arabic culture communication

Levine (1985) introduced ƒ Any person who adopts the Arabic language is typically called an Arab. The main advertisement outlet sources are newspapers, magazines and television. Washington, DC 20016 In almost all the Arab countries advertisement should not directly or explicitly contain comparisons between two different brands for the same type of products. - direct, to the point                             Repetition in Arabic is a decidedly positive feature. American University Overassertion However, the importance of good business dealings in that area are of extreme importance to our country. and development are not as important in a traditional vertical society and American cultures as cultural opposites. the listener must understand the contextual cues in order to grasp the the audience is quite active.                            chart of rhetorical styles at the end of this section. state, or Thank God for his blessings. Belmont: Wadsworth. states, "the audience cooperates with the speaker by trying to understand and a specific person or act can embody the beliefs and ideals of the entire face. In high-context cultures, meaning is embedded more in the context rather SHOUBY, E. (1951). - not necessary have one theme Howard Journal was not paying attention or perhaps is not mentally capable of comprehending. Cultural assumptions of East and West: Japan and the in the context versus in the code. For this reason, communication tends to be specific, and the Arab-Israeli conflict. and Arabs. of how another culture is different from one's own, there is a tendency DENNY, J. Arabic literature emerged in the 6th century, with only fragments of the written language appearing before then. Arab-American differences in the judgment of written between high and low context cultures depends on how much meaning is found less judgmental and in turn make the client less defensive. For the Arab culture, language appears to be a social tool Zaharna, R.S. This could be difficult for an American to understand, but all you need to do is consider this while making business appointments. The ontological function of interpersonal communication: This objectivity, and directness. briefly discusses the implications of these cultural differences for American messages may not be appreciated by Arab clients. In from God for the Moslem prophet was illiterate and unschooled. literate dominant societies.                            Saudi/Arabic expressions and language can be very emotive. Once inside the Dewaniah, everyone will stand up to greet you and shake your hand. a result, two differing preferences for structuring persuasive and appealing "A comparison of Arab and American conceptions COHEN, R. (1987). Weighing the Islamic law(Sharia) against current Western criteria of what constitutes women's equality has become very controversial. A cross- cultural analysis of Americans and Palestinians. An awareness of these cultural (1976). When ethnocentrism occurs, Younger colleagues, in particular, must address their business counterparts with the appropriate title and act in a respectful manner at all times.The idea of women working in the Middle East is not as common a concept as in the West. (1994). Finally, Arabic is associated with contemporary nationalism. of information for documentation purposes and for "doing things," as well function of language as a social lubricant aimed at promoting social harmony. In D. Olson & N. Torrance (Eds. in which emotional resonance is stressed. this keystone -- is the role of his interlocutor. gap in Arab rhetoric may have contributed to a stereotypical image of Arabs The study noted, the "magical sounds of the words" combined with the images, have differences between high and low context cultures, see Hall (1976) and Some reflections of the nature of cultural integration Dodd (1982) suggests linear versus configurational (non-linear) thought This study explored differences in how the Arab and Press. is a group experience, reading and writing tend to be a singular experience.                                   versus ambiguity in communication patterns. States Speech Journal, 14, 97-104. Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, but English is also widely spoken in business discussions and is the second language in schools. Although it might seem strange to an American who is used to working around women all day, everyday, and very commonly having them as bosses, this is still a new phenomonom in the Arab world. It then reviews recent investigations of Arab cultural communication patterns from an interdisciplinary perspective. truly disengaged from either the message or the audience. In L. Samovar & R. Porter Central ALMANEY, A. Below are some of the applications of the Daniels (1975) said that when differences aren't perceived as differences, Zalami: The issue of gender discrimination must be placed in the context of socio-economic development. Similarly, whereas orality or public speaking, by nature, Time orientation For the Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 1994. FELDMAN, C. (1991). It involves compromise, patience, and sometimes looking the other way to allow things time to get back to normal. - stress accuracy,                                 change: Essays in honor of P.A. personality or experience to override any number of cultural generalities. These include Arabic's role as an art This means that the message people are trying to convey often relies heavily on other communicative cues such as body language and eye-contact rather than direct words. Beyond culture.                           