Table A. Theset of 238 actions identified as familiar/unfamiliar in China and Germany in Study 1 for which video clips are available. Actions are categorized as being familiar in both China and Germany (CFGF), familiar in China and unfamiliar in Germany (CFGU), unfamiliar in China and familiar in Germany (CUGF) and unfamiliar in both China and Germany (CUGU). For each action, the following information is provided: English action description, name of action video clip(s), duration of video clip(s), perspective and actor identity (F = female, M = male). The action video clips can be downloaded as supplemental material.
Familiar China + familiar GermanyAction description / First clip / Second clip / Duration / Perspective / Actor
to type a text on a computer keyboard using ten fingers fluently / CFGF_1A.wmv / CFGF_1B.wmv / 3500 ms / left / F1
to hammer a nail into the wall using a hammer with the right hand / CFGF_2A.wmv / CFGF_2B.wmv / 3000 ms / left / F2
to dial a telephone number pressing the keys of a telephone with the right index finger / CFGF_3A.wmv / CFGF_3B.wmv / 4000 ms / right / F2
to dial a telephone number pressing the keys of a telephone with the right thumb / CFGF_4.wmv / - / 3000 ms / right / F2
to hang up the telephone receiver using the right hand / CFGF_5A.wmv / CFGF_5B.wmv / 3000 ms / right / F2
to pour tea from a thermos jug with a handle on one side into a cup using the right hand / CFGF_6A.wmv / CFGF_6B.wmv / 4000 ms / right / F1
to screw off the lid of a thermos jug using the right palm / CFGF_7A.wmv / CFGF_7B.wmv / 3000 ms / right / F1
to put up a picture on the wall pushing a thumbtack with the right thumb / CFGF_8A.wmv / CFGF_8B.wmv / 4000 ms / left / F1
to staple some sheets of paper together using a stapler in the right hand / CFGF_9A.wmv / CFGF_9B.wmv / 3000 ms / right / F1
to sharpen a pencil rotating it with the right hand and holding the sharpener with container in the left hand / CFGF_10A.wmv / CFGF_10B.wmv / 4000 ms / right / F2
to put a CD in a CD player inserting it horizontally into a slot using the right thumb and index finger / CFGF_11.wmv / - / 2000 ms / left / F1
to remove a CD from a CD player lifting it up with thumb and index finger / CFGF_12A.wmv / CFGF_12B.wmv / 3000 ms / right / F1
to remove a CD from a CD player pulling it horizontally out of a slot using the right thumb and index finger / CFGF_13.wmv / - / 2000 ms / left / F1
to remove a CD from a CD paper bag pulling it out using the right hand and holding the paper bag with the left hand / CFGF_14.wmv / - / 3000 ms / right / F1
to insert a CD into a CD paper bag using the right hand and holding the paper bag with the left hand / CFGF_15.wmv / - / 4000 ms / right / F1
to peel off a sticker from a present with the right thumb and index finger / CFGF_16A.wmv / CFGF_16B.wmv / 3000 ms / right / F1
to plug in a plug into a triple socket from above using the right hand / CFGF_17A.wmv / CFGF_17B.wmv / 2500 ms / right / F1
to connect the power cable to a notebook using the right hand / CFGF_18.wmv / - / 3000 ms / left / F1
to unplug a plug from a triple socket upwards using the right hand / CFGF_19A.wmv / CFGF_19B.wmv / 2000 ms / right / F1
to disconnect the power cable from a notebook using the right hand / CFGF_20.wmv / - / 2000 ms / left / F1
to open a large umbrella by pushing up its bar with the fingers of the right hand / CFGF_21.wmv / - / 3500 ms / right / F1
to open an umbrella by pressing a button on its bar with the right thumb / CFGF_22.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / F1
to wrap a ribbon around an umbrella and attach the Velcro strip using the right hand / CFGF_23A.wmv / CFGF_23B.wmv / 3000 ms / right / F1
to wrap a ribbon around an umbrella and attach the push button using the right hand / CFGF_24.wmv / - / 4000 ms / right / F1
to grasp nut pieces from a cracked walnut using the right thumb and index finger / CFGF_25.wmv / - / 4000 ms / right / F2
to tie shoelaces to a bow using both hands / CFGF_26A.wmv / CFGF_26B.wmv / 3500 ms / right / F2
