In certain cultures, such as Asian American and Indian descent, how is eye contact typically viewed?

In many Asian American and Indian cultures, eye contact can indeed be viewed differently compared to Western norms. For individuals from these backgrounds, avoiding eye contact is often seen as a sign of respect, especially towards elders or authority figures. This behavior signifies humility and deference rather than a lack of engagement or interest. Therefore, in these contexts, not maintaining eye contact does not imply rudeness but rather an acknowledgment of the social hierarchy and a way to show respect.

While maintaining eye contact can be associated with confidence or effective communication in other cultures, in these specific groups, the emphasis is on the cultural significance of avoidance rather than engagement, making it pivotal to understand these nuances in interpersonal interactions.