The Art of Speaking with Your Face

If the Italians speak with their hands, then it can be said that the Colombians, primarily the Constenas, speak with their faces. I am slowly getting the hang of the subtle and not so subtle facial expressions that are used to enhance or even replace the verbal communication.

The Nose Scrunch
It is quite simple really…a quick wrinkle of the nose and an upward nod of the head. At first my inaccurate interpretation was, “What the hell is that smell,” but with some time and context, it really means, “Huh?” or “What?” With a bit more of an exaggerated movement it is more of a, ‘What the fuck are you saying?’

The Single-Shot Eyebrow Lift
Both eyebrows, at the same time, are lifted only once which can mean anything from a “Hey!” or “Gotcha,” or even “How’d you like that mischief?” from my devious students. But once again, the chin is slightly lifted, giving an impression of confidence, even cockiness.

The Double-Shot Eyebrow Lift
Now this should not be confused with the single-shot eyebrow lift as the meanings are very different indeed. The double-shot has both eyebrows being raised at the same time, two or three times. I suppose the closest you can get to a translation would be taken from some North American pop culture with Joey from Friends saying, “How you doin’!”

Most of the double-shot lifts have been received in passing from dirty old men, and the young police officers that stand on the corner of my street, to the bar flies and even the cockier of the older students. But it is all a game; just another way to replace the blatant cat calls or hissing, or even a smack on the ass in passing. And if the truth be told, it is much easier to ignore this look than it is to ignore any of the sounds.

Still new and fresh at the culture, the language, and the non-verbal communication, but slowly I am getting the gist of things. I still don’t talk with my face, but anything can happen over time.

To my friends, a single-shot eyebrow lift to you.