Non­verbal communication or body language is an important part of how people communicate and there are differences from culture to culture.  Hand and arm gestures, touch, and eye contact  are a few of the aspects of nonverbal communication that may vary significantly depending upon cultural background.  Through watching others' nonverbal communication we can sense whether they are bored, lying, romantically interested or many other emotional states.
Gestures
Even a gesture as simple as pointing can lead to cross-cultural miscommunication. Pointing with one figure is considered rude in some Asian countries, as is the common American "come here" gesture. Germans point with their little finger, whereas Japanese residents point with their whole hand.
Touch:  While patting a child’s head is considered to be a friendly or affectionate gesture in American culture, it is considered inappropriate by many Asians to touch someone on the head, which is believed to be a sacred part of the body. In the Middle East, the left hand is reserved for bodily hygiene and should not be used to touch another or transfer objects. In Muslim cultures, touch between opposite gendered individuals is generally inappropriate.