to pull off the lid of a plastic box using the right thumb and index finger / CFGF_27A.wmv / CFGF_27B.wmv / 3000 ms / right / F1
to lift the lid of a plastic box using the thumbs and index fingers of both hands / CFGF_28.wmv / - / 3000 ms / right / F1
to pour stock from a pot into a bowl raising the pot with both hands on its handles / CFGF_29A.wmv / CFGF_29B.wmv / 4000 ms / right / F1
to move the right hand into a sock and upend it / CFGF_30A.wmv / CFGF_30B.wmv / 4000 ms / left / F3
to hang up a sock on a clothes horse with the right hand / CFGF_31.wmv / - / 2500 ms / left / F3
to dry a plate using the right palm which is covered by a kitchen towel / CFGF_32.wmv / - / 2500 ms / right / F3
to hang the noose of a kitchen towel onto a hook using the right hand / CFGF_33A.wmv / CFGF_33B.wmv / 3000 ms / right / F3
to press out a pill from its wrapping using both thumbs / CFGF_34A.wmv / CFGF_34B.wmv / 2000 ms / right / F1
to grasp a bottle of cleaning agent with the fingers of the right hand and pour it / CFGF_35A.wmv / CFGF_35B.wmv / 3000 ms / right / F1
to spray cleaning agent from an aerosol can using the right index finger / CFGF_36.wmv / - / 3000 ms / right / F1
to hit an egg on the edge of a cup and pull its halves apart using both hands / CFGF_37A.wmv / CFGF_37B.wmv / 3000 ms / opposite / F2
to grasp an egg with the right hand and put it into an egg cup / CFGF_38.wmv / - / 3000 ms / opposite / F2
to wipe up water with a sheet of kitchen paper / CFGF_39.wmv / - / 3500 ms / right / F1
to lead the string of an instant teabag over the right hand and lift it from a pot of tea / CFGF_40A.wmv / CFGF_40B.wmv / 4000 ms / right / F1
to rip open the packaging of a chocolate bar using both hands / CFGF_41A.wmv / CFGF_41B.wmv / 4000 ms / opposite / F1
to open the packaging of a chocolate bar breaching the chocolate in the middle with both hands / CFGF_42.wmv / - / 4000 ms / opposite / F1
to unwrap a chocolate bar from its packaging using both hands / CFGF_43.wmv / - / 4000 ms / opposite / F1
to grasp an transparent tape retainer with the left hand pulling off the tape with the right thumb and index finger / CFGF_44A.wmv / CFGF_44B.wmv / 2500 ms / right / F1
to grasp a roll of transparent tape with the left hand and cutting off the tape with a pair of scissors held by the right hand / CFGF_45.wmv / - / 2500 ms / right / F1
to close the buckle of a watch worn on the left wrist using the right hand / CFGF_46A.wmv / CFGF_46B.wmv / 3000 ms / opposite / F1
to close the clasp of a watch worn on the left wrist using the right hand / CFGF_47.wmv / - / 3000 ms / opposite / F1
to grasp a drawer on its handle using the fingers of the right hand and open it / CFGF_48A.wmv / CFGF_48B.wmv / 2000 ms / left / F2
to close a drawer pushing it with the fingers of the right hand on its handle / CFGF_49A.wmv / CFGF_49B.wmv / 2000 ms / left / F2
to close a drawer pushing it with the fingers of the right hand / CFGF_50.wmv / - / 2000 ms / left / F2
to close a drawer pushing it with the right hand / CFGF_51.wmv / - / 2000 ms / left / F2
to draw a horizontal line along a ruler using a thin felt tip with the right hand / CFGF_52A.wmv / CFGF_52B.wmv / 3500 ms / left / F1
to lift a spoon full of a beverage from a cup using the right hand / CFGF_53A.wmv / CFGF_53B.wmv / 2000 ms / left / F1
to scrape chocolate icing from a bowl using a spoon with the right hand / CFGF_54.wmv / - / 2000 ms / left / F1
to pull a cork from a bottle of sparkling wine using the right hand / CFGF_55A.wmv / CFGF_55B.wmv / 2000 ms / left / F3
to open a small screw cap bottle of sparkling wine using the right hand / CFGF_56.wmv / - / 2000 ms / left / F3
to close a small screw cap bottle of sparkling wine using the right hand / CFGF_57.wmv / - / 2000 ms / left / F3
to throw a ball from below using both hands / CFGF_58A.wmv / CFGF_58B.wmv / 2000 ms / left / F1
to throw a ball from above using both hands / CFGF_59.wmv / - / 2000 ms / left / F1
to throw a ball sideways using the right hand / CFGF_60.wmv / - / 2000 ms / left / F1
to breach a peanut using both hands / CFGF_61A.wmv / CFGF_61B.wmv / 2000 ms / right / F1
