Arab Culture

Essay text:

Family, 2.Honor & 3. Religion 1. Family = Most important parts of Arab culture Define family as their extended relations & ? consider themselves part of it rather than individuals Feel that they owe their grandparents & elderly ? Rest homes = almost NON-EXISTENT in the Arab world They define success by how large families are (not by how rich) 2. Honor = EVERYTHING Insults are usually taken personally (even though relaxed & easy going people) Also believe Honor demands of them HOSPITALITY Arab society = Highly communal ? neighbors consider it DUTY to look for each other Lastly: 2. Religion = major part of every Arabs life • Other things to remember: *Conservative behavior: Display of affection between spouses KEPT PRIVATE ? in public=nonexistent Also laughter & joking (in non private gatherings)=toned down Also arguments kept private *Privacy is very important Houses = big solid walls to maintain privacy Have to guarantee people can’t see neighbors from any part of house -> insuring their privacy When visiting Arab relative/friend standing position next to door=insure when door is open? can’t see inside house ?won’t go inside before host signals him to do so (extending hand & saying “tafaddal” welcome in) *Greeting women When introduced to woman in general don’t greet with kiss Only shake her hand IF she extend hand to greet you (otherwise greeting with words only=appropriate) [DON’T COMPLIMENT ARAB HOST or ASSOCIATE ON BEAUTY OF HIS WIFE/SISTER/DAUGHER (IT ISN’T A COMPLIMENT)] *Pampering guests *Admiring objects & gift giving: Admiring something should be taken too far since Arabian host might feel obligated to offer it to you When receiving gifts = custom NOT to open in front of giver