Other cultures, such as in the Mediterranean, will use a blue circle with an eye in the middle. In some Middle Eastern cultures, blue beads or a blue stone such as lapis are worn as protection. The extended family celebrates together for Eid al-Fitr, a holiday that signifies the end of the Ramadan. Eye contact between same genders is acceptable. Children do not leave home until they marry. Don't speak to Arab women before you are introduced. Knowing more about cultural values and how to behave in a foreign land is helpful and reassuring, not only do you realize the differences between their culture and your own, but you also understand the similarities and appreciate how much people of different nations have in common. A man is expected to take care of his family financially and feels shame if he is incapable of providing for his wife and children. There is a strong cultural value to maintain modesty and dignity; and this is further emphasized in the religion. News media coverage is critiqued in Said's Covering Islam (1981); television portrayals of Arabs are examined in Jack Shaheen's The TV Arab … Traditions are changing, and women are working from the home and outside. 5. In some cases, same-gender caregivers may need to be assigned; alternatively the care plan altered if this is not possible. Thus, the family is a refuge of safety that will influence options for marriage partners [68] , and at the local level, the clan traditions provide more support and stability than Western institutions [69] . Frequently, this will be Western-style tea or coffee. A woman's job is to raise the children, help educate them and manage the house. In others, there is little difference between their clothes and western-style clothing. Always use the right hand when eating, drinking, passing or accepting food and drink. If bad news is imminent, it may be considered more ethical to engage in circumlocution, rather than go directly to the brutal truth. The culture of Saudi Arabia is defined by its Islamic heritage, its historical role as an ancient trade centre, and its Bedouin traditions. • The Arab world is backwards and uncivilized. Daughters are taught to run the house. Countries which adhere to extreme interpretations of Sharia, such as stoning, capital punishment and cutting off the hands of thieves, tend to make headlines in the West. Before entering the room of the patient, in particular if a male person will enter the room, it is important to knock on the door, asking the patient’s permission and allowing the woman enough time to cover herself before the male person enters the room. Use of cautery is cultural folk practice not supported in the religion. Gender-specific caring is more important in maternity or gynecological care. There are several things you might want to think about when visiting Arabic countries. However, Iran and Turkey, which many people consider Arab nations, are not part of this group because they speak Farsi or Turkish. Don't ask about an Arab's wife or daughters. The concept of personal dignity, honour and protecting one’s reputation is very important in the Middle East. When you meet parents, they will name drop about the schools and colleges their children attend, boasting about their accomplishments and expecting you to show you're impressed. How Does Language Affect Culture? Respect for older individuals is another value that can be traced to the Koran. The country has a rich culture which is mainly borrowed from different groups of people who lived in the region in the past. Good manners and courtesy are prized attributes. Often the house's construction allows female guests to meet wives and daughters in their apartments. All Rights Reserved. Some folk healing methods may cause harm to patients. Chastity is a fundamental value for both genders, but of greater significance for females. Traditionally, the people of the UAE (who are known as the Emiratis) have had their staple foods as rice, meat, and, seafood. The need to protect modesty and dignity in the health care encounter arises from the religious requirement to preserve chastity and purity. Traditional medicine and folk remedies are used alongside western medicine in many cultures. oActually represents a highly developed culture and civilization where modern cities mingle with ancient ones. There are many different variations commonly based on a particular individual’s country of origin such as Arab Americans. You should realize that for these families reading and writing is an achievement. Egypt culture and traditions have been affected by many cultures. In the Arab world, parents play conventional roles in family life. “Hijama”, meaning sucking in Arabic, is considered a traditional healing method supported in Islam. The term “As God wills it” is a nicer way to say “No.” 2. Preserving the family.caters to the familial bond that marks the foundation of customs in the Arab culture. The belief in the evil eye as a cause for disease is an Arab cultural belief. Location and Geography. In the Arab culture, social life and identity focus on the family and a small-intermarried group would tend to have tighter familial bonds. Do not overstay your welcome. It is believed that the jinn are always around the humans, but cannot be seen. In addition to other factors, religion and cultural background influence individuals' beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes toward health and illness. Some places, such as Saudi Arabia, use Sharia law for all areas of jurisprudence. Unless a mosque is a tourist attraction, men and women typically use separate areas to pray, read and study. not to put it on the ground). Education is valued, and there is a commitment to improve education. Traditional medicine is based on ancient Arabic medicine is a source of traditional medicine in the Middle East. In other cases, a patient or family member may identify the presence of the jinn within a room (such as a hospital room, perhaps where a death has occurred) and request that the religious healer clear the room of the spirits. In the topic of marriage in the Arab culture,this is an event that marks the change of the bride’s life through the acceptance, honor and blessing given to her by the society. Appetizers might include olives, nuts and raisins. It is believed that jinn may cause abnormal physical or mental behavior, and illness such as epilepsy and schizophrenia are often attributed to possession by the jinn. However, a modest and respectful behavior as well as following some simple rules will already go a long way in making sure you don’t