to take a handful of nuts from an open plastic bag using the right hand / CFGF_62.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / F1
to fold a towel horizontally using both hands / CFGF_63A.wmv / CFGF_63B.wmv / 1500 ms / right / F1
to dry one’s hands with a towel rubbing both hands simultaneously against the towel / CFGF_64.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / F1
to cut in half a slice of bread using a knife with the right hand starting at the upper edge of the slice / CFGF_65A.wmv / CFGF_65B.wmv / 4000 ms / left / F1
to grasp a sugar cube with the right thumb and index finger and put it into a cup / CFGF_66A.wmv / CFGF_66B.wmv / 3000 ms / left / F1
to place a match into a candle’s flame with the right hand in order to spark it / CFGF_67.wmv / - / 2000 ms / opposite / F4
to press the remote control held within the right hand using the right thumb / CFGF_68A.wmv / CFGF_68B.wmv / 2500 ms / left / F1
to raise the lid of the battery compartment of a remote control using the right thumb and index finger / CFGF_69.wmv / - / 2000 ms / left / F1
to take a handful of chips from a chips bag using the right hand / CFGF_70A.wmv / CFGF_70B.wmv / 4000 ms / right / F1
to screw up a chips bag with both hands / CFGF_71.wmv / - / 2500 ms / right / F1
to unwrap a candy with both hands pulling the paper apart in the middle / CFGF_72A.wmv / CFGF_72B.wmv / 2000 ms / opposite / F1
to unwrap a candy ripping its wrapping open using both hands / CFGF_73.wmv / - / 2000 ms / opposite / F1
to unwrap a candy with both hands pulling the paper apart at both ends / CFGF_74.wmv / - / 2000 ms / opposite / F1
to pull out the antenna of a radio with the right thumb and index finger / CFGF_75A.wmv / CFGF_75B.wmv / 2000 ms / right / F2
to scrub a grater held with the left hand using a sponge with the right hand / CFGF_76.wmv / - / 4000 ms / right / F2
to slip a bracelet over the left hand using the fingers of the right hand / CFGF_77.wmv / - / 2000 ms / left / F4
to close the clasp of a bracelet worn on the left wrist using the right thumb and index finger / CFGF_78.wmv / - / 2000 ms / left / F4
to pull out toilet paper from a toilet roll holder using the right hand and rip it off at its breakaway point / CFGF_79A.wmv / CFGF_80B.wmv / 2000 ms / left / F3
to put a pair of socks into a drawer with the right hand / CFGF_80.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / F3
to peel a banana step-by-step using the right hand / CFGF_81A.wmv / CFGF_81B.wmv / 4000 ms / right / F3
to unbutton a blouse using both hands / CFGF_82A.wmv / CFGF_82B.wmv / 2000 ms / opposite / F2
to unbutton a jacket using the right hand / CFGF_83.wmv / - / 2000 ms / opposite / F2
to open the zip of a jacket with the right hand / CFGF_84.wmv / - / 2000 ms / opposite / F2
to close the zip of a jacket with the right hand / CFGF_85.wmv / - / 2000 ms / opposite / F2
to paint a wooden beam top down using a brush with the right hand / CFGF_86A.wmv / CFGF_86B.wmv / 2000 ms / right / F1
to clean a paint brush moving its bristles back and forth with the right hand / CFGF_87A.wmv / CFGF_87B.wmv / 2000 ms / right / F1
to scrub the base of a pot in circles using a sponge with the right hand / CFGF_88A.wmv / CFGF_88B.wmv / 2000 ms / right / M1
to hold a pot with both hands on its handles to place it on a stove / CFGF_89.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / M1
to turn over the page of a book using the right thumb and index finger on the upper right corner / CFGF_90.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / M1
to turn over the page of a book retaining the right part of it with the right hand and letting a page slip out with the right thumb / CFGF_91.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / M1
to put a separate bookmark into a book with the right hand and close the book with the left hand / CFGF_92A.wmv / CFGF_92B.wmv / 2000 ms / right / M1
to put a fiber bookmark which is attached to the book into it with the right hand and close the book with the left hand / CFGF_93.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / M1
