Interacting with Wookiees
Not sure how to interact with Wookiees? Here are some tips to help you interact with us:
A Word About the Wookiee Temperment
Wookiees can be a bit intimidating until you get to know them. They are very tall, covered with thick fur, and extremely strong. Since they can only speak their own language, they may seem very alien and a bit hostile.
Anyone with a Wookiee friend, though, will tell you that they are the most loyal and devoted friend a person can have. Wookiees are known for their affectionate nature with their friends and family. They value personal contact and their engulfing hugs make take some getting used to. People who have gotten to know a Wookiee in this way will swear that they are the friendliest species around.
However, if you anger a Wookiee or endanger them or someone dear to them, you will see the other side of the Wookiee temperment. Some Wookiees are quick to anger. Perhaps this is due to the treatment they have seen at the hands of the Imperial Government. Some will argue that it is just part of their nature and evidence of why the Empire must treat Wookiees with force in order to protect the public.
For visitors to Kashyyyk, it is best to leave your preconceived notions about the Wookiees at home. Do not be afraid of the Wookiees, but exercise caution when interacting with them.
The next sections will discuss some of the things you can do as a visitor to make your interaction with the Wookiees more successful.
Language
While all Wookiee children learn to comprehend Basic speech in school, their vocal cords limit them to only speaking their own language. The language of the Wookiees is called Shyriiwook, but many beings in the galaxy just call it "Wookiee-speak"
Shyriiwook sounds can be divided into several categories: grunts, barks, waa-waas, moans, whimpers, trills, snarls, and growls. These sounds are difficult for non-Wookiees to imitate, and a slight error on your part could significantly change the meaning of what you are trying to say.
To avoid any misunderstanding, it is best to speak Basic to the Wookiees and let them reply in Shyriiwook.
Facial Expressions
Wookiee facial expressions can be very confusing for the off-worlder to understand. Many misinterpret a Wookiee showing all his teeth as a sign of aggression. Actually, Wookiees use their mouths and teeth to express a complex array of emotions.
Friendly smiles are similar to the smiles of humans with one very important difference. Wookiees who are being friendly will always carefully display all their teeth while smiling. A closed-mouth smile, with the teeth concealed, is considered a "mocking smile" and will quickly change the way a Wookiee reacts to you.
Not all displays of the teeth are friendly, however. If the Wookiee curls back the lips, but does not look like they are smiling, this is a sign of displeasure. If this expression is followed by a snarl or a growl, you have probably done something to offend or upset the Wookiee. The best thing to do in this situation is to return a full, toothly smile, back up slightly, and raise both hands up extending your palms out toward the Wookiee. This will help them to understand that you meant no offense, and are not a threat.
The eyes can also be an important clue to a Wookiee's mood. Happy Wookiees will have their eyes wide open. This species is known for their expressive eyes. If the Wookiee begins to squint while displaying the teeth in a threatening motion, this is a clear indication of irritation or anger.
Finally, Wookiees have an accute sense of smell. They use their noses in social situations all the time. Do not take offense if a Wookiee appears to be sniffing you. This is simply a way that they communicate with each other and does not indicate that the Wookiee finds your odor to be offensive.
Gestures
Wookiees like to use their hands, and arms, to express themselves. Sometimes this can be a bit intimidating, just because of their size. The general rule is to give the Wookiees plenty of room to move their arms while speaking. It is not considered rude to back up a bit, and it will remind the Wookiees to take care not to injure you while you are conversing.
Rest assured, that while the Wookiees do have some very sharp claws on their hands and feet, they will never use them to hurt you. To do so would be a violation of their strict honor code. Claws are retractable and it is unlikely you will ever even see them, unless the Wookiee is climbing or scratching.
There is also a stereotype that Wookiees "pull people's arms out of the sockets" or "pull people's arms off". For the most part, this is nothing more than just a silly stereotype. Wookiees are peaceful by nature and will only grow violent if they are angered or if they feel threatened.
The majority of Wookiees understand galactic hand signals. To give a polite greeting, place your open hand palm down under your chin. Point your fingers and wiggle them at the Wookiee. Be sure to smile broadly and show all your teeth. Wookiees love this gesture and will often react with a friendly, if not a bit over-enthusiastic laugh.
Physical Contact
Never pet a Wookiee you do not know. If is very likely that they will consider this rude. Always let the Wookiee initiate physical touching between you two.
Wookiees are very curious about other species. In particular, they are facinated by many species' lack of fur and smooth skin. When a Wookiee starts to feel comfortible with you, they may touch you gently on the arm or the "head fur", as they call the hair that many species have on the top of their heads. In addition, they may inquire about your lack of fur, or why some humans have facial fur and others do not. It is best to take these kind of actions as just friendly curiosity and not to take offense. Wookiees usually do not like to offend, and so it is best to give them the benefit of the doubt in these situations.
Once a Wookiee considers you a friend, you can expect them to pet your head, ruffle your head fur, scratch your head, or engulf you in frequent close hugs. This is how Wookiees express affection for their friends and it should be taken as a great compliment. If a Wookiee has initiated this level of contact with you, this means you have been accepted as a friend. It is appropriate for you to respond in the same way with the Wookiee from that point forward.