I have learned English for 11 years, but I know few English idioms (习惯用语). When I went to study in America last year, I had trouble communicating with Americans at times.

One day, I asked my roommate Kevin, “Shall we play soccer tomorrow?” He answered, “Let’s play it by ear.” I was so puzzled. “Ear can play soccer?” He smiled and explained, “It means let’s see. The weather report says tomorrow is rainy.”

Last October, I was waiting for bus in a station. Beside me sat a young man. When he knew I was a Chinese, he asked me about the Great Wall. I told him, “The Great Wall is more than 20,000 kilometers long.” The man said, “You don’t say.” I was surprised, “There must be something wrong with him.” I thought. Later, I knew he meant “Really?”

I was once invited to my classmate’s home. His mother said to me, “Break your ice, please.” I wondered, “Where is the ice?” Later my classmate told me she meant I could make myself relaxed in their home.

From then on, I realized English idioms had special meanings. It was wrong to understand them word by word.

Do you use hand gestures(姿势) when you talk? Do you open your mouth and eyes wide when you are surprised? These are all examples of body language. How important can it be? Follow Teens and have a look.

Body language does not use words. It uses the movement or position of your body to show certain meanings. According to American scientist Edward T. Hall, in a conversation between two people, 65 percent of communication is body language. In some cases you even express yourself without words. For example, if your friend asks you to join him in a picnic, you will give him an “OK” gesture to say “Yes, sounds great!” Sometimes, your words say one thing, but your body language says another. You may do things unconsciously(无意识地) like touching your face while telling a lie.

In different cultures, the same body language means different things. In the US, making eye contact(眼神交流) with someone means you are interested in what the person is saying. While in some Asian countries, it is rude to look into a person’s eyes during a conversation.

Sometimes, different body language expresses the same meaning. Take “hello” for example. French people kiss cheeks (脸颊) to say hello. Japanese people bow (鞠躬). Maoris in New Zealand, however, touch noses in greeting. What are you trying to say? Body language is important to teenagers. Understanding this language helps you to communicate better with others.