Aborigines connect with everyone in both their immediate and distant surroundings by constantly glancing around to monitor what is being said or done. Adults & children will phase out of things that don't interest them and phase in to things that do interest them.

Children are expected to pay attention to what the teacher or other students are doing. (Eg. If someone is giving a talk, children are expected to look at the speaker and listen to what they are saying.)

Personal information is not usually shared. It may be shared if some personal information is exchanged by the other communicator. Usually, only certain people may have access to 'privileged information'.

Personal questions are sometimes asked of the students and answers are expected. Teachers often wonder why children become silent when certain questions are asked.

Direct questions are not commonly used in the community. Information is acquired in a roundabout way.

Direct questions are used quite frequently in the school setting.

Silence is an acceptable part of communication. It is used as a way to have more space, distance or time to consider a question, request….

Children are expected to answer questions right away. Silence is often interpreted as children being lazy, un-attentive, disobedient, or rude.

Non-verbals are used to communicate a thought or idea, or to ask questions or give answers.

Answers to questions are to be given verbally.

Avoiding eye contact is seen as being polite and showing respect.

Teachers' comment: 'If you're not looking at me, you're not listening'.

Joking is an integral part of communication between Aboriginal people. It is used to break uncomfortable interactions, squash potential animosities and to develop friendships.

Teaching is considered 'serious business.' Teachers' comments: 'You are here to learn, not to have fun'. 'These kids can't be serious.'

Courtesy tags such as 'please' and
'thank you' were not a part of traditional ways of communicating.

Children are often considered impolite for not using 'please' and 'thank you'.

To avoid personal confrontation a person will: say 'yes' to a request but sometimes not do it; say 'yes' to a question even if they don't know the answer.

Teachers expect children to follow through on a request if they say 'yes' to a request. Children are often punished for their non-compliance.

Rules for taking turns when speaking varies – many people will speak at once, with people listening to different threads of the conversation and contributing at will. People have a choice as to who they listen to.

People are to take turns when speaking. When someone is speaking, others are expected to listen. It is considered impolite when someone talks while another is speaking.

Respectful listening usually involves looking down and/or turning away from the speaker.

Respectful listening involves looking at the speaker and by using conversational cues that lets the speaker know that you are listening (eg. nodding).