The head wobble

The head bobble or head wobble refers to a common gesture found in South Asian cultures, most notably in India and Pakistan. This form of non verbal communication is sometimes referred to as "Indian head shake". We refer to it as a little amusing and at times bloody annoying.

The meaning of the bobble is myriad but is usually in response to another individuals request or comment. It usually signifies an acknowledgment of something or a sign of enjoying something immensely (usually accompanied with a wide eyed look). Other meanings it could have include:

• "You're welcome," or "of course"
• "Goodbye"
• "I don't know" or a shrug, Usually accompanied with hands turned up and a shoulder shrug.
• "Ok Ok"
• "I'm giving you the answer I think you want to hear"
• "I hear the words that are coming out of your mouth"
• "I really want the answer to be yes..."

Our main experience with the head wobble is the rickshaw/taxi drivers. We'll say our destination in our best modified English with a splash of Hindi and when we receive the wobble and the snap of the head indicating, "get in" so we do exactly that. The challenge comes when we reach the first corner and the driver turns in the wrong direction, which is quickly followed up from us with.. "you know where we go?" Of course we receive another head wobble and we wait for the next corner to see which way we'll turn... So the head wobble to me means, "I'm giving you the answer I think you want to hear"

It has been said the origins of the head wobble come from watching snake charmers with cobras. Snake charmers play their music largely for dramatic effect, and it is in fact the movement of their head that mesmerizes the snake. When the cobra is not going to strike, it will sway its head from side to side. This body language signifies 'I am of no threat to you', and is a simple gesture to draw someone into your confidence, similar baring one's teeth in a smile.

Thanks Wikipedia..