Ideas and feelings are
conveyed through behavior
rather than speech.
A familiar response to things
they don’t like is silence;
sometimes they leave and
don’t return.
Silence is valued, and long
periods of silence between
speakers are common.
Interruption of the speaker is
considered rude.
Sometimes ask to see a
medicine man first and then
receive treatment from the
physician.
Traditions of ritual folk healing
and the spiritual aspect of
disease have deterred
reliance on a strictly scientific
medical community.
Listening is valued over
talking.
Several feet in physical
distance is usual comfort
zone.
Eye contact is not direct or
only briefly direct as a sign of
respect. Gaze may be
directed over the shoulder.
Emotional expressiveness
may be controlled, except for
humor.
Touch is not usually
acceptable except for a light
handshake.
Probability statements do not
translate grammatically in
some Indian languages, and
may be misinterpreted as
fact.
Older American Indians may
need time to translate
concepts into their language
and then respond in
English/Western thought to
effectively communicate.
Criticism is communicated
indirectly through another
family member; direct
criticism is considered
disrespectful and rude.