How do Navajo Indians show respect?

Answer 1

Every culture has many different was of showing respect. In general, in traditional Navajo culture it is considered rude to look someone directly in the eye, grab there hand and shake it strongly for a long time or put an arm around a shoulder. You don't speak loudly or with great emotion publicly. You don't tell people what to do. You may suggest what you think is correct behavior in s more indirect manner, leaving it up to the listener to decide. Wait more than a few beats before you talk after someone has finished speaking. They may have more to say and it is disrespectful to jump in with your thoughts. Personal and physical autonomy should be respected to a much greater degree than mainstream American culture. Don't assume you know what someone would want or do, this is rude. In mainstream American culture it might seem thoughtful but it is seen as controlling.

You should, if you can introduce yourself first with you mother's clan or family origin, then your father's ( and more traditionally all four of your grandparents). Then say where you are from and then your name.

Traditionally you don't point at people or anything else with a index finger. Usually you indicate a direction with pursed lips or a whole hand.

There are many other guidelines but this is a start for someone who is traditional. Remember some people are not traditional at all and may have more standard American manners. For example many people have spent a lot of time in the US Military.