A Few Things You Should Know

Effective Communication in India

The Lonely Planet travel guide has accurately described India in this way:

“Chaotic, bamboozling, intoxicating, crazy, exasperating, squalid, daunting,

overwhelming. India is all these things, and more.

How can you possibly prepare yourself?”

Welcome to Indira Gandhi International Airport!

Welcome to India

Effective communication is an important skill to have upon arrival in India. From the time you cross the threshold, your ability to converse successfully will be tested. As you embark on this amazing adventure, just remember the popular boy scout motto, “Be Prepared”.

Confidence in your speech and personal presentation is imperative. You will be quickly spotted as a ‘rookie traveler’ if you do not convey experience in your interactions. Timid behaviour may make you an easy target to be taken advantage of.

And so your journey begins….

Unless someone is meeting you at the airport, your first challenge is to hail a taxi.

The Taxi Walla’s will call out to you “Memsahib”, “Sahib”, “taxi”, “I take you”!

Be prepared to negotiate the price!

It is a well known fact, that even though most taxi’s are metered, the driver will tell you it is not working. When this happens, walk away slowly and begin to look for another taxi. Suddenly, the meter will mysteriously be repaired. It is an overwhelming beginning to your journey.

Hiring a driver and car is usually quite affordable and it is a good way to go where you want, stop when you want to and see some ‘off the beaten trail’ sights.

Shopping is part of the exhilarating experience of visiting India. Unless money is of no concern to you, the art of negotiation is an important skill to learn.

Unlike the markets we are used to, the price that you pay will depend upon your bargaining talent, or lack there of. One way to knock down the price is to say “no thank you” or “that’s too much” and slowly walk away. Never pay the initial price quoted.

The Art of Negotiation

The art of negotiation is a critical skill in effective communication while travelling in India. The locals are proficient in taking advantage of foreigners and there are no price tags to refer to for a fair price. They quickly assume that you are American, and all American’s are wealthy. Aren’t they?

Marketplace vendors are expert communicators!

But I don’t know the language!

Basic wordsHi or Hello: Namaste or SalamPlease: Please Thank You: Shukhriya Sorry: Maaf kijiye Please: Kripaya Ok:Theek hai (head shake & hand gesture)

Meeting PeopleWhat is your name?: Aapka naam kya hai? My name is: Mera naam... I am from Australia: Main Australia se hoon How are you?: Aap kaise hain?

Basic Words to Know

There are 22 official languages in India:Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Tamil, Sanskrit, and

Nepali to name a few. Do your best, and use physical clues, or

gestures to assist.

Generally speaking, Indian people are very friendly and want to please you. They will often promise more than is possible, just

because they don’t want to say no.

Can you speak ‘Hinglish’ ?

A few other terms you may hear:“Ji” – term of respect, general“Didi” – big sister “Auntie” – respectful reference to an elder

woman

How about non-verbal communication?

Common head shaking (Agreement ‘Teak Hai’) (also indicates you are interested or listening)

Folded hands in greeting (Namaste) Walking arm in arm (casual, friendship, buddies)

You may hear some English speaking Indians tell you to "come here," "sit here," "drink this," "bring me that" which may sound direct and demanding to the point of being rude to northern Europeans and Americans. They mean no disrespect and it is in no way meant to be impolite.

Deciphering verbal and non-verbal communication can be tricky, confusing and sometimes a highly sensitive matter. Whenever possible, do not to jump to conclusions, but remember to ask someone that you trust for an explanation.

What am I going to eat and drink?

Everyone drinks tea when they are in India! It is a staple drink, like rice and dhal are a staple meal.

Chai is made from loose tea leaves, boiled milk and water, sugar, and the spiced version adds a mixture of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, and cloves.

It is custom to offer guests a cup of chai. You should respectfully accept. Customs of hospitality and respect are strong and important cultural traits in India.

Do not drink the water unless it is from a bottle and the seal is not broken. Do not accept drinks with ice cubes in it.

‘Chai Chaiyeah'…

Food is an important part of the Indian culture. Even in a place where there is only a little to eat, you will be encouraged to eat whatever is put before you. Indian people will offer you the best that he or she has. It is traditional to refuse the initial offer to eat, and then you should accept the second or third offer, that rest assured, you will receive.

Gracefully evading hospitality is tricky business. How can you say no without insulting your host or hostess? At the very least, accept a cup of tea and drink it slowly. To refuse will be seen as ill-mannered and dishonorable to your host.

Khanna Chiyeah!

In India, you eat mostly with your hands. Therefore you must know a few important tips. Keep your nails short and trim. Always wash your hands before eating. Most importantly, never eat with your left hand.

Your left hand is used for basic hygienic purposes, personal care. To offer your left hand in greeting or to use it to eat is an offence.

Hospitality is important and you should be prepared to respond appropriately and respectfully.

Show me the sights!

Travel within India is an adventure unlike any other. If you are staying at a good hotel, you can ask for tour information to popular attractions. Keep in mind that 4 and 5 star accommodation and transportation may be a little different than you expect or are used to in Canada.

A little extra ‘baksheesh’ (a sort of commission)will help to get you a seat on the fully booked air conditioned bus or first class train berth. This is an expected practice, used commonly, to get what you need or want and is viewed as an unofficial acceptable form of communication.

India is full of beautiful buildings and monuments, places of religious significance and chronicles of historical stories to learn about.

Tourist Highlights

A beautiful symbol of love and devotion

We are very used to rapid paced western culture. This is not so in India. Today, tomorrow, the next day,…what’s your hurry? “Han ji, that is not a problem”, “yes, I understand”. These promises sound genuine, but in truth, do not mean a lot when it comes to action.

You will most often have a difficult time trying to get people to hurry up a little. He will usually continue to move at his own pace.

Patience, what’s your hurry?

Relax?

India is such a hot country, what will I

wear?

Women need to pay attention to how they are dressed when traveling in India. Choosing to wear local attire is the easiest and most comfortable choice of clothing. It tends to draw the least amount of attention. Salvar Kamiez is an outfit that western women often choose to wear because of the light weight fabric and comfortable fit.

To be safe, you do not wish to display yourself as a ‘loose western woman’ who is easy. Even casual conversation with a man can be mistaken as flirtatious and unacceptable.

Does it matter what I wear?

“But as a woman I have equal rights!”Yes you do. However, in a country with so many

long standing traditions about men and women and how they interact, why not play it safe? Do you really wish to risk your personal safety in order to exercise those rights? Perhaps not.

Keep direct eye contact to a minimum. Politely, but firmly, tell men that you don’t feel like talking just now. Sit next to another woman on the bus or train. Don’t behave in bold and outlandish ways that attract attention. These all send negative messages to Indian men.

Salwar Kameeze

What else should I know?

Holy Cow

Baksheesh Ji?

Modern Communication Techniques

Communicating Hope

Kolkata (Calcutta) Slums, West Bengal

The City of Joy

India is a country of beauty, mystery, strong history, devoted religious beliefs as well as traditionally and culturally based behaviours. I have witnessed ultimate poverty and wealth, sickness and health, drought and monsoon, all conflicting extremes. The most amazing consistency amongst all this diversity, is the beautiful nature of the people who call India home. No matter their social cast status, you will be welcomed as a guest.

Learning basic communication techniques is time well spent in order to experience safe and exciting journey within India.

In conclusion…

Effective communication at its best!