Each of the participants in the video was asked the same three questions to inspire conversation and dialogue – How would you describe Indian culture/Indianness? How do you feel your culture has influenced you physically – in how you carry your body and the way you move in daily life? and What are some things you notice when you come across other bodies in public, that make you assume or know that a given body comes from the same/similar culture as yours? 

Each of these questions was to start the dialogue around this topic and were a cue to enable each of the participants to talk in a way which is both emotional and social. The intimate setting of these interviews allowed each participant to be able to talk about these topics from a personal space and that directly informed how their bodies moved and produced gestures. Observing and recording these movements becomes the core study for this chapter, with the conversations informing the body and dictating its movement habits. The spoken content of the video is secondary to the visual, hence the different angles and focus throughout. 

Movements, though subtle, signify wider narratives of belonging and adaptation. In the diaspora, the body navigates multiple cultural settings, creating a hybrid identity performance that reflects the continuous negotiation between inherited cultural practices and new surroundings. The differences and similarities between ethinic Indian bodies in India and those in the UK demonstrate how space and culture interact to shape even the most basic intimate interactions. For some, the impact of Indian culture is reflected in the most subtle and unconscious movements - the way hands gesture during conversation, or how the body positions itself around familiar rituals like greeting older members of the family. These minute physical differences speak to a thread that ties individuals to their cultural past and their present location. As Franz Fanon explores in Black Skin, White Masks, physical gestures, postures, and movements are deeply tied to cultural experience and inherited memory. (Fanon, 2008)  

In discussing cultural identity, many participants express a sense of detachment from their heritage due to their upbringing outside India. Amrita says, “I think there is an element of me being further removed from it because I didn't grow up in India.” This awareness of distance from cultural roots becomes a recurring theme as they express how their family and community connections inform their embodied experiences. 

A lot of these conversations circled around recounting the nuances of body language that characterize Indian culture. “There are certain things that maybe I incorporate a little bit,” Milan notes, referring to movements and gestures that resonate with his Indian upbringing. The ways in which they perceive and embody their culture is not merely a conscious choice; rather, it often happens subconsciously, influenced by the traditions and behaviors observed within their families way before they understood these concepts. This underscores the impact that a child’s parents have, and that influence is prolonged on their bodies. 

In the interviews, those who were born and raised in India spoke with a different kind of presence. Their expressive use of arms, facial gestures, and even intervals of silence enhanced their communication, suggesting a cultural preference for emotional expression. This is consistent with the work of Edward Sapir, who observed that language and culture are inextricably intertwined, determining how people perceive and express their identities (Sapir, 1921). In contrast, the British born Indians in my study spoke with a more controlled demeanor. Their stance and tone expressed confidence, they used fewer arm movements and frequently reverted to stronger, more closed gestures. This could indicate a cultural adaption to British society norms, in which emotional display is perceived as less desirable. Gestures are frequently used in conjunction with speech and play an important role in communication. In the interviews, I noticed that Indian-born people commonly used hand gestures to express emotions and reinforce verbal ideas. Their motions were fluid and expressive, varying intensity depending on the topic at hand. This is consistent with semiotic theories, which consider gestures as a type of sign that carries meaning in addition to spoken language.  

The variety of gestures emphasizes their importance in establishing ideas of identity. A little change in a gesture might result in dramatically divergent interpretations. According to Goffman (1959), body language and gestures are constantly used to negotiate one's own performance. 

One important observation was the change in accent and how it affected facial movement. When speaking English, Indian-born people used a more dynamic mouth movement, which echoed Hindi’s phonetic features. This contrasts starkly with the more controlled facial emotions associated with British English accent. As sociolinguist Peter Trudgill states, accent is more than just an aural phenomenon; it is also a bodily statement of identification and belonging (Trudgill, 1986). This divergence in communication styles illuminates how cultural context informs speech and consequently, individual identity. 

Furthermore, the concept of rootedness surfaces vividly in the narratives, with Kirti articulating a profound connection to both the land and its inhabitants, highlighting “not merely the physical closeness, but also the emotional” bonds that influence their identities. The vibrant essence of Indian expression manifests in their movements, marked by wider gestures and an absence of unconscionable inhibitions. Conversely, the experience of being in academic and work spaces in the UK frequently elicits a more discreet attitude. Amrita shares, “I’ve had to stand up sort of taller and stronger…” and Jiggy says ‘I enjoy discovering my own little corner and simply remaining there, avoiding any disruption to others.’ This contrast unveils the intricate layers involved in navigating one’s body in daily life.  

Amarjot contemplates the profound impact of conversing in Punjabi within the home environment and the ensuing shift to English in academic settings, highlighting the intricate ways in which language influences identity and physical expression. The phenomenon becomes especially striking as participants fluidly transition between languages throughout the interviews. In instances where terms from their parents’ language - such as ‘roti’ or ‘lehengas’ etc. - were invoked, a smile frequently emerged, serving as a nuanced yet indication of familiarity and connection. Even as they negotiated the challenges of living in a strange setting, these phrases appeared to carry with them a sense of home, calling a comfort derived from cultural belonging. Just by calling these commonplace objects names, one developed a closer relationship to their background and stirred not just memories but also a physical emotional link to their family history.  

Participants articulated their experiences of moving within social environments, emphasizing a sense of liberation in Indian contexts as opposed to the UK. In India, Jiggy observes, “I feel a lot more comfortable, a lot more relaxed,” while in the UK, there exists a pronounced consciousness of personal space and conduct, especially in formal contexts. “In predominantly white environments, I find myself navigating my behavior with great care,” Jeevan mentions, highlighting the intricate balance between societal norms and individual selfhood. 

The interplay of gender dynamics significantly influences how individuals navigate their experiences of movement and identity. Numerous individuals articulate that Indian culture fosters unique gender norms, shaping the way people engage in social interaction. When talking about physicality, Jeevan mentions, “For women, they’re a lot quieter,” emphasizing the societal expectation for women to exemplify modesty and restraint. In contrast, within communal environments, Indian women frequently exhibit a sense of warmth and openness, reflecting a hospitality deeply rooted in cultural traditions. 

“In expansive crowd settings, individuals from India often find themselves seated on the grass…” “They possess an abundance of resources,” they mentioned, encapsulating the spirit of Indian hospitality and warmth. The essence of community stands in stark contrast to the individualistic tendencies prevalent in British culture, where social interactions frequently exude a sense of formality or detachment. The notion of belonging was strong in both groups' narratives. Indian-born people expressed a strong connection to their cultural heritage, frequently citing shared experiences and familial relationships that molded their concept of what it means to be Indian. They demonstrated a strong emotional attachment to their ancestry, which was evident in their expressive speech and movements. 
 
In contrast, British Indians defined a more mixed identity, wrestling with their connection to Indian culture while negotiating the complications of life in the United Kingdom. Many people felt a sense of disconnection from the traditional activities linked with their Indian origin. Their perceptions of ‘Indianness’ were frequently shaped by external indicators such as skin color, food and traditional clothing, rather than lived experiences. 

Furthermore, food became a constant topic in both groups' narratives. For Indian-born people, food was more than just nutrition; it was a sign of cultural connection, representing familial bonds and customs. In contrast, British Indians saw food as both a connection to their Indian origin and a marker of their individual identity in a mixed community. This sets the stage for the next section, which will look at how food challenges our concept of cultural identity. 

Jiggy shared, “I associate a lot of my memories… with food,” suggesting that cultural practices, especially culinary traditions, are vital in preserving ties to their heritage. Cooking and sharing Indian food serves as a vibrant expression of cultural identity, allowing it to flourish and be preserved even in unfamiliar surroundings.