to fold a dog-ear with the upper right corner of a book using the right hand and close the book with the left hand / CFGF_94.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / M1
to sweep up dirt on a shovel held within the left hand using a handbrush with the right hand / CFGF_95A.wmv / CFGF_95B.wmv / 1500 ms / opposite / F4
to let dirt fall from a shovel into a dustbin lifting it with the right hand / CFGF_96.wmv / - / 1500 ms / right / F4
to let dirt fall from a shovel into a dustbin turning it upside down with the right hand / CFGF_97.wmv / - / 1400 ms / right / F4
to lift a bucket filled with water with both hands to pour it out / CFGF_98A.wmv / CFGF_98B.wmv / 3000 ms / right / F3
to open a water tap with the right hand to fill a bucket which is retained with the left hand / CFGF_99A.wmv / CFGF_99B.wmv / 3000 ms / right / F3
to pull out a thread with the right thumb and index finger from a thread spool retained with the left hand / CFGF_100A.wmv / CFGF_100B.wmv / 2000 ms / opposite / M1
to sever a thread pulling it apart with both hands / CFGF_101.wmv / - / 2000 ms / opposite / M1
to retain a thread with the left hand and cut it through using a pair of scissors with the right hand / CFGF_102.wmv / - / 1500 ms / opposite / M1
to use a lighter pressing the button with the right thumb / CFGF_103.wmv / - / 1500 ms / right / F4
to file the left index fingernail using a nail file along its edge with the right hand / CFGF_104A.wmv / CFGF_104B.wmv / 3000 ms / right / F4
to cut the fingernails of the left hand using a pair of nail scissors with the right hand / CFGF_105A.wmv / CFGF_105B.wmv / 2000 ms / right / F3
to cut the fingernails of the left hand using a nailclipper with the right hand / CFGF_106.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / F3
to remove the cork from a bottle of wine which has been uncorked before using the right hand / CFGF_107.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / F3
to hit a drum sequentially with both hands / CFGF_108.wmv / - / 3000 ms / right / F4
to cut a cucumber in slices chopping it with a knife held within the right hand / CFGF_109A.wmv / CFGF_109B.wmv / 3000 ms / right / F1
to cut a cucumber in slices sawing through it with a knife held within the right hand / CFGF_110.wmv / - / 3000 ms / right / F1
to open a belt with a pin buckle using both hands / CFGF_111A.wmv / CFGF_111B.wmv / 3000 ms / opposite / M1
to open a belt with a clamp buckle using both hands / CFGF_112.wmv / - / 2500 ms / opposite / M1
to close a belt with a pin buckle using both hands / CFGF_113A.wmv / CFGF_113B.wmv / 3000 ms / opposite / M1
to close a belt with a clamp buckle using both hands / CFGF_114.wmv / - / 2500 ms / opposite / M1
to put on a left glove slipping it over the left hand using the right hand / CFGF_115.wmv / - / 2000 ms / opposite / F1
to remove a left glove pulling on one of its fingers with the right thumb and index finger / CFGF_116A.wmv / CFGF_116B.wmv / 2000 ms / opposite / F1
to fold a pullover using both hands to fold the two sleeves perpendicularly to the center and then the lower part up / CFGF_117A.wmv / CFGF_117B.wmv / 4000 ms / right / F1
to upend the sleeves of a pullover simultaneously with both hands inside them / CFGF_118.wmv / - / 3000 ms / right / F1
to close a magazine slamming it with both hands / CFGF_119.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / F1
to button up a pair of trousers with both hands / CFGF_120A.wmv / CFGF_120B.wmv / 3000 ms / right / F1
to close the zip of a pair of trousers with the right hand / CFGF_121.wmv / - / 3000 ms / right / F1
to unbutton a pair of trousers with both hands / CFGF_122A.wmv / CFGF_122B.wmv / 3000 ms / right / F1
to open the zip of a pair of trousers with the right hand / CFGF_123.wmv / - / 3000 ms / right / F1
to stir coffee in a cup anti-clockwise using a spoon within the right hand / CFGF_124A.wmv / CFGF_124B.wmv / 3000 ms / right / F1
to open a bottle of beer with a bottle opener in the right hand / CFGF_125A.wmv / CFGF_125B.wmv / 2000 ms / right / F2