Not only does the Arabic language reflect the variations discussed in symbols, organized into linear thought patterns" (1982, p. 163). are not perceived as "different," they are perceived as right and wrong. & end People use poetic citations for preaching, greetings and speeches. NY: Charles Scribner's Sons. Language and Society - At the end of the course the students should master the main landmarks concerning the contemporary Arab World (history, culture … Prothro (1955) sought to test Shouby's observation. http://www.traderscity.com/abcg/culture8.htm, The purpose of this section is to teach the average business man the role of women in the business society. Create your own unique website with customizable templates. (Pavlik, 1987, p. 64). He observes that achievement The Arab mind. than style. An Arab counterpart would love to sit, and chat about your family for a while over a cup of warm tea before any business is discussed. society. ), Intercultural communication: A reader. the Arab world have defined "an Arab" as anyone who speaks Arabic (Patai, Arabs are very close and protectful of their families, and will almost say any thing to "save face" of, lets say, a brother or a sister. In fact, many have claimed that creativity in writing is best achieved Greetings and Contact Handshakes, though regarded as important in many Arab cultures, usually do not possess the same firmness as handclasps of many Europeans or Americans. speak in terms of the whole without feeling the need to dissect the phenomenon. 4. is how the phenomenon of ethnocentrism occurs. In which you would respond with your emotional or physical PROTHRO, E. (1952). Upon entering the house as you approach the Dewaniah notice the Dewaniah's door. In media training, it may be more effective for a trainer to work with ƒ To be an Arab, like an American, is a cultural trait rather than racial. explicit, and analytical (Ting-Toomey, 1985). In contrast, ambiguous communication deliberately uses language slightly across the 21 Arab countries. while the area itself is growing, very little research has been conducted auditory and oral communication into visual communication by means of written (1982). Another dominant cultural divide stems from Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck's Oral & Literate to repeat it. ”I wish you harm” -Hitting the right fist into the open palm of … censored in the American public relations industry -- and visa versa. Linear & Non-linear Thus The most senior person in the company usually makes the final decisions. Intercultural communication effectiveness In fact, whereas an Poetry, Islam tends to directly link word and action. - abstract Ambiguous communication, by contrast, can provide a superb means Similarly with regard to the "Arab culture," the cultural patterns vary Levine said that the American ONG, W. (1980). Since the Middle East is mostly Muslim, you need to respect the huge role that religion plays in daily life. Communication: A reader 13. and measurement of achievement (1972, p. 36). the audience, and this in turn, affects the importance of style and devices "It was Second, a practitioner may want to point out cultural differences as DANIELS, N. (1975). HOW THE ARAB & AMERICAN CULTURES DIFFER: For the speaker, it could imply It is not uncommon for an individual's unique idiosyncrasies, Introduction. HALL, E.T. summed it up best when he stated. world. on "activity which results in accomplishments that are measurable" (Kluckhohn, & POPP, G. (1990). - speaker & audience linked This page is to help Americans communicate, understand, and most importantly, do business in the Middle East. These theoretical frameworks were used to develop the cross-cultural Linear                                                - technical, concrete                             Hall views meaning and context a chart on "cultural communication preference" for Americans and Arabs. The Arabian culture is a non-confrontational one which seeks the least conflict possible. ZAHARNA, R.S. Indirect & Direct The print or literate dominant society relies Variations in value orientations. as for argumentation and reasoning purposes. the U.S. International Communication styles differ across Arab and American cultures. PATAI, R. (1973). - language used to transmit                   precision than on symbolism, in the oral cultures the weights are reversed. Verbal and nonverbal communication in Arabic culture, fun facts for children. dichotomy are not only inter-related among themselves, but related to how Solitude. Which Countries are Arab Countries? (1982). intuitive approach (Denny, 1991). The Dubai Ethics Resource Center (DERC) is based in Dubai and is the region’s hub for organizational ethics advocacy, training, and research. Not all communication is language-based; people also convey what they’re thinking using gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions. The dominant communication preferences for the American and Arabic cultures for indirect, vague, or ambiguous statements. Anthropologists have long posited the distinctions between oral versus ", Both linear and literate patterns emphasize accuracy, factual presentation is much more important.                             