[Michael Mc]

What is your opinion about empaths, which is to say a person who has the ability to sense the emotions of others. Though I understand that an empath has roots in science fiction, I wonder if the concept may have some basis in reality. Specifically, someone who may be very intuitive at reading body language. However, if that were the case - an empath might not be effective in cultures different from their own.

Anyhow, I'd be curious to hear your thoughts.

Thanks,

Michael Mc

[lyner]

Absolutely.
You could probably spot fear, anger and the other basics but that would be about the limit.
So many mannerisms and gestures are learned  from one's immediate associates and local culture.

[RD]

If "body language" includes facial expression, then definitely yes.

Re gesture:
the same gesture can have completely different in meanings in different countries,
 e.g. the "O.K." hand gesture is offensive in most countries.