Non Verbal Communication with Native Americans

Non Verbal Communication with Native Americans

Body Movement

Tone of Voice

Hand Gestures

Appearance

• Praise to rewards by raising hands, palms facing towards them, and slightly shaking them.
• Clapping was rarely heard and very uncommon but now it is becoming more socially acceptable.
• Point with lips or eye brows instead of using their fingers.
• If really trying to get a point across they nod their heads and chins a particular direction.
• Truing your back on someone or not acknowledging them is defiantly and insult.

• Speaking is relatively narrow and has a quiet range of pitch tone and volume, this is viewed as the proper adult communications pattern.
• Talking quickly and loudly is disapproved.
• Native Americans will often speak dispassionately about something very meaningful and important to them in order to not impose their energy or emotion on others.

• Typically not many gestures in normal conversation.
• Story tellers or elders often use gestures which are larger and more frequent.

• Dress is often casual.
• "Over dressing" may create the impression of viewing oneself as being above others.
• Clothing is a very important part of their culture.
• Clothing is a main factor in cultural and religious ceremonies.

Directness/Indirectness

• Indirectness is typically preferable.
• This gives others the chance to refuse a request without directly saying "no".
• Elders with high status can be very direct with those who are younger than themselves.
• An untrue accusations will simply result in no response.

Greeting and Touch

• Touch is usually only common for friends and intimates.
• Many Native Americans have adopted European/American custom of hand shaking.
• Hand shake is light and quick.

Turn Taking and Pause Time

Typical Distance

Eye Contact

• In formal group speaking situations turns are taking by everyone present.
• No one else speaks until the previous speaker is completely through and a few moments of silence have past.
• If you speak to quickly you will be thoughts of as a rash persona who doesn't think things through before they speak.
• It can also show disrespect for the person that spoke before them.
• Interrupting another speaker is unbearable rudeness.
• If an elder is interrupted the person who interrupted them will serve a social consequence.
• When interacting with other cultures pause times are shorter and they may have to be rude in order to be in order to participate in a conversation.

• Side by side arrangement is more comfortable than face to face, especially in two person conversation.
• If interacting with non Native Americans they prefer further distance.
• Typically more than an arms length.

• Direct eye contact is seen as rude, unless if they are in a story telling situation, or in contact with an elder or a very respective person.
• Gaze of the listener and speaker will often remain around the forehead, mouth, ear, or throat.

Background Information

It is typical for Native Americans to be silent, because in their culture a majority of communication is done non verbally.