to grasp a bottle of beer with the right hand and put it into a beer crate / CFGF_126.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / F2
to pick up the phone using the right hand to lift the vertically oriented receiver / CFGF_127.wmv / - / 2500 ms / left / F3
to remove a padlock opening it with the key and moving the shackle around with the right hand / CFGF_128.wmv / - / 3000 ms / right / F3
to affix a Post-it on the wall pressing it with the right hand / CFGF_129.wmv / - / 2000 ms / left / F3
to switch on a bedside lamp pulling on a band with the right hand / CFGF_130.wmv / - / 3000 ms / left / M2
to fold a map into a rectangular shape using both hands / CFGF_131.wmv / - / 2000 ms / left / F3
to cut a cake with a knife in the right hand sawing back and forth / CFGF_132A.wmv / CFGF_132B.wmv / 2000 ms / right / M2
to connect two puzzle pieces retaining each one in one hand / CFGF_133A.wmv / CFGF_133B.wmv / 3000 ms / opposite / M2
to screw on the lid of a water bottle using the right hand / CFGF_134.wmv / - / 3000 ms / left / F3
to wipe water from a surface moving a tissue over it with the right hand / CFGF_135.wmv / - / 4000 ms / right / F1
to adjust an alarm clock turning a small wheel with the right index finger / CFGF_136.wmv / - / 3000 ms / left / F3
to water a plant using a watering can with the right hand / CFGF_137.wmv / - / 3000 ms / left / F3
to fold back a tablecloth using both hands / CFGF_138A.wmv / CFGF_138B.wmv / 2000 ms / right / M2
to put on the lid of a lip stick with the right hand / CFGF_139.wmv / - / 2500 ms / right / F3
to core the quarter of an apple with a knife using the right hand / CFGF_140.wmv / - / 4000 ms / right / F3
to remove a ring from one’s left ring finger pulling it up with the right thumb and index finger / CFGF_141.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / F3
to carry a shopping basket with the right hand / CFGF_142.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / F6
to peel a raw potato using a peeler with the right hand / CFGF_143.wmv / - / 3000 ms / left / F3
to clean a glass with a glass dishwashing brush holding the glass in the left hand and turning the dishwashing brush inside the glass with the right hand / CFGF_144A.wmv / CFGF_144B.wmv / 2000 ms / left / M2
to roll two dice with the right hand / CFGF_145.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / M2
to shake two dice moving the right hand back and forth / CFGF_146A.wmv / CFGF_146B.wmv / 2000 ms / right / M2
to fill a bowl with food from a wok using a scoop in the right hand / CFGF_147.wmv / - / 3000 ms / left / M2
to part hair using both hands / CFGF_148.wmv / - / 3000 ms / right / M2
to put noodles into a pot with boiling water using the right hand / CFGF_149.wmv / - / 2500 ms / right / F3
to unlock a door turning a key around with the right hand / CFGF_150.wmv / - / 3000 ms / right / F3
Familiar China + unfamiliar Germany
Action description / First clip / Second clip / Duration / Perspective / Actor
to sharpen a pencil holding it with the left hand and rotating the sharpener’s crank handle with the right hand / CFGU_1.wmv / - / 3000 ms / right / F2
to draw a wavy line on a blackboard using a piece of chalk and holding it with the right fist / CFGU_2.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / F2
to plug in a dart onto a dartboard using the right fist / CFGU_3.wmv / - / 1500 ms / left / F2
to hold a pot with both hands under its base to place it on a stove / CFGU_4.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / M1
to stir food inside a bowl moving a pair of chopsticks clockwise with the right hand / CFGU_5.wmv / - / 3000 / right / F3
to open a yoghurt bag with a pair of scissors in the right hand holding the bag with the left hand / CFGU_6.wmv / - / 2000 ms / right / M2
to wind up a thread around a ball of wool turning the ball of wool away from oneself with both hands / CFGU_7.wmv / - / 3000 ms / right / M2
to put a business card into a business card box using the right thumb and index finger / CFGU_8.wmv / - / 2000 ms / left / M2