How would we communicate with a freshly landed alien from outer space?

Well, I guarantee you that both parties would be very cautious. I think we'd probably try to use universal gestures and signs that almost all cultures (at least on our planet) would understand. We'd also observe the alien and see what he/she does and how it conducts itself. We would then form a plan from there. Just my 2 cents.

-Your Friendly Neighborhood Guy