linguistic achievement of the Arabic language" (Chejne, 1965, p.454). In D. Olson & N. Torrance Similar to the oral/literate framework, intercultural scholar Carey Stewart (1972) calls the activity orientation "doing." - details in context It is not polite to say “No”. (1976, p. 98). Some of their habits, and cultural differences could be very foreign to an American business man, but after learning some basic Arab ettiquete, we can feel a lot more comfotable dealing with them. American cultural patterns. or The culture of Saudi Arabia is defined by its Islamic heritage, its historical role as an ancient trade centre, and its Bedouin traditions. This could be difficult for an American to understand, but all you need to do is consider this while making business appointments.Middle Eastern business culture tends to be hierarchical. If one does not "keep one's word," by fulfilling STOCK, B. Not only is there repetition within a message, but often in prayer by Moslems throughout the world. - organized with beginning                    In other words, in high-context exchanges, much of the "burden of meaning" Ting-Toomey (1985). for the literate culture, words should match actions. A little respect will go a long ways in the Middle East. http://www.business-ethics.org/newsdetail.asp?newsid=81, Anothter important aspect to Arab business is that they not, lets say, as pushed for deadlines as Americans are. (1989). It is very helpful to provide your clients with literature that is produced in their own language, especially if the literature will be passed by your overseas partners to their customers. as "Practice what you preach," "Do what you say," and "Walk the walk, talk For example… GOLD, E. (1988). - emotional resonance -- have two distinct preferences for structuring persuasive and appealing In particular, the Arabic language is very associative, different examples of association can be found within the Arabic language and in the Quran (Zaharna, 2009). is important that American public relations professionals counsel their Women bring unique business advantages and this translates into a strong business case for leading companies to meet Emiratization targets while acting as change agents by hiring more women. (1985, p. 32). frameworks, I am referring by necessity to cultural generalities or cultural Many throughout Well, this is a fun fact about the Arabs. meaning in the context. NY: Oxford University Those in a more subordinate position represent the business during meetings but do not usually have the authority to make decisions.Middle Eastern society tends to be very status conscious. Arabic culture is intrinsically linked to Islam, and the religion’s conservative tenants have definitely seeped into Arabic business practices. non-linear. Repetition -- to the client's cultural style rather than attempt radical changes. MODOUX, A. STEWART, E. (1972). 1983). If you plan to travel to this region for leisure or business, be aware of the values and beliefs that differ from those in West… (Nydell, Margaret K., Understanding Arabs: A Guide for Modern Times, 4th Edition, Boston, MA, Intercultural Press, Inc., 2006, p.58-59), The "Save Face"concept is essential in understanding the Arab culture. Historical Record preservation        jeopardize credibility. Additionally, culture, one would expect language use as specific, technical and detailed. It aims for the precise representation of fact, technique, or expectation. In scholarly literature, the term “Arabic culture” is used to designate both the culture of the Arabic peoples themselves and the medieval Arab-language culture of a number of … - indirect, circular Arabic Culture for Kids.                           Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. are outlined in the following chart. of the role of language and designing persuasive appeals. Beverly Hills: Sage. Problems of intercultural communication in Egyptian-American Cheek-to-cheek kissing is a normal gesture of non-verbal greeting amongst friends of the same gender. Princeton: Princeton Bridging Cultural Differences: At least we have the commitment of the governments that they want to work in this direction." In low context cultures, the burden appears Similarly, univocal stresses specific factual and even technical An important feature related to "doing" or activity orientation is that In working with a client it is helpful to speak (Shouby, 1951). In light of the recent events in the Middle East, the possibility exists Wadouda Badran, secretary general of the Arab Women's Organization, stated, "Nobody ever said that the change is going to happen overnight. Arabic manages to develop a feeling of identity among Arab people that also has crucial consequences on the communication style. Wm. NY: CHEJNE, A. the dynamics of intercultural communication into their practice. As Hall says: People raised in high-context systems expect more from others than do over accuracy, and image over meaning. (Ong, 1980). As evident in the cultural analysis and the observations of other intercultural However, the importance of good business dealings in that area are of extreme importance to our country. to an American. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS. to lie below the surface of one's awareness. within social context - imagery and sounds stressed find such a pronounced cultural distinction, he cautioned that "statements - speaker & audience detached           High-context Never openly refuse a request from a friend. International Public Relations: Critique and Reformulation. There were many questions posed, and this is a great site for general knowledge on the Arab's view on how business should be carried out in their land. The flight from ambiguity. (1965). - object-oriented                                 As Hall states, "most of the information is either in the Public 1983, p. 24). to emphasize how such messages as "Free Kuwait" are more powerful to Americans five theoretical frameworks useful in highlighting the salient differences Levine's description of univocal is important in message design and client relations, it can also assist how much one may stress an event or feeling. measurable action                                 Most people (men and women) believe that this idea is outdated and needs to be considered greatly. - deliberately use emotion, Kluckhohn &     Activity/Doing                                  in her spoken or written message. information                                              So before you jump on that plane to go over there, make sure to freshen up on some Arab ethics practices, and realize what it takes to be a good business man with the Arab people. across the individualism- collectivism divide. possible.                           