This paper describes the experience of a Basic Speech teacher with college-age Choctaw Indian students enrolled in a combination college and vocational training program. In the process of teaching basic speech techniques, the teacher learned a valuable lesson in Choctaw cultural patterns. Time concepts; social etiquette such as name-giving, criticism, and eye contact; and the idea of group activity as opposed to personal competition had to be dealt with in terms of differing Anglo and Choctaw norms; and adjustments were made on both sides. Choctaw humor was also discovered. The greatest lessons learned, however, were a respect for the Choctaws' tolerance, refusal to make anyone feel ill at ease, and determination to respond to the Anglo world in terms of their own culture. (AM)