Nationalities Have Different Facial Expressions
“The most distinct culturally specific facial expression might be the British smile. According to Berkeley psychologist Dacher Keltner, compared with Americans, the British tend to use an extra facial muscle when they smile. Americans and everyone else smile using the zygomaticus major, a muscle that runs from the corners of the lips to the outer edge of the eyes. It and muscles around the eyes contract the cheeks, pull the lips upward, and expose the top teeth. This creates an assertive, Tom Cruise-like smile. The British also use the risorius muscle, which runs below the zygomaticus major, to pull the lower lips sideways. The result is a seemingly more polite smile that reveals both the top and bottom teeth—a Prince Charles smile.”
