Cultural Values If they are typical of most families in the relatively taciturn Otavalo culture of Ecuador, these three children hear significantly less conversation than children elsewhere. In most Western cultures, that might be called neglect, a form of maltreatment. However, each culture encourages the qualities it values, and verbal fluency is not a priority in this community. In fact, people who talk more than listen are ostracized, and those who keep secrets are valued, so encouragement of child talk may be maltreatment in Otavalo.

WOLFGANG KAEHLER/CORBIS