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Head bobble side to side what does it mean

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R
Rohan V.•1795 rep•2

That head bobble Sri Lankans do What does it mean yes or no

13

3 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

The head bobble (slight side-to-side wag/tilt) means broadly 'okay/yes/I understand/I acknowledge you' — a versatile positive gesture. It is NOT a 'no' (though it looks similar to Western 'no'). It's shared across South Asia.

31
K
Kumari S.•2810 rep•1

Head bobble = yes/OK. Thanks!

35
R
Rohan V.•1795 rep•2

Practical: when a Sri Lankan bobbles head to your question, it means yes/agreed. When you ask 'is this the right bus?' and they bobble, YES it is. Foreigners often mistake it for hesitation. Learn to bobble back — you'll feel connected.

6
R
Roshan D.•10160 rep•1

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