While language is a cultural universal, striking differences in the use of language are evident around the world This is the case even when two countries use the same spoken language. For example, an English-speaking per son from the United States who is visiting London may be puzzled the first time an English friend says "I'll ring you up." The friend means "I'll call you on the telephone." Similarly, the meanings of nonverbal gestures vary from one culture to another. Whereas residents of the United States attach positive meanings to the commonly used "thumbs this gesture has only vulgar conno tations in Greece (Ekman et al. 1984)