○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
• Learning a language is a form of identification.
However, ensure it doesn’t identify you too
closely with one community and exclude you
from another; and
Communication Generally
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
• Use any language you learn only where it
belongs (e.g. the home community).
External use could see the language
misinterpreted and it may also be
inappropriate.
○
○
○
○
○
Try to be open, honest, and sincere. Always go
into a community and a discussion with an
open mind. Never be boastful about your ideas.
In many situations Aboriginal people will use
others to put their ideas forward. You may be
expected to do the same.
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
Off - duty relaxation with Aboriginal people can
help in the development of relationships which
make work easier. Remote communities are likely
to frown on mixing with the opposite gender
outside work hours. Mixed groups are not a
problem, but it is to be frowned on to join a
group of the opposite gender rather than a
group of your own gender.
Indirect Communication
○
○
○
○
○
○
In the exchange of information, a natural part of
Aboriginal communication patterns is the less
direct approach. Aboriginal people tend to find
the direct non-Aboriginal style of
communication confrontational and maybe even
rude.
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
• Aboriginal communities welcome attempts to
understand their language. Even if you learn
a few words you will get on better;
○
○
○
If you are learning a local language remember:
○
○
○
• Consult with the interpreter and the relevant
community interest groups before devising
the agenda;
○
○
○
• When you facilitate meetings, workshops or
training sessions, be aware that there may be a
need for an interpreter which will assist the
process; and
○
○
○
If English is not their first language:
○
○
○
• Use your own style of speech. Do not
mimic Aboriginal patterns of talk, speech or
accents.
○
○
○
• You may speak too quickly. For each
community you visit and consult with,
identify how to speak at a rate they can
understand. The level of English understood
will vary from community to community;
individual to individual; and
○
○
○
you use. Check that you understand their
meaning and they understand what you are
saying. Don’t use common language words
because they may not mean the same thing to
the people you are talking to (e.g. bunji can
mean friend or fiancee depending whether
you are speaking to Murrie’s or
Nyoongah’s);
○
protocols regarding consultation and negotiation continued
○
4
26
D e p a r t m e n t o f A b o r i g i n a l and T o r r e s S t r a i t I s l a n d e r P o l i c y a n d D e v e l o p m e n t