Tutor The non-verbal messages you give can be extremely powerful and can cause confusion for your learner if it contradicts the message you are giving verbally. Actions, which you may not even notice doing, may be extremely offensive in other cultures. Showing the bottom of your foot, for example, is considered exceptionally insulting in Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The "okay sign" and "thumbs up" are also interpreted in a number of different ways throughout the world - many of them negative.

Consider another example - eye contact. Eye contact can be interpreted in a variety of ways. If you were to buy a car and the salesperson told you the car was in exceptional shape while staring at the ground, would you believe her? If your learner says that she is interested in learning about food and then does not look at you while engaged in the lesson, is she disinterested? When a person's verbal message is inconsistent with her body language, people may not believe the message she is trying to get across. Consider how difficult it may be for a learner who is trying to communicate but is using culturally inappropriate body language to deliver her message.

A: Different Cultural Behaviours

There are far too many different cultural behaviours to list. However, a few that are pertinent to learning situations are highlighted below.

1. Eye contact
   In Canada, eye contact between people is considered important. Assumptions regarding the honesty or integrity of a person who does not have "good eye contact" may be made. In other cultures, avoiding eye contact with people who are older or of a higher rank is considered polite and respectful.
2. Attitudes about cooperation
   Attitudes about cooperation vary from culture to culture. What North Americans consider "cheating" in school may be considered "sharing" for many learners. While this may not be problematic for you as a tutor (since you are not assigning marks), it can cause numerous difficulties for your learner who is now living in a country, and may be part of a school system, that focuses more on individual rather than group achievement.
3. Fear of making mistakes
   Canadian students are generally encouraged to try. Incorrect responses are not seen as a failure but as a learning opportunity. Students may be given participation points and, as long as improvement and the desire to work exist, may be able to pass from one level to another.