Final answer:
When Native Americans are silent, it may be understood by other American Indians as respect and by others as disinterest.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Orbe and Harris, when Native Americans are silent, it can be interpreted by other American Indians as respect, but it may be understood by others as disinterest. The correct answer to the question is A) Respect; Disinterest. This difference in perceptions can stem from the varying cultural practices amongst Native American communities and the misunderstandings that often occur when non-Native individuals interpret those practices through their own cultural lens. Moreover, the history of Native American tribes and their relations with the United States is marked by stereotypes, cultural erosion, and a lack of accurate representation, which further complicates cross-cultural communication and understanding.