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7. Language and communication

Some tips are:

• Use language that is easily understood. Do not use jargon.

• Share personal information about yourself. e.g. Where you come from and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities you may have worked in.

• Do no expect all Aboriginal people to share information regarding families and culture or local history.

• A person of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander decent does not have to identity as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

• Some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander do not know their families histories.

• Silence should not be misunderstood. It should be respected. The person may be reflecting on what you have said and may want more time to think about the answer to a question.

• Ask direct questions.

• In some communities direct eye contact can be a sign of disrespect and in other communities direct eye contact will be expected.

• Be sensitive when gaining information.

• Some questions will not be answered.

• Where possible allow a support person to accompany the client.

• Not all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people want to work with a Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Worker.

Traditionally

There were between 200 and 250 aboriginal languages spoken, with many different dialects, producing up to 700 varieties. This makes Aboriginal Australia one of the most linguistically diverse areas on the planet. Within the space of 80 kilometres you can still pass through the territories of three languages ‘less closely related than English, Russian and Hindu.’ (The oxford Companion to Australian History, 1998)