Nod (gesture)

The pitch is a gesture is performed by a tilting of the head in an alternating upward and downward movement in the sagittal plane.

Importance in Western culture

In its function as affirmative nod is also frequently used for reinforcement of speech. A nod, while one agrees with a conversation partner verbally or underpinned his understanding.

Why does the nod has prevailed in so many cultures with the same meaning, is not clear. This is probably due to a modification of the bow or the head lowering, signaling submission, reverence and approval.

Meaning in other cultures

In other cultures, the importance of gesture differ. In Bulgaria, Albania, Greece or India, for example, pitch is used exactly contrary to our use, to reject or denial.