Aboriginal Values and Communication Styles vs Mainstream Culture

Aboriginal Values and Communication Styles vs. Mainstream Culture

Activity Instructions: 1. Pair up with someone in the class. 2. Examine the Aboriginal communication styles and values that are listed on the handout that has been provided. 3. Identify how mainstream communication styles and values are different from Aboriginal communication styles and values. 4. You will be asked to share your ideas for one topic with the class and create a short skit to demonstrate how traditional Aboriginal culture differs from mainstream culture with regards to this topic.

Traditional Aboriginal Live in harmony with nature. Mainstream Culture Achieve mastery over nature.

Traditional Aboriginal Focus in the present Mainstream Culture Focus on the future.

Traditional Aboriginal Mythology explains natural phenomena. Mainstream Culture Science explains everything.

Traditional Aboriginal Value tradition. Mainstream Culture Value change.

Traditional Aboriginal Focus on cooperation. Mainstream Culture Focus on competition.

Traditional Aboriginal Mainstream Culture Work to satisfy present needs. Work to get ahead.

Traditional Aboriginal Share wealth. Mainstream Culture Save for the future.

Traditional Aboriginal “Time is always with us” Mainstream Culture “Time lost can never be regained. ”

Traditional Aboriginal Value humility. Mainstream Culture Win first prize if at all possible.

Traditional Aboriginal Mainstream Culture Win once, then let others win. Win all the time.

Traditional Aboriginal Culture Handshake is gentle and short. Mainstream Culture Handshake is firm and extended.

Traditional Aboriginal Minimal eye contact signals respect. Mainstream Culture Continuous eye contact signals honesty and confidence.

Traditional Aboriginal Speak more softly, slowly. Mainstream culture Speak more quickly, not as softly

Traditional Aboriginal Take time to ponder a question and think a matter through. Mainstream Culture May think out loud answer a question while doing so.

Traditional Aboriginal Silence is comfortable. Mainstream Culture Not as comfortable with silence.

Traditional Aboriginal Nodding means understanding, but not necessarily agreement. Mainstream Culture Nodding implies agreement.

Traditional Aboriginal Saving face, and not embarrassing others, is important. Mainstream Culture “Say what you think”; confrontation is acceptable.

Traditional Aboriginal Consensus is valued Mainstream Culture Consensus is not always possible, majority rule

Traditional Aboriginal Interference in the affairs of others is not condoned. Mainstream Culture May offer unsolicited advice.