PNG Customs
For some Papua New Guinea born people when they know a person, it is appropriate to hug and kiss a person on the cheek when greeting them. If greeting a person with an official status, it is important to use the appropriate title with their full name.
Upon entering a room Papua New Guineans greet any visitor and offers them a cup of tea and something to eat. It is common for such people to visit anytime. Food is always shared even if there is only a small amount. Older Papuans enjoy chewing betel nuts.
Many Papua New Guineans greet by shaking hands with the question “How are You?” (Yu orait?) It is important for Papua New Guinea-born people to be well dressed, although older people tend to dress more casually. Women are generally to be provided personal care by women.
It is important to Papua New Guinea-born people that a constant vigil is maintained when a person from their culture is ill. Often more than one person stays with the sick taking it in turn to massage and keep the person company.
Funerals are an important part of Papua New Guinea-born people’s culture. There is usually a very large attendance at funerals with all relatives and friends attending. Each person who knew the deceased is expected to contribute towards the cost of the funeral. Cremations are common, however burials are seldom done. For coastal-born people it is important to wear black when a person from your immediate family passes away. Also, black mourning beads are worn and not removed until all relatives can meet together and have a feast.
This feast lasts for three to seven days and involves sharing food and dancing. The feast signals the end of mourning, and the mourning beads are removed and in addition the person is allowed to dance and celebrate again. For up to one year a person in mourning may continue to cover their head with black cloth when outside of their home.
It is arrogant to expect everyone to speak English and PNG is a linguistically diverse country. Visitors are responsible for making themselves understood by locals. Treat interpreters with respect, not as ‘hired help’ and they will provide a better service. If possible involve them in planning as they may have useful local knowledge. Bear in mind that the interpreter may have loyalties outside of his role with the visitor.
Remember, the tone of voice is important, so avoid aggressive or frustrated tones as people can hear this even when they may not understand the words. Gestures and body language, such as pointing, may be interpreted differently across locations, however, a smile is universal. A powerful handshake may not impress and may be interpreted as overly aggressive.
PNG people often do not wear a watch or have clocks and consequently have a different interpretation to being ‘on time’. When working with locals it is advisable to be patient, do not expect anything to happen in a hurry. Work in the local time frame and never show frustration when appointments are not kept as this reflects poorly, is counter-productive and may lower the visitor's standing in the eyes of locals.
Avoid aggressive or public confrontations with colleagues. Be careful on disciplining or correcting people. Public confrontation or being told they are wrong in front of others can be extremely distressing and shameful. Think about the best way to approach this in the circumstances and be sensitive to local customs. A private conversation may be more appropriate.
Take special care to follow local customs relating to the interactions between men, women and children. Remember, such interactions may affect local people. Inappropriate (or perceived to be inappropriate) behaviour can harm your mission, leave a visitor open to accusations and blackmail, may damage their reputation, mission, and the local involved and may result in (unseen) punishment of the local.
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