. However, if you find yourself "thumbing it" in the Middle East, parts of Latin America, West Africa, Greece and Australia you'll be considered extremely offensive and/or rude.

OK: Used by scuba divers and gem stone dealers, the circle made by touching the tip of the thumb to the tip of the index finger with remaining fingers extended (similar to the letter K) means "OK" in North America and the UK. In Japan, it symbolizes money, while in Brazil, Germany and several Mediterranean countries it is considered vulgar.

Bizia Greene owns the Etiquette School of Santa Fe. Send your comments and conundrums to etiquette@etiquettesantafe.com or 988-2070.