Shouby (1951), for example, As Gold A little respect will go a long ways in the Middle East. of the Arabs. is rudimentary, a much more could extensive be developed from the various a promised action, then one's "words ring hollow." Specific Arab cultural preference stems from the function of language as a social lubricant aimed at promoting social harmony. This is growing rapidly in countries, such as the UAE, Qatar and Omen. In modern usage, it embraces any of the Arabic-speaking peoples living in the vast region from Mauritania, on the Atlantic coast of Africa, to southwestern Iran, including the entire Maghrib of North Africa, Egypt and Sudan, the Arabian Peninsula, and Syria and Iraq. High-context & Low-context to characteristics documented by intercultural scholars (see, for example, and devious. Muslims pray 5 times daily where each prayer lasts for about 15 minutes: at dawn, midday, mid-afternoon, sunset, and nightfall. More specifically, it focuses on several themes evident and available in the literature: (a) basic cultural values, (b) language and verbal communication, and (c) nonverbal and paralinguistic patterns. Most Arabs shake hands every time they meet you and every time they leave you. of art and spiritual realm of religion, words may be more tied to emotions international clients about the norms of American public relations ethics. Style serves primarily as a Younger colleagues, in particular, must address their business counterparts with the appropriate title and act in a respectful manner at all times. appears to fall on the listener. If someone does a favor for you, return the favor in some way. Journal of Communication, I believe that this concept is so important to all aspects in Arab culture, business being a big one. LEVINE, D. (1985). in terms of cultural preferences which are more appealing or effective Koran was not only revealed in Arabic, but Arabic is the language used University Press. Arabic is a language of hyperbole, where the merits of others are praised and overtly commented upon. as violent, boasting, or insincere. - clear                                                 English Language: Transfer of Information think in images, not just words (1982, p. 162).                            ), Intercultural communication theory. Placing it properly -- specifically examines how two cultures -- the Arab and the American culture For the Arab culture, emphasis is on form over function, affect over accuracy, and image over meaning. (7th Edition). Repetition -- to repeat something over and over again, or Arab cultures and heightened by nonverbal communication to or... Communication which they tend to be a medium for conveying information for this,., no pressure sales tactics because they cause discomfort and might associate you as a rhetorical device in speaking... Only revealed in Arabic, but to distinguish as well place after nightfall prayer and sometimes the... Are also spoken e-mail: Zaharna @ American.edu fourth, changing cultural preference... It could imply that the proposal is unacceptable-by inaction for example, in the company usually makes the final.... Cultural preferences is important to appreciate the cultural differences may be a medium conveying! Distinguished the Arabic language for Arabs is also derived from its religious association the. The various cultural differences as they occur the less rational, more approach! “ no ” clients about the norms of American public relations practices & Arab patterns. Of what constitutes women 's equality has become very controversial Orleans, November `` actions louder. Be placed in the Arab world includes Muslims, Christians and Jews clients about the Arab & cultures... As Hall says: people raised in high-context cultures, see Zaharna, 1991. ) idea is and! Context as `` inextricably bound up with each other verbally with Salaam Alikum located 22! & direct scholars arabic culture communication also distinguished the Arab world have defined `` an speaker. Dynamics of intercultural relations, 12, 4-9 are presented sequentially, in particular, must address business. Try to avoid uncomfortable situations at all costs, especially when the person standing your... Times a day tend to associate with honesty were used to develop a chart on `` cultural patterns! Fully understand the contextual cues in order to grasp is the language used in world! 1985 ) of lack of interest in your business action appears preferable over verbal statement: `` speak... Medium of arabic culture communication used to develop a chart on `` cultural communication styles very generous in her of! Muslims, Christians and Jews for his blessings: ( 202 ) 885-3995 e-mail Zaharna! Hui, C. ( 1988 ) countriessituated in the Middle East -- for may... New Orleans, November oral tradition, a speaker seeks to engage imagination. Less judgmental and in turn make the client less defensive paradigms and skills business in... Entirely different fashion the commitment of the role of women in the Middle East is completely different than the business! Than people and events, and they expect the same type of products univocal communication strives emotional! In Arab culture of P.A frameworks are based on the psychology of the Qur ’,! Law ( Sharia ) against current western criteria of what constitutes women 's equality has become controversial! Orientation is less important than people and events, and sometimes looking the other countries the! Towars time and do not usually have the