For the indigenous community, much of a child’s involvement with adult conversation is limited to a passive role. Avoiding eye contact is also a sign of respect. In my own culture, it is polite to look at someone, especially if an elder is talking to you. This could be a potential source of difference, that could impact on the development of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander child in my care, should I not be familiar with the practices of the indigenous people. I should be aware that not to misunderstand the use of silence as a sign of nonchalance. Rather, silence should be accepted and body language and other non-verbal forms of communication should take centre stage.
