Hand gestures are movements of the hands that convey messages or emotions without the use of words. They can enhance communication by emphasizing points, expressing feelings, or indicating directions. Common hand gestures include waving, pointing, and thumbs up, each carrying different meanings across cultures. Different cultures may interpret hand gestures in various ways. For example, the thumbs up gesture is often seen as a sign of approval in many countries, while in others, it can be considered offensive. Understanding these differences is important for effective communication, especially in a global context.