Cultural Information - Communication Styles
Question:
What do I need to know about verbal and non-verbal communications?
Local Perspective:
When speaking with someone, as a general rule, one arm’s length is an acceptable distance. Eye contact is not particularly important but posture can be, especially when sitting. Touching the head of another adult is considered disrespectful, especially if the person is older than you. However, it is ok to touch children’s heads. Females over the age of 10 are not permitted to touch male monks or stand within 3 feet of them.
Showing the soles of your bare feet is considered a vulgar gesture and most Laotian people take care to sit in a way that hides them from view. Most families sit on the floors of their homes and sit with their legs folded to the side of them, tucking their feet under their skirts or sitting on them. They never sit with their feet propped up or extended straight out towards someone.
A nervous tone of voice or speech patterns may be perceived as a sign of dishonesty.
Canadian Perspective:
When talking to a Laotian, a respectful distance is recommended. Eye contact is not a problem, but touching is to be avoided completely, especially males touching women and anyone touching someone on the head. Such acts would be considered a serious breach of decorum. Even Laotian dancing is performed without touching the partner.
The Laotian are mostly a quiet, self-effacing and undemonstrative people, therefore all contact should be carried out in a subdued manner especially tone of voice. Gestures should be kept to a minimum.