Hand Gestures
Aboriginal English makes considerable use of non verbal signs, especially when discussing direction. These are an integral part of the communication process and should not be ignored.
Such example of these hand gestures to signify meaning are when actions like two arms held out with wrists crossed as if in handcuffs to mean 'policeman', and two hand touching the nipple to mean 'mother'.
Such example of these hand gestures to signify meaning are when actions like two arms held out with wrists crossed as if in handcuffs to mean 'policeman', and two hand touching the nipple to mean 'mother'.
Eye Contact
In mainstream Australian culture, making direct eye contact with a conversation partner and speaking clearly and loudly are interpreted as signs of confidence, moral uprightness and politeness. Avoiding eye contact, particularly with someone can be seen as signs of dishonesty and insecurity, or at the least lack of interest or respect. In Aboriginal societies, on the other hand, the converse is true. Direct eye contact with anyone other than one ’s most intimate peers or relations is seen as a sign of rudeness, disrespect or even aggression, and the appropriate strategy to convey polite respect is to avert or lower one’s eyes in a conversation. Therefore, Aboriginal English speakers tend to avoid direct eye contact when making a conversation with someone unfamiliar as a custom of verbal discourse.
Silence
Another major difference is in the use and interpretation of silence. Long periods of silence are generally avoided in mainstream Australian discourse except among intimate friends or relatives. Particularly in formal proceedings, silence can be interpreted as a breakdown in communication or insincerity to participate in verbal discourse. On the other hand, in Aboriginal societies, lengthy periods of silence are the norm, and are expected during conversation. This is why Aboriginal English speakers use silence frequently to signify a comfortable interaction and a development in their relationship.