In what cultures is it considered rude to look people in the eye?

Question

I am writing
a short story about a sixteen year old girl living with a Navajo lady and she has to get used to the customs of the Navajo tribe.
I have no idea where I am getting the knowledge of these customs. I am putting in old fashioned American things like waiting until you have been acknowleged by an adult and speaking at the dinner table only when you are spoken to.
I am basing this information off of a set American girls collection books, so I might be way off. Please help me.

I wanted to also add that if you could me some tips on other customs in the Navajo tribe, I would really appreciate it.
Lulu- According to the book I read you are right.

Answer 1

Here are some traditional Navajo customs. These customs aren't practiced as much these days though.

Funerals -

- During a funeral, one person is supposed to stay at home to watch over things.

- After a funeral, we are not supposed to wash ourselves for four days.

- Family members are also supposed to do things in pairs such as travelling.

- The eldest daughter is responsible for organizing the funeral for the mother.

- When the deceased is dressed, all jewelry and shoes are put on opposite the way they were normally worn. For example, the left shoe is put on the right foot and vice versa.

Home -

- Whenever someone comes to visit, it is customary to feed them; not doing so is considered extremely rude.

- When entering a hogan, you always walk clockwise around the fire/fireplace. You greet everyone as you go along with the exception of children. This could be useful for your short story in regards to the 16-year old girl.

- When adults are talking, children are supposed to remain quiet. Even though I am an adult, I actually still find myself doing this unconsciously whenever my aunts and uncles are together.

Taboos -

- You do not kill coyotes. Doing so will cause some misfortunate event to happen to you.

- If you see a coyote cross your path of travel, you either turn back or say a blessing using corn pollen. Not doing will cause some misfortunate event to happen to you.

- Imitating animals is something that skinwalkers do, so it's considered bad manners to do such a thing.

- You do not wear your shoes on the wrong foot. Only bears walk with the feet pointed the wrong way. This stems from the previously mentioned taboo.

- When your path of travel intersects the trail of a snake, you drag your feet across the snakes trail. At all other times, it is inappropriate to drag your feet. It is a sign of laziness.

- You do not touch objects that have been struck by lightning. Lightning is considered a very powerful force in Navajo culture.

- You do not walk into dust devils. It is believed that walking into any kind of swirling wind will make you go crazy; this applies to dust devils, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

- You never point with your index finger. This is why you will see a lot of traditional Navajos point with their lips or their thumb.

- It's customary to make an arc with your thumb pointed at a rainbow.

- You do not whistle at night.

I could go on. If you want to know more, feel free to email me.

Answer 2

We evaluate an instantaneous eye contact rude and disrespectful at the same time as maximum Western international locations interpret is as a demonstration of openness and honesty. Anna, i'm Indian. we do not inspect people in the eyes lots like Europeans do.

Answer 3

Domestic cats

Answer 4

Asian culture, it is considered rude to look at people in the eye.

Answer 5

Japan. When they argue they do it while staring at the floor. It's hilarious to watch.

Answer 6

i think in the Hispanic community.