Papua New Guinean Culture

Verbal

• Direct Communication: Papua New Guineans tend to be direct in their communication on general topics. However, they are typically sensitive on cultural matters and can become easily ashamed. Thus, Papua New Guineans are often less direct when discussing sensitive topics such as their culture. Moreover, criticism is best expressed through a third party who can pass on the message rather than face to face – especially in the case of men.
• Communication Style: The typical style of communication is informal and relaxed. There are not many strict social norms related to how one ought to communicate to particular people. However, this will vary depending on the structure of the community. For example, in chiefly social structures, there are specific ways of communicating to the chief.

Non-Verbal

• Physical Contact: Physical touch between those of the same gender is common and often a sign of friendship, such as holding hands. Body contact between the genders is kept minimal, with physical touch often seen as inappropriate and reserved for private settings.
• Personal Space: It is common to have approximately an arm's length of personal space, especially when communicating with someone of the opposite gender. As people become more familiar with one another, personal distance reduces. For example, in family circles, people tend to stand very close to one another. However, crowding in public is thought to be acceptable and normal.
• Expressions: Movements and gestures involving the head, eyes or eyebrows are generally relied upon to add meaning to communication. Pay attention to these expressions.
• Gestures: Most often, people will point with their chin rather than their finger. A short hiss and a sideways motion of the head often refer to disgust. Typically, one points their fingers downward and makes a scratching motion to gesture for a person to come.
• Eye Contact: Direct eye contact or staring is not usually considered rude. Moreover, avoiding eye contact is seen to be negative and may be interpreted as communicating slyness. Direct eye contact between two people who aren’t particularly close may be interpreted as a sign of aggression. In some cases, particularly between those of the opposite gender, direct eye contact is understood as suggestive.
• Pointing: Pointing at someone who is not a part of the conversation tends to be interpreted as gossiping about that person and can cause offence.