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Papua New Guinea Lifestyle and Culture

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(Bachelor's, Master's & PhD)

Papua has a long history when it comes to human settlement. However, it is still a relatively new nation in the eyes of the modern world. For centuries, Papua was a mystery to the outside world and, even today, there are areas of the country that Western civilization has yet to encroach upon, making PNG one of the most fascinating frontiers of the modern world.

PNG’s challenging terrain has meant that many areas of the country are still difficult to reach. However, this is one of the reasons why much of the traditional culture here still lingers, almost untouched.

There are more than one-thousand different cultural groups residing in the country, each with their own unique features and attributes. Architecture, music, dance, weaponry, costumes, handicrafts, and art vary slightly between the groups, giving tourists an endless array of cultural tours to explore.

Culture and Etiquette

Nothing is so embarrassing as being caught-up between deciding how to behave and not having the chance to do so especially if you’re in a foreign land!

We understand that studying abroad can be a life-changing experience and, should you choose Papua New Guinea, our RocApply tips and guides will enhance what will already be a wonderful trip by helping you also understand the culture and etiquette in Papua New Guinea. The country’s culture is one of the most distinct and unique in the northern region of South Pacific. 

Hospitality has a long history of tradition in Papua New Guinea where the guests are treated with deep courtesy and given the best possible treatment from the host. Being proud of this tradition we recommend you to follow some rules that follow: 

When Greeting

Man greeting Man - Men shake hands when greeting one another and usually kiss once on each cheek if they’re good friends or family. Handshakes tend to be warm and may linger a bit. If you don’t know someone at all or are in a formal setting, a handshake or a simple nod is adequate.  

Woman greeting Woman- A light handshake is common during initial meetings. Good friends and family usually greet each other with kisses, once on each cheek, pay attention to the ‘once’!. If you don’t know someone at all or are in a formal setting, a handshake or a simple nod is appropriate. 

Greetings between Men and Women- A simple handshake is common during first meetings. It’s best to allow the woman to extend her hand or offer her cheek first. If the hand is not extended, then a slight bow or nod is the kind thing for men to do. Good friends and family usually greet each other with kisses, once on each cheek. When greeting friends, it is is not uncommon to ask how the family is doing and touch on other general topics. 

Eye Contact   

  • Direct eye contact is a sign of respect and one should certainly make eye contact when being introduced. 
  • Many people here may avoid making direct eye contact when speaking with elders or superiors. This is viewed as a sign of respect and deference. 

Many Papua New Guinean women will avoid direct eye contact with men they don’t know or have just met. 

  • It is polite for men, in this case, to not attempt to establish eye contact.

Gift Giving     

  • If invited to a Papua New Guinean household, it is common to bring a small hostess gift, such as pastries, flowers, or fruits. 
  • It is best to not bring alcohol unless you are absolutely certain that the host drinks

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