The name is absent

260

Trust must be won on a personal level.

In the case of relationships within the group, the continued
- cohesion of the group, which is so patently a social construction,
provides evidence of the trust which permits interaction, making
possible that typification and prediction of behaviour which is
necessary for the ordered functioning of the group.

16.11

f-

(iii) Autonomy, pride∕lack of autonomy, shame

The autonomy of the group vis a vis other ’worlds’ has been
surveyed in detail . This autonomy is reflected in the autonomy
of the individual.

Harris notes various indications of autonomy in the behaviour
of young people at Milingimbi. He points out (1979:161) that much
student behaviour that appears ’unco-operative^, or ’disobedient’
*
or ’rebellious’ is in fact a display of autonomy and is not directed
2
at the teacher personally; it is consistent and normal Yolngu
behaviour which is found in relationships with all people, other
than a few particular authority figures in the young person's life.
«

Harris devotes considerable space to commenting on the Aboriginal
view at Milingimbi not only of the right to speak, but the right not
to listen.

He notes (197,9:388) that there is no expression for thanks in
the language: people do things because they want to, or because
they have an obligation, in respect to specific relationships.

This personal autonomy is found also at Strelley. Although

children are expected to attend all school classes, adults come freely
to (or freely withdraw from) ’school’ activities.

. ..The Warralong Principal commented that his

¹See p. 181 ff.

ɪolngu is the term for mankind in the Milingimbi area.

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