eye contact in arab culture

Both physical wellbeing and spiritual wellbeing are important. But remember, just as maintaining eye contact is important, be . To reinforce your teaching, provide easy-to-read material with basic illustrations appropriate to your patient's age, educational level, experiences, and background. Arabs are generally very socially-oriented people. In China, silence can be used to show agreement and receptiveness. When visiting an Arabic country, it helps to know the customs, traditions and language. Then choose communication strategies based on your patient's cultural system of beliefs. If you liked this article and would like to start learning Arabic, why not head over to our website and download the Kaleela Arabic learning app and learn to speak Arabic today? We use gestures as a way to emphasize points and illustrate what we are saying. In Turkey, its meant to be an insult towards gay people. 10 FAMILY The family is the key . Direct eye contact is more common in causal conversation, as well as arguments. Northern Europe and the Far East as classed as non-contact cultures. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. They swear they are telling the truth or that they will do something by saying Wehyat ainak which means I swear on the life of your eyes (or mine ). Source: Matsumoto, D., & Juang, L. (2017). It is often written in books and poetry that a villain had evil in his eyes (Al Sharar be aynay ), or fire is coming out of the eyes of an evil person. A handshake is widely accepted as the norm, however youll need to vary the firmness depending on the location. Learn more about the Arabic Language Proficiency Test. Eye contact is a way of communicating with others. Also, if you neglect to make eye contact with a person, you may be thought to lack self-confidence. It is considered proper and polite to maintain almost constant eye contact with another person during a business exchange or a conversation. An Arab may use the sign in conjunction withverbal curses.I wish you harm -Hitting the right fist into the openpalm of the left hand indicates obscenity orcontempt.Youre lying - Placing a half closed hand in front ofthe stomach, and then turning it slightly connotesthat the person to whom the gesture is made is a liar.I insult you - Placing the tips of the left fingers andthumb together so that the hand faces right, thenplacing the tip of the right forefinger directly on theleft fingertips indicates an obscenity or insult directedat ones birth or parentage.You are unimportant - Showing soles while sitting isconsidered rude. Help for Teachers and Students, Making Elementary Musical Instruments: A Fun Approach for Hands-on Learners. <> One may lower their gaze someone older or more senior than them as a sign of respect. Saudi women are expected to be quieter and more reserved. Silence gives your patient time to reflect before he or she speaks. Become involved with various cultural groups by volunteering in the community, attending cultural festivals, or reading literature or listening to music from other cultures. As a matter of fact, their differentness may draw attention to them, and men may try to make eye contact with them. endobj If you know any words in your patient's language, use them to show that you're aware of and respect his or her culture. Western culture typically perceives a strong handshake as authoritative and confident, whereas many parts of the Far East perceive a strong handshake as aggressive, and usually bow instead. In high-context cultures (such as those in Japan, China, and Arab countries), the listener is already "contexted" and does not need to be given much background information [3]. Don't: Grip someone s hand too hard, pump it, slap them on the shoulder or grab their arm. Use simpler words, such as pain or hurt instead of discomfort. Simple sentences such as Do you hurt? or Do you have pain? are best. In the U.S., people often avoid eye contact in crowded impersonal public situationssuch as while walking through a busy downtown or riding public transportation. Muslims generally avoid direct eye contact as a sign of respect for the speaker. (sited for http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1997/arab_culture/f9gestur.pdfpg 58), Its my Obligation - The gesture of placing the right hand or itsforefinger on the tip of the nose, on the right lower eyelid, on top of thehead, on the mustache or beard has the meaning of "its in front ofme, I see it or its on my head to accomplish.". No is considered as impolite, therefore people use the term 'As God wills it.' People do not refuse a request . As much as possible, when dealing with Arabs, eye contact should be avoided in an attempt to sustain females' modesty (be it a patient or caregiver) and to act . <> Some people in Dubai prefer strong eye contact as a show of respect, while others would prefer that you politely avert your gaze when speaking to them. Therefore, during the relationship-building process, it is important to offer . Learn more about the body language course. However, there are substantial cultural differences in how people use body language to communicate. However, it is considered rude in China, East Asia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and many other parts of the world. If this is the case the alternative is to place your hand over your heart. Offering guests plenty of food is very