From the perspective of an ethnographic researcher immersed in a culture to better understand causes of human behavior, I've identified the Aka tribe from Central Africa to explore for theoretical observation because little is known about their cultural history. But more importantly they are regarded as primitive forest dwellers often referred to as pygmies. So to collect an ethnographic data on this group and examine the causes of their human behavior, the types of specific communication activities I would observe to learn more about this group includes: cultural organization i.e. whether there is patrilocal hierarchy or egalitarian in nature, deemphasizing any form of rank without chiefs or age deference; cultural rituals including burial and/or marriage ceremonies, etc. The methods to accomplish this task requires an extended period of residence and study in their community; direct observation, reporting, and evaluation of their cultural behavior; observation or participation in rituals in natural settings; and analyzing the cultural patterns to develop a theory of the rules for appropriate behavior.

To document the influence of the group’s medical, financial and educational needs on communication, one has to promote cultural competence. When services are delivered without regard for cultural differences, the particular group(s) is/are at risk for sub-optimal services. The particular group might be unable or unwilling to communicate their needs in a culturally insensitive environment; thus, reducing the effectiveness of the delivering these services especially health care. Therefore, understanding the fundamental elements of culturally and linguistically appropriate services is necessary when striving to delivery those services.

Likewise and more importantly, one must avoid having an entirely western mind-set because people from other backgrounds often view things quite differently. Because such a group might perceive things like health and illness as a matter of fate, focusing more on the present state of health rather that the future. In addition, beyond language differences, one must consider all types of communication, (for instance, written, spoken and body language; dialects; and slang) are important in health care patient-provider interactions. Some communication challenges include varying literacy levels, the speed of speech, culturally inappropriate words or phrases, multiple dialects, the use and misuse of interpreters and gender-specific terminology.

Culturally held attitudes affect how these people identify a medical, financial or educational problems requiring professional attention or not. People may also perceive certain topics as taboo and feel uncomfortable discussing them, especially if the provider is opposite sex. Describing such a problem to the provider can be challenging for recipients. Further, if recipients disagree with the provider, cultural attitudes may inhibit them from sharing their concerns. Perhaps most important is to establish a level of trust with recipients. A basic lack of trust between recipients and providers results in a lack of trust in the provision or treatment of the medical, medical, or financial problem. Providers need to be aware of trust issues and strive to establish a connection with recipients that will dispel their fears.

So doing an ethnographic research on such a group would require being open minded and unbiased, in order not to limit yourself from understanding the causes of their behavior and how it inflences their communication.