step on any toes while living in the UAE. Be patient, and do not take it as a lack of respect. Egypt culture and traditions have been affected by many cultures. Suction cups are applied to the skin and the air drawn out to create a vacuum (dry cupping) or a small incision made in the skin and suction applied to suck out blood (wet cupping). If someone does a favor for you, return the favor in some way. If a person talks disparagingly about a relative or speaks of private affairs to an outsider, he is frowned upon. Cultural values that impact on the health experience of the patient are derived from the Arab worldview. Arabs are generally very socially-oriented people. Several studies have addressed the importance of work goals, work values, orientations, and ethics of managers. When invited to eat a meal with Arabs, you will find differences in etiquette. Basic Cultural Values القيم الثقافية الأساسية Posted by Fisal on May 24, 2011 in Arabic Language, Culture, History, Language, Vocabulary Arab societies share so many values that include: endurance, loyalty, dignity, generosity, self-respect, pride and revenge. However, Iran and Turkey, which many people consider Arab nations, are not part of this group because they speak Farsi or Turkish. Arabs are located in 22 principle countries situated in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It is always best to say “Yes.” Keep in mind that a “Yes” can also mean “Maybe.” 3. Cupping (Hijama) is a pre-Islamic practice from China, Egypt, Greece and Roman times. Wealth in the Arab culture is respected. Always arrive on time for a meeting, however, know that punctuality is not considered a virtue in the Arab world, and people are often kept waiting before, or during, a meeting. Everyone has heard of Arabic generosity and hospitality. An important cultural value of the U.A.E is family. In this case, loyalty to family is of great importance, even more than to one’s own country. It is not polite to say “No”. They are not acceptable for sightseeing in cities or religious sites. Although modern pharmaceuticals are available, many people, regardless of educational level, depend on herbal remedies used alongside with modern drugs. These values include the centrality of the family unit in society, cultural health beliefs about health, illness and healing; and the importance of maintaining modesty and dignity of the patient. When trying to understand Arabic values, you need to take into account the effect of Islam on Arabian society. Curing will require a special religious healer to read from the Qur’an or use of psychology to get rid of the possession. However, if a person is left-handed, it is acceptable to use the left hand for doing procedures (with explanation), for example, giving an injection. Wasta, Modesty, and Other Cultural Values & Social Customs in the UAE Based on Islamic values, the local customs and etiquette in the UAE may at first seem strange to some. It is a cultural belief that the right hand is ‘clean’ and the left hand is disrespectful. The Arab Muslim population is one of the dramatically increasing minorities in the United States. Inhospitable behavior is not only a source of shame , but possibly a marginalizing factor too. Even the word Arab can be unclear because people presume Arabs are a single race. Please help us improve. It is believed that the evil eye is cast through jealousy or admiration of another person and may or may not be intentional. Well, this is a fun fact about the Arabs. Err on the side of formality. Some Muslim women wears a scarf (hijab) covering their hair. There is still a tradition of family business, so fathers and sons sit together to discuss everything related to work and the household. This can cause the misconception that these actions are the norm. Greet the most senior person first when meeting a group of people. However, people serve a sweet, milkless tea or a ligh… Arab is a cultural term, not a racial term, and Arabic people come from various ethnic and religious backgrounds. As we covered in our previous blog, this links back to the tribal history of the people where face and honour were ways of establishing rules and laws around conduct and behaviour. When traveling anywhere in the Arab world, it is a matter of honor that you receive a warm welcome. Children imitate the example given by their parents. Respect the different living areas in the home, when an Arab says, 'my home is your home' it is only an expression. © 2023 by Strategic Consulting. People are proud of their qualifications. For a man, aura includes parts of the body from the navel to the knee while a woman must cover all the parts of her body except the hands and face. Arabs are naturally family-oriented, meaning that family in the Arab culture and traditions is one of the most important elements in society. Just because a woman appears to be a housewife it does not mean she is not involved in business matters. The UAE shares significant aspects of its culture with neighboring Arab countries and the larger Arab culture. Highlighted here are the values and beliefs that impact on the health experience. In the Arab world, most people are conservative and modesty is a positive trait spoken about in the Koran. These values include the centrality of the family unit in society, cultural health beliefs about health, illness and healing; and the importance of maintaining modesty and dignity of the patient. The author describes health beliefs and practices of th … There are many values and beliefs within the Arab culture. Arab people prefer to start and end their requests by saying “please”. Hejab, meaning separation is the Islamic value that underpins expectations for gender-specific caring and gender separation as interpreted through a cultural lens. The culture of loyalty to the family is a top priority among the Arabs. Cultural values around gender impact on the caring interaction and use of touch, a fundamental aspect in caring. As Some of the most important values for Arabs are honor and loyalty. Consequently, they are consulted on all matters, even though their advice may not be followed. 2.3 Arab culture This is an all inclusive term that puts together common themes and overtones found in the Arabic speaking cultures (Hooker, 1999) Most of the Arabs hold the traditional values and morals close. Patting the shoulder are generally not acceptable to read from the religious requirement to chastity... And society eye than adults and the left hand is ‘clean’ and the left hand is ‘clean’ the... 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