Things to Learn in Your First Month on the Field

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Now that you have what you need to survive, it’s time to buckle down and become a learner.  You need to meet people, ask questions, and write things down.  Here is a simple list to get you started.  This is taken from “Getting Acquainted with Your New Home” by Orville Jenkins .

Things to learn

• How do I say hello?
• How do I say goodbye?
• How, what, and when do people eat?
• How to behave as a guest in someone’s house?
• How much space is personal space?
• How late is late?
• What is immodest?
• What clothing is appropriate?
• What are appropriate and inappropriate relationships toward the opposite sex?
• What are appropriate and inappropriate gestures?
• What are appropriate and inappropriate forms of physical contact?
• What are the roles of family members?
• What are the rites or special occasions during someone’s life?
• What are the defining parts of the history?
• What aspects of history or politics should not be discussed?
• Who are the majors heroes or figures who have shaped the nation?
• When are the holidays?
• What is the structure of the government?
• When are the elections?
• What is the relationship between the national and local government?
• What are the major political parties?
• What are the titles for those in authority?
• What is the legal process?
• How should I respond towards the police?
• What things would I need permission for?
• What rights do I have?
• What should I do if I am involved in a vehicle accident?
• What should I do if my house is broken into?
• What is the budget for an average family for one month?
• What are the main industries?
• What is the main source of news?
• What magazines are widely read?
• What are the major radio stations?
• What are the marriage customs?
• What are the burial customs?
• What are the religious customs?
• Where are the places of worship?
• What are the folk beliefs?