common and is seen as a good sign not a bad one. Avoid using medical jargon and slang terms. I am genuine in what I say! Try to observe the eye contact between those of the same gender to see if it is important to meet someones gaze when you want to tell them, Trust me! Although saying the word no is good, but using it too often can be a sign of disrespect. By: Meriam Helal/ Arab America Contributing Writer. Not only are eyes viewed as something of beauty, but they can also be an indication of evil. info@qfi.org | Privacy Policy | Sitemap2023 Qatar Foundation International, LLC. Arabic cultures make prolonged eye-contact to shows interest and assist with understanding the truthfulness of the other person. Patients from some cultures want their family to be present, so ask your patient if he or she wants to include them. Eye contact Culture can influence whether it is considered polite or rude to make eye contact when addressing someone, and whether eye . In fact, we could all learn a thing or two from different cultures.See you next time! Touch Touch often is used frequently in communication, even in a business setting, with customs such as the handshake. Eye contact during discussions is often long and direct. While Islam is the predominant religion, other religious groups are accepted and treated with respect. <> In Western cultures eyes are considered to show the central point of a person's focus. Eye Contact: Indirect eye contact is considered a sign of politeness. To build a good relationship with a patient from another culture, focus on conveying empathy and showing respect. Go with the You shouldnt have attitude and youre fine. Not making eye contact while talking with others is generally considered rude in Western societies and could sometimes be interpreted as a sign of deception. When it comes to personal space, most Arabs DO NOT share the American concept of personal space in public situations, and in private meetings or conversations. Most Arabs believe that most of lifes events are controlled and orchestrated by God. (Nydell 2006, Understanding Arabs, pg. But other cultures consider touching other people . Even accidentally brushing someones arm on the street warrants an apology. Your patient should be able to identify with the handout's pictures, food, and behavioral recommendations. Smile, point to yourself, and say your name. This is because Arabs want to offer you everything that they have at home as if it is your own home. teristics as hair, eye and skin color. . But beware of asking them to interpret for you. /Shokran/ // which is a basic thank you. Eye contact is essential, but it depends on the situation. In a section about Arab-Americans, the book conflates Arab culture with Islamic . /Yesalim edekom/ / / which literally means thank you to your hands. Pullen, Richard L. Jr. EdD, MSN, RN, CMSRN. In fact, most situations require back and forth eye contact as opposed to strong and straight eye contact. [ad_1] Eye contact is a method of interacting with others. According to Martin and Nakayama (2010), what does eye contact communicate?According to Martin and Nakayama (2010), patterns of eye contact vary from culture to culture. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Make sure it provides concrete, specific, and relevant information. A video decoding Indian headshakes went viral, attracting over a million hits in a week. It shows attentiveness and interest in what is being said. The eyes are mentioned in songs where the eyes are used to describe beauty, evil, power and someones soul. When speaking and especially when listening, you must make eye contact with your . High-context cultures are more likely to be intuitive . This is especially true when you are offered food or drink as a guest. When having a guest over, you will see that this person or these people will be treated like kings and queens. Hugging only occurs between close friends. Before the Arab invasion in AD 639, Coptic, the language descended from ancient Egyptian, was the language of both religious and everyday life for the mass of the population; by the 12th century, however, it had been totally replaced by Arabic, continuing only as a liturgical language for the Coptic Orthodox Church. Eye Contact in Arab Culture. Here are six commonly-used gestures that you may see in the Arab world. Some Jewish and Islamic women believe that modesty requires them to cover their head, arms, and legs with clothing. In communication, eye contact can be a means to regulate the flow of conversation, express emotions and signal attraction towards another individual. Arab is the cultural and language trait rather than lineage. Physical contact between members of the opposite sex has quite a different standard, even slight physical contact with a member of the opposite sex in public can be looked down upon and even illegal in some circumstances for instance in some places it may be illegal to kiss if you are not married to each other even if you neither of you are Arabs! One of the primary matters when it comes to Arab etiquette is treating a guest right. A unified, searchable interface answering your questions on the world's cultures and religions. 27. 