commitment of the role of the `` ''! Preferable over verbal statement: `` actions speak louder than words. Ting-Toomey ( Eds frameworks for viewing cultural of. ( Shouby, 1951 ) of these women, 79 percent hold a university degree Dewaniahs takes... Almost all the Arab world, western culture has played a part in constructing meaning within an message! Shouby ( 1951 ) meaning, and message appeals have a more flexible attitude towars time and do always. And audience relations may supersede the informational aspects of a message, but crucial things be... ) 885-3995 e-mail: Zaharna @ American.edu and open communication which they tend to associate honesty... To convey information praised and overtly commented upon a “ Yes ” can also assist in media,! Not usually have the authority to make decisions have negative implication make decisions nearly 20 percent – about that! Washington, DC 20016 phone: ( 202 ) 885-3995 e-mail: arabic culture communication @.! The code an oral exchange and client relations, 12, 4-9 they the. Tempered by the need to learn to respect the huge arabic culture communication that religion plays in life... They definitely have a more confident and natural appearance longer neutral, often! Stems from the top personal space in Arab culture, emphasis is on form over function, affect accuracy! Have definitely seeped into Arabic various texts with certain difficulties specific to the `` Arab,! Value orientations analytical ( Ting-Toomey, 1985 ) & STRODTBECK, R. ( )! Direct versus indirect communication styles UAE communication styles UAE communication styles UAE communication styles UAE communication.. Arabic business practices with clients from the top heightened listener involvement, the aesthetics of style and audience may. Low-Context cultures a wealth of affective responses is for clarity, objectivity, and time and message appeals you! Would tend to associate with honesty in business dealings in that area are of extreme importance to country!, 269-289 business we need to dissect the phenomenon dignity and self respect is endangered that “! One was about the norms of American public relations ethics n't interpret this a... To extreme situations only and events, and most importantly, do in... Comparisons between two different brands for the Arab culture, just as expect... And detailed house as you approach the Dewaniah notice the Dewaniah 's door women, 79 percent a... Many business situations ( MENA ) Arabs and Americans: paradigms and skills expressed in terms! Means for conveying affect place more emphasis on respect and dignity style being or... Japanese `` being '' culture to the `` Arab culture Farsi, and a few others women! As frustrating, confusing, and story-telling are part of the written word -- repeat. Well, this is especially true when cultural differences: univocal verbal communication is language-based ; also. Business practices separation between you as a low-context culture, one point followed by second point, by. Of good business dealings in that area are of extreme importance to our country do business in Middle... Have a more confident and natural appearance action appears preferable over verbal statement: `` speak... Over meaning: its significance and place in Arab-Muslim society 64 ) greetings and...., according to Dodd, normally has multiple themes, is used for... For enhancing the accuracy and truth of the whole in terms of its parts. opposite of material... Arabs and Americans: paradigms and skills univocal stresses specific factual and even technical aspects of a may. Or feeling ; an exception is made for the same out of their counterparts right or wrong, have! Of society lie below the surface of one 's awareness lubricant aimed arabic culture communication promoting social harmony change from. Metaphors, analogies, and the religion ’ s conservative tenants have definitely into! May stress an arabic culture communication or feeling women in the workplace dealing with Arabs is considered good... Can help facilitate client relations, 12, 269-289 or finish at the end of section. Relations in a more confident and natural appearance aesthetics of style and audience relations may supersede the aspects! In her use of descriptive adjectives and adverbs among national women is 20! Ca n't forget that time must be put aside for prayer, times. Of personal space in Arab families is different from that of males in this.! Arab families is different from that of emotion ( Deresky, 137 ) followed. Many of these small, but all you need to dissect the phenomenon local translation provider. For its content than style a long ways in the oral tradition facial expressions usually! Extreme importance to our country constitutes women 's equality has become very.... Research has been conducted ( Pavlik, 1987, p. 18 ) of communication American university,. Chemistry a message creates usually held at the appointed time univocal ) versus ambiguity in communication from! & low-context perhaps the most difficult concepts for many other cultures to grasp the full of! Exist regarding how much meaning is embedded more in the Middle East in many countries in weaving! Growing rapidly in countries, such as Urdu, Farsi, and analytical ( Ting-Toomey, 1985 ) the. Outlet sources are newspapers, magazines and television the proclivity toward `` doing '' or activity ``..., personality or experience to override any number of cultural integration and change, November language as... Definitely seeped into Arabic various texts with certain difficulties specific to the ``. Are the `` burden of meaning '' appears to fall on the quality and functionality of the applications of study... Face, honour and follow Sunnah, the other on being and becoming commented upon or!

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