Why do people point to their wrist when asking for the time...

Hi mario! I love the responses! Wish I had been here earlier, but since the time difference is a, differentI was doing my "Sleeping Beauty" immatiation! I sleep during the (USA time) and am up all night (which I think you already know)! So, usually miss alot of stuff like your discussions and all the fun! Since I have only been to one other Country, which was Canada and I do know a bit of French I had no problem. But, it would be scary not knowing how to say such an important word when traveling someplace and not knowing the language! I think that you've gotten the best ideas! I like Irish's idea the best~ the "pee pee dance" always works in any language!

mario_stevens, You're simply hilarious here. Anyway, just to share a few experiences as far as language is concern, I think before we actually had that multi functional cellphone getting around in a foreign land is indeed quite a challenge. Back in those days, I would try and jot down the proper word and pronunciation of certain important words like thank you, taxi, bus stop and most of all toilet. This is one word you really cannot afford not to learn by heart. Because, it is not a joke trying to play a game of charade when your bladder is bursting or your other part is trying to offload a ballad. Or, if that is not enough, then it will be to have a pen and paper ready for a figurative speech. (See attach) However, I've actually tried miming zipping and unzipping when I was in France to look for the toilet but I would not dare do it if I am in the Middle East or some conservative part of Asia. I mean if some parts of the world have limb amputations for their penal code - try imagining how I feel. Anyway, today I would not have any difficulty as cellphones nowadays are both equipped with recording functions or translation apps. Like this forthcoming trip to South Africa to watch the semis and finals, I could record those vital words and play it make when I need them.

Maybe because we typically wear our watches on our wrist so people assume that every one will immediately identify time with our wrist so thats why most people point to there wrist. But when it comes to bathroom signals I'm just as lost as you lol maybe try using a flush sign hahaha you know that lever people use to flush I dont know, LOL. lucky for me I can just draw a lady's room symbol or a toilet.

well i think it is one that is not offensive. And most people know/have wrist watches.

People point there wrist for asking the time that because people wear the watch to there hand. That's why they mention it. But when somebody ask for bathroom they show there finger i think. Hope you got the answer.

honestly I laugh when I read your discussion you are right I never notice that simple thing. I never saw a man point on their thing when they are asking where is the comport room. but if they ask for time they do point on their wrist. Actually I don't know the answer all I can think is if they do point on their thing when they ask for comport room they surely get a nice punch in the face. Well If someone point their thing on me I will think that he wants to have something with and definitely that would be a signal for a fight. One is I will think that man think I am a gay by pointing that while looking at me this is only my point of view goodluck

Okzzzzz can you suggest another sign for asking time?

Hi Mario, You do ask some strange questions lol but yes can see the difficulty, I think I would keep crossing my legs to give them the message but yes whydo people point to their wrist but not there crutch? I have no answer to that one unless orcause you add that to yourlist of phrases so you don't get caught out next time you travel. Huggles. Ellie :D

Maybe because many people used to wear a wristwatch, something which belongs to them (forget about where it originally came from), and carried around. On the other hannnnnd nobody carries a bathroom wherever they go. In my country we mimic the action of pulling down the rope or string attached to an old fashioned cistern. I guess progress has made many people forget about this, since cistern design has changed quite radically

That's really funny my friend. You are absolutely right to ask such a question. It is very difficult to ask especially when you are not aware of the language. I have never traveled much but in future i may go out of the country to a foreign nation and if i go to a place where they don't understand English then i may find myself in a soup. I will have to plan in advance before such a situation arises.

I think that people are so used to wearing a watch on their wrist to keep track of the time. It is just a habit to point to your wrist when you are thinking about the time. It is something we many not even be awate that we ate doing Think about it the next time you wear your watch. See what happens.

Hey You really made me laugh my friend, some time sign language really work.. Thanks for sharing. Welcome always. Cheers. Professor