A field guide for effective communication with
off-world visitors
This guide
is intended to serve as a general briefing to enhance cultural
competence while providing insight into the complexities of
extra-terrestrial (ET) first contact. Within the context of this field
guide, cultural competence is defined as: the ability to function effectively in the context of cultural
differences. A more specific orientation or training must be provided to
individuals, such as diplomatic personnel and social service providers,
who will be having repeated or prolonged contact.
First
contactees should use this guide to ensure the following
Five Elements
of Cultural Competence* are being addressed:
1.
Awareness, acceptance and valuing of cultural differences.
2.
Awareness of one’s own culture and values.
3.
Understanding the range of dynamics that result from the
interaction between entities of different cultures.
4.
Developing cultural knowledge of the particular entity
encountered or accessing cultural brokers who may have that knowledge.
5.
Ability to adapt individual understanding and communication
strategies to fit the cultural context of the individual entity,
species, or home world.
*Adapted
from Cross, T., Bazron, B., Dennis, K., and Isaacs, M. (1989). Towards A Culturally
Competent System of Care Volume I. Washington,
D.C.: Georgetown University Child Development Center, CASSP Technical Assistance Center.
Myths & Facts
Myth:
ETs are inherently spiritual and live in
harmony with universe.
Fact:
The idea of all ET having a mystical
spirituality is a broad generalization. This romantic stereotype can be
just as damaging as other more negative stereotypes and impairs one’s
ability to communicate to ETs as “real people”.
Myth:
ETs have distinguishing physical
characteristics and you can identify them by how they look.
Fact:
Due to galactic diversity, as well as
thousands of years of inter-world and inter-species interaction, there
is no single distinguishing “look” for ETs. Again, this is stereotypical
and could lead to unintended consequences in communication.
Communication Styles
Nonverbal
Messages
ETs
communicate a great deal through non-verbal gestures. Careful
observation is necessary to avoid misinterpretation of non-verbal
behavior.
ETs
may look down to show respect or deference to elders, or ignoring an
individual to show disagreement or displeasure.
A
gentle handshake is often seen as a sign of respect, not weakness.
Storytelling
Getting messages across through telling a
story (traditional teachings and personal stories) is very common
and sometimes in contrast with the
“get to the point” frame of mind in earthling society. Patience,
acceptance and thoughtfulness are critical in establishing and
maintaining effective communication.
Self-Awareness & Etiquette
Prior to
making contact, examine your own belief system about ETs, related to
social issues such as species phobia, mammalian centrism and
psychedelic drug use, as well as galactic issues such as consensual
reality. You are being observed at all times, so avoid making
assumptions and be conscious that you are laying the groundwork for
others to follow.
Adapt your
tone of voice, volume, and speed of speech patterns to that of specific entities
to fit their manner of communication style. Preferred body language,
posture, and concept of personal space depend on species norms and the
nature of the personal relationship. Observe others and allow them to
create the space and initiate or ask for any physical contact.
As you
establish communication, you may experience expressions of mistrust,
frustration, or disappointment from other situations that are outside of
your control. Learn not to take it personally. If ETs tease you,
understand that this can indicate rapport-building and may be a form of
guidance or an indirect way of correcting inappropriate behavior. You
will be more easily accepted and forgiven for mistakes if you can learn
to laugh at yourself and listen to lessons being brought to you through
humor.
Rapport
and trust do not come easily in a limited amount of time; however, don’t
be surprised if ETs speak to you about highly charged issues (e.g.,
sexual customs) as you may be perceived as an objective expert. Issues around gender roles
can vary significantly in various ET communities. Males and females
typically have very distinct social rules for behavior in every day
interactions and in ceremonies.
Common
behaviors for humans to be aware of as they relate to gender issues are:
eye contact, style of dress, physical touch, personal space, decision
making and the influence of male and/or female elders. Careful
observation and seeking guidance from an entity elder on appropriate
gender-specific behavior can help contactees to follow specific customs
and demonstrate cultural respect.
The above information is presented as
a public service by the Hedonic Engineering Department at
Tek-Gnostics.
