Finger-tap thanks: regionality?

I've lived in Japan for 6 years, and I'm an anthropologist who is interested in issues of body language. Let me assure you that this is

*not* normal Japanese behavior. Personally, if I were with a Japanese who used that gesture, I would read it as them showing off their cosmopolitan background. Perhaps that person used to live in a country that used that gesture? Hangs out with Chinese people in Japan? As a "foreigner" yourself, perhaps he expected you to be more aware of the significance of that gesture?

On the other hand, I would say that *many* Japanese are *conscious* of that gesture as a Chinese way of expressing thanks, especially when a friend pours you tea.

james-henry holland hobart and william smith colleges geneva, new york

I recently had dinner with a Japanese business executive who did this.

It is common in many places around China. Here in Guangdong there are about a hundred different stories as to why it's done. It's usually seen in places that consume a lot of tea.

Its been awhile but in the US I think the gesture also tells the bartender to refill your drink or 'hit me again'. For an anthropologist that would be interesting if you are from the equivalence school of comparative behavior.

Jim

Thitherflit wrote: ...

I just asked a co-worker who knows him much better, and who doesn't think he's been posted to Cina for any length of time.

Or perhaps he was letting me know that my "Mo ippai kudasai" and "Iie, kekko desu" were as off-target as Chinese in that elegant Japanese restaurant.

Guess I'll just have to ask the guy next time we meet informally.

Thanks-

DM

I recall reading that the finger tap was a substitute for kowtow when an emperor was travelling incognito and did not wish to be given away. Or so the story goes!