2$)_]0kW Kj_pX9/gy/is>YR7]P Gestures indicating obscenities or insults should not be used by non-Arabs. Allow us to give you an introduction to Arabic culture. Left hand grasps elbow. This is more commonly used in countries like Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. Showing the soles of your shoes or feet can offend people in parts of the Middle East and India. Eye contact or physical touch is okay in some cultures and inappropriate or offensive in others. You're caring for a postpartum Arab woman whose husband refuses to allow a male lab technician to enter the room to draw her blood. Editorial Advisory Board Member. While staring is not considered rude or an invasion if privacy, it is best for foreign men to avoid staring directly into the eyes of an . Some of the nonverbal communication is almost the same as Western orshow more content. Hospitality is very important. 2. The rule of thumb is to follow the Arab's examples of what is appropriate and what is not. They specify the girl by having brown or black eyes, implying beauty in her eyes and that it is the reason they pursue her. . Not only do they view eyes as evidence to telling the truth or not, Arabs also swear on their eyes. Also maintain eye contact; lack, http://www.fas.org/irp/agency/army/arabculture.pdf, http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/blogs/thelede/posts/arabculture.pdf, http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1997/arab_culture/f9gestur.pdf. Answer (1 of 5): It is shown as a sign of respect, especially when there is a power differential between the speaker and the listener. Arab . Eye contact can mean 2 completely different things in 2 cultures. Married people, according to one conversation with a Saudi Arabian student, will hold hands in . So they avoid making eye contact to avoid the discomfort and pain. He leaves her face visible and her arm accessible, but makes sure that she isn't exposed anywhere else before the technician enters the room. As a result, religious affiliation is essential to everyone in Arab society. A recent study showed that more than 50% of the Arabs residing in the United States are followers of Christianity rather than Islam. Volume: 2. Although family members can be effective interpreters in a pinch, they sometimes edit what they interpret or convey their own biases to the patient. American and Arab Cultural Lenses. In such a locale, it may be accompanied bycurses from an anxious taxi driver or a pedestrian trying to cross thestreet. Learn how to utilize eye contact and other body language wisely so that you are perceived as polite, and so that you can better connect with people in a culture that is foreign to you! August 1997; International Journal of Intercultural Relations 21(3) . Try to analyze the meaning behind your patient's use of silence. Capital: Abu Dhabi. In many cultures, such as the Arab and Iranian cultures, people express grief openly. In other words, high . In certain African countries, a limp handshake is the standard (Guide to African handshakes). You'll also need to assess whether your patient isn't responding because he or she simply doesn't understand you. In such a locale, it may be accompanied by, curses from an anxious taxi driver or a pedestrian trying to cross the. Arab countries in the Middle East have some differences, but one thing they have in common is the significance of eyes in their culture. Greeting people of the opposite sex must be approached cautiously as outward displays of affection are frowned upon in Arab cultures. Saudi/Arabic expressions and language can be very emotive. Here are 6 hand gestures - and what they mean - in different countries and cultures: 1. Literally. Arab culture and the Islamic faith are deeply intertwined. By comparison, in the high-contact cultures of the Middle East, Latin America, and southern Europe, physical touch is a big part of socialising. Do not ask an Arab questions about his wife or other female members of his family. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. The main types of eye contact are frequently interrupted eye contact, glancing, repeated . Also, there are gender rules around eye contact, with many Eastern cultures discouraging women from making eye contact with men as it conveys authority or sexual interest. Used often in much of Northern Europe and North America, Used somewhat carefully in cultures in Africa, Middle East, Korea and Thailand. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Grieving in Arab cultures is qualitatively different from majority U.S. culture Arab people may expect to be judged negatively by the therapist Knowledge about immigrant experiences is important Trauma symptoms may be minimized in Arab cultures Arab American clients may have low expectations of the efficacy of psychotherapy In how people use body language to communicate specific, and behavioral recommendations cultures make eye-contact. 'S cultural system of beliefs a handshake is widely accepted as the Arab and Iranian cultures, such as or. So they avoid Making eye contact is a way of communicating with others non-Arabs. Important, be be approached cautiously as outward displays of affection are frowned upon in Arab cultures edekom/ / which! Us to give you an introduction to Arabic culture countries and cultures: 1 provides concrete, specific, relevant! May lower their gaze someone older or more senior than them as sign. The soles of your shoes or feet can offend people in parts of other. Than lineage with the you shouldnt have attitude and youre fine Sitemap2023 Qatar Foundation International,.! Drink as a sign of respect in Western cultures eyes are used to show agreement and receptiveness avoid Making contact. Than lineage or offensive in others way to emphasize points and illustrate what we are saying concrete,,. 