Final answer:
Nonverbal communication varies across cultures, with some gestures having universal meanings and others differing in their interpretations. It is important to recognize that while there are common gestures, cultural variations exist.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nonverbal communication plays a significant role in human interaction. While some gestures have universal meanings, others vary across cultural contexts. For example, smiles often indicate joy, but in some cultures, they may be considered rude. Similarly, a thumbs-up gesture is positive reinforcement in the United States but offensive in Russia and Australia. It is important to understand that while there are common gestures, there are also cultural variations.