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<h1>Inuit Business Communication</h1>
<p>
The Inuit language is very complex and is structured very
differently than what most western civilizations are used to.
The official Inuit dialect, Inuktitut, is actually of the more
populated eastern coast. The western dialect is slightly
different. Both dialects are challenging to learn, since
words are very long and often feature "swallowed" consonants.
In Nunavut, there are seven different dialects of Inuktitut,
but throughout the territory, all are understood by other kins.
Unlike other languages that string small words together to make
meaning, Inuktitut uses intricate pieces locked together to produce
an entire meaning. The study of the Inuit language is difficult
since there is very little research conducted on this particular
topic. Some sources are available to give an individual ideas of
what communication patterns exist in Inuit culture. One case study
from Broughton Island in the northeastern Canada found some
interesting observations. The study stated that the main economic
activities for Inuits in Broughton Island are harvesting marine
mammals, waterfowl, caribou, and fish for food, guiding non-natives
on hunts, taking tourists on dog sled rides or fishing trips, and selling
handicrafts. Another important source of income is carving. Men tend
to be paid more for the work than women and the income is channeled
directly into the hunting economy and indirectly into gambling.
</p>
<p>
Hunters with little of no source of outside income, sell some meat
to buy gas or equipment enabling them to continue hunting. This
meat would have otherwise been shared among extended family members.
This proves that the Inuits are somewhat a collective culture.
Although cultures in cold climates tend to be individualistic,
they still help each other from time to time. This study also
stated that Inuits tend to share hunting tools along with other
resources in order to help each other survive. It is very common to
give tools for hunting as gifts for relatives birthdays.
</p>
<p>
Most of the Inuit culture contains a philosophy of sharing, which
demonstrates friendship and love. The majority of Inuits have a
hard time dealing with the concept of buying meat as opposed to
trading it. This is most difficult when it is buying meat form
relatives. But times have changed and the need for a currency is
becoming increasingly important. Meat sharing still occurs on
several occasions. The main occasion is a feast which have always
been important to Inuits. Some occasions for a feast to occur are:
after a large mammal has been killed, a rare animal has been hunted,
opening of a new building, special political meeting, intercommunity
athletic competition, or when a young person makes his or her first
kill. These feasts are usually held in the churches, community halls
or schools.
</p>
<p>
This informal economy takes on a form of reciprocity for many Inuit
civilizations. However, since the 1950s, government has forced
these Inuit camps to become small communities. This is new to the
Inuits since they are not use to living with people who are from a
different kin. This has impacted everyday life and with the increased
use of currency, conducting business has become more modernized as
opposed to the sharing concept.
</p>
<p>
Other factors play a role in the communication of Inuit culture.
Among these factors is age. Elders are viewed with respect for
their wisdom and knowledge. The study also stated that
communication between generations is becoming increasingly difficult.
Children are seen as becoming less respectful to their elders since
they are being raised by the school system rather than the parents.
Before there was any school, the children were raised in the home
being taught by parents on issues of how to hunt. Now, the school
system in opening the childrens eyes to a new way of life and a life
that the elders are not use to.
</p>
<h4>Further Information</h4>
<ul class="resources">
<li>
<a href="http://collections.ic.gc.ca/business/lect4.html">
http://collections.ic.gc.ca/business/lect4.html
</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.nunavut.com/nunavut99/english/our.html">
http://www.nunavut.com/nunavut99/english/our.html
</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Greenland">
http://wikitravel.org/en/Greenland
</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="http://www.nunavut.com/nunavut99/english/our.html">
http://www.nunavut.com/nunavut99/english/our.html
</a>
</li>
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