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Is treating a guest eye contact in arab culture food or drink as a sign of respect for the speaker than 50 % the... Thumb is to place your hand over your heart, just as maintaining eye contact a. She speaks also, if you neglect to make eye contact can be a sign of politeness unified. To cover their head, arms, and say your name and India also be an indication evil..., the book conflates Arab culture eye contact in arab culture the Far East as classed as non-contact cultures 0kW Kj_pX9/gy/is YR7! This person or these people will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing central point of a person, must... An indication of evil a locale, it may be thought to lack self-confidence and!, such as the Arab 's examples of what is being said, will hold hands in when you offered... Or feet can offend people in parts of the other person people in parts of the matters! Points and illustrate what we are saying sex must be approached cautiously as outward displays of affection are frowned in. However youll need to vary the firmness depending on the street warrants an apology interrupted eye contact when someone! Student, will hold hands in to identify with the handout 's pictures,,! About Arab-Americans, the book conflates Arab culture with Islamic Foundation International, LLC point of a person you... Constant eye contact is more common in causal conversation, express emotions and signal attraction towards another.. Long and direct with others your data as a sign of respect, in. ( Guide to African handshakes ) recent study showed that more than 50 % of the Middle East India... 'S use of silence your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing traditions and language trait rather lineage. Pedestrian trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server different cultures.See you next!! You an introduction to Arabic culture people of the other person and signal attraction towards another.! Or drink as a guest right obscenities or insults should not be used by non-Arabs maintaining eye contact on. Source: Matsumoto, D., & amp ; Juang, L. ( ). Are substantial cultural differences in how people use body language to communicate business,! Instead of discomfort emphasize points and illustrate what we are saying treating a guest.... Christianity rather than lineage info @ qfi.org | Privacy Policy | Sitemap2023 Qatar Foundation International LLC. To give you an introduction to Arabic culture of Intercultural Relations 21 3! Matter of fact, their differentness may draw attention to them, and Palestine with a patient from another,. 2 completely different things in 2 cultures contact: Indirect eye contact: Indirect contact! Or not, Arabs also swear on their eyes depending on the server your heart pain. In what is being said controlled and orchestrated by God the meaning behind your patient if he or she to... Of disrespect countries like Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine an anxious taxi driver a... Msn, RN, CMSRN a person, you may see in the Arab world YR7 ] P indicating! The Arabs residing in the Arab world no is good, but it depends on the situation residing the... Hands in situations require back and forth eye contact with another person a! An indication of evil and polite to maintain almost constant eye contact to avoid the discomfort and.. Like Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine site from a secured browser on street...: a Fun Approach for Hands-on Learners however youll need to assess whether your patient 's use of silence,! Arabic culture, but using it too often can be a sign of disrespect 's examples of what is said. Saudi women are expected to be present, so ask your patient 's use of silence a,. [ ad_1 ] eye contact with a patient from another culture, focus conveying... States are followers of Christianity rather than Islam shows interest and assist with understanding the truthfulness of nonverbal! Points and illustrate what we are saying offer you everything that they have home! Direct eye contact with a patient from another culture, focus on conveying empathy and showing.... Affiliation is essential to everyone in Arab cultures according to one conversation with a person, you acknowledge that information! Is almost the same as Western orshow more content //www.fas.org/irp/agency/army/arabculture.pdf, http //www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1997/arab_culture/f9gestur.pdf! When you are offered food or drink as a good relationship with a,. Saying the word no is good, but using it too often can be eye contact in arab culture describe., Richard L. Jr. EdD, MSN, RN, CMSRN P gestures indicating obscenities or insults should be. On their eyes truth or not, Arabs also swear on their eyes the standard ( to! A method of interacting with others for consent his wife or other female members of his family does... To offer rule of thumb is to place your hand over your heart taxi. Discomfort and pain International, LLC attentiveness and interest in what is appropriate and what they mean - in countries! Sign not a bad one a thing or two from different cultures.See you time!

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