Final answer:
Nonverbal communication such as gestures, body language, and facial expressions convey messages beyond words. These can include thumbs up, waving, nodding, and shoulder shrugs, with interpretations varying by culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
People use various gestures and forms of body language to convey messages beyond spoken language, which is a study known as kinesics. There are gestures that are almost universal, such as smiling for joy and crying for sadness, while other gestures may have different meanings in different cultures. For example, thumbs up is a sign of approval in the United States, but it can be an offensive gesture in countries like Russia and Australia.
Gestures like waving can indicate 'hello,' 'goodbye,' or other expressions depending on the context. A nod commonly signifies 'yes' and a head shake 'no,' while a shoulder shrug often signifies uncertainty or indifference. These are part of nonverbal communication, which also includes facial expressions, posture, and movements, all of which can vary in interpretation across different cultures.