The most important initial step in efforts of gaining insights about the local resident is to understand him in his own setting. The following are just some general statements intended to help you in your behavior in the local community:
- Avoid wearing sandals when attending special occasions in the local community: wearing shoes is a sign that the event is important to you.
- Do invite people at least three times. Local residents are taught that it is proper to refuse the first time or two. To them, insistence is a clear sign that the offer or invitations is genuine.
- Do give the local residents a way out of the situation so he can save face, thus avoiding embarrassment. Embarrassing him will cause "hiya" or loss of face.
- Don't use the common sign of OK. In the local community, it means money. You may use the new sign OK. This is the thumbs-up sign which has been commonly seen on television.
- Don't use your forefinger upward to call a local resident. It is considered somewhat degrading. One way of calling is to beckon with the hand in gentle downward motion. Pssst is another popular way to get someone's attention. As a rule however, it is preferred to call the person by name. It is even better to use nicknames, because these are reserved for close friends.
- Smiling is a form of friendship and a form of greeting.
- Do show respect for age -- use the proper appellations for elders and relations. Find out right away what appellations are used in the family.
