Why don’t we always understand each other?

Laos has only been accessible to foreigners since 1991. Before that there was no such contact. Even though there is television, there is still no sense of the way that other cultures work. Laos is proud of its ancient traditions. To become a member of the community takes time. 

People in Laos avoid difficult questions and discussions

Most important is that you live according to the Buddhist religion: live in harmony with your surroundings, it will become a treat in your next life. 

“I am responsible for me and the next me.” So there is no room to destroy that harmony.

That is why keeping a good relationship and finding a solution with your partner is more important than a discussion. Develop yourself and accept things as they come. 

Words don’t say it all

In Europe the meaning of words is pretty obvious. In Asia, words are indicators and are used to give signals. Nothing more than that. The truth doesn’t lay in the words but in the meaning behind it and the pause. When things do not go as they are planned, it’s difficult to find out where it truly went wrong. 

Communication in Asia is much more complex than in Europe.

Do not share thoughts about things you need or your intentions

That is the motto of the Laotian people. The openness is a sign of weakness. 

In Europe this is quite the opposite: by sharing you can make the other person become a partner in your thoughts which leads to a deeper, more meaningful relationship. 

We as an organization always want to be open about our intentions and our needs, and we have to be aware that it’s okay that this is not always mutual.

We try to find out as much information as we can. But it won’t come naturally. It’s important to ask the right questions and to read between the lines. We also cherish rumours because these can be spread intentionally to tell us something that no one openly wants to say.