Communicating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

Understanding cultural protocols for Indigenous communities is important for respectful communication with Torres Strait Islander people. Here are some important tips for communicating with Aboriginal communities while acknowledging their perspective without hurting their cultural sentiments: 

1. Initial Greetings and Building a Rapport

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities appreciate relational introductions. It helps them to establish trust and build a transparent connection. To build and maintain long-term rapport, considering a ‘person before business’ approach is important.

• During initial greetings, introduce yourself in a warm and friendly way. State your first and last name, along with your family’s cultural lineage and geographic heritage.
• Always go for a soft handshake when meeting face-to-face. Avoid a firm, aggressive settler grip.
• Share stories about yourself.
• Ask about people and where they are from.
• Discuss other topics of common interest.

How Do You Address an Aboriginal Elder? Addressing with Titles

In local culture, addressing someone older with “aunty” or “uncle” is a common practice to show respect, even if the person is not a blood relative or necessarily an Elder. However, for professional interactions, only address people with these titles if approval is given and/or a positive relationship exists.

2. Clear Interactions Through Simple Word Exchange

For some people — particularly in remote communities — English is a second, third, or fourth language, so meaning can be lost even when a conversation appears to be going well. To overcome communication barriers, you have to be clear and straightforward in your approach. Here are some tips:

• Avoid using complex words or jargon. 
• Take help from widely available plain-language resources for Indigenous communities. 
• Ask to confirm whether you have understood the right meaning of the words used by the person and vice versa. 
• Avoid using traditional languages or creole words unless you have high proficiency and understanding. 
• While explaining concepts, sharing instructions or introducing terms, use visual aids like diagrams, models, short videos, and images to simplify. 
• If required, seek help from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interpreter services or local staff.

Make sure your instructions are full and clear, so there is no room for confusion. For example, if you just say ‘take until finished,’ someone might think they can stop once they feel better, rather than finishing every single pill in the bottle.

3. Questioning without Intimidating 

While questioning Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, you need to make them feel culturally safe. Direct questioning often leads to:

• Intimidation and discouragement of participation
• Misunderstanding 
• Difficulty in obtaining important information

Therefore, indirect questioning is the better approach. Here’s what to do: 

• First, explain why you need to ask any questions.
• Use a “roundabout” way of asking. (e.g., “I was wondering about your family…” instead of “How many kids do you have?”).
• Avoid compound questions (e.g., “How often do you visit your GP and what are the reasons that you don’t?”).
• Don’t force the person to repeat themselves.
• Avoid using hypothetical examples. 
• Use plain words (e.g., say “enough” instead of “sufficient”).

4. Dealing with Repeated “Yes”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may answer questions the way they think others want. They also tend to agree with the questions even when they do not understand or agree. They do it simply to end the conversation or when they feel uncomfortable.

Therefore, take time to strengthen the rapport through initial interactions to make them feel comfortable and interested. Always explain how long you will take up their time at the beginning. Also, give the person a chance to question back. 

5. Acknowledging Sensitive Emotions: “Shame”

The emotions of “Shame” and “Shyness” are deeply felt sentiments among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They might feel ashamed or embarrassed to answer some questions where they have to share

• Private or personal information
• Cultural beliefs
• Family situations

To make them feel their confidentiality is not breached, you can do the following:

• Talk discreetly in a safe environment to make them feel comfortable
• Avoid open or public discussions for sensitive matters
• Consider Men’s and Women’s Business. (E.g., allow your female agent to talk with an Indigenous woman). 

Private and compassionate communication styles help in building trust with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

6. Active Listening and Allow Time for Silence

Active listening is important while communicating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These people may struggle to communicate due to linguistic differences. Here’s what to do: 

• Let people take the necessary time to explain or answer.
• Remain silent as they talk. This shows respect for the person’s decision to participate.
• Avoid selective hearing. Do not continually interrupt or speak over the person.
• Show empathy and be attentive to make them feel heard and understood. 
• Repeat what they said by paraphrasing or summarising, signalling that you are listening to them. This also helps with clarification.

On the other hand, extended periods of silence during conversations are a cultural norm in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Be respectful and do not misinterpret their silence as a lack of understanding or agreement, or as the absence of concerns. Instead, try to understand their silence by observing their body language. 

This helps you gauge when it is appropriate to start speaking. You can also seek clarification if they understood the topic discussed or the question asked. 

7. Understanding Non-verbal Communication Cues

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may use certain non-verbal communication cues, such as hand gestures or facial expressions. These often might have different meanings in the Western context.

Conversely, your own non-verbal communication and behaviour will also be observed and interpreted. For example, if your body language reflects the feeling of annoyance, it is likely to be noticed by the people. 

8. Perception of Eye Contact

In Western culture, avoidance of eye contact is viewed as dishonesty, rudeness, or lack of interest. But in some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, it is often the opposite. Avoidance of eye contact is customarily a gesture of respect. Direct eye contact may be perceived as rude, disrespectful, or even aggressive.

To maintain a polite and respectful attitude, averting or lowering your eyes during conversation is a recommended approach. Study the opposite person’s body language and follow their lead to modify eye contact accordingly.

Unless the person initiates it and is comfortable, avoid cross-gender eye contact.

9. Personal Space & Touch

Maintain a respectful physical distance. Being too close to an unfamiliar person or the opposite gender can lead to discomfort or a feeling of being threatened. 

If dealing with Torres Strait Islander patients and physical contact is necessary, first establish a rapport. Explain why you need to touch them, and always seek their consent.

10. Offering Options and Ownership for Decision Making

Allow people to choose among options for their own benefit. For example, if providing primary health care services, present them with medication options for oral and injection methods. 

Important considerations:

• Options must be practical and realistic. 
• Avoid making solid promises. Failing to deliver leads to mistrust again. 

Next, respect their decision-making process. Indigenous communities have kinship structures and relationships. Final decisions are often made after taking input from all family members. 

Here’s what you need to do: 

• Give the person time if they need to consult with their family. 
• Let them take sufficient time to clearly understand their options. 
• Be respectful of their privacy if you are asked to leave the room or meeting when the family needs to discuss the matter privately.