Eye contact in Arab culture is different is than Western eye contract. By: Meriam Helal/ Arab America Contributing Writer. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. But remember, just as maintaining eye contact is important, be . and Arab countries), communication relies heavily on non-verbal, contextual, and shared cultural meanings. 7 0 obj Emotions connote a sincere concern for the outcome of the decision. Eye Contact. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR INTELLIGENCE. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. If this is the case the alternative is to place your hand over your heart. The man completely ignored her, not even making eye contact or acknowledging her presence, until a male employee appeared, had the same conversation with . The eye is also described as evil when envy and hatred from one person will cause the envied to be impaired, sterile or have childbirth problems, domestic problems, accidents, illnesses or unemployment. Learn how to use body language to improve your professional relationships. United Arab Emirates Africa & The Middle East Map World Map . 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! 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. 10 0 obj Therefore, even southpaws should use their left hands sparingly when visiting the Middle East. For instance, in certain cultures like the American one, avoiding eye contact during verbal communication can cause suspicion, or talking to someone who is wearing sun glasses can be discomforting. In some cultures, such as Hispanic and Arab cultures, male healthcare providers may be prohibited from touching or examining certain . <> However, on a less literal translation, it is a simple thank you for the effort of your hands. This is normal to them so be accepting and keep that fact in mind. Practice what you learn in virtual reality exercises. Close friends or colleagues hug and kiss both cheeks upon greeting. In communication, eye contact can be a means to regulate the flow of conversation, express emotions and signal attraction towards another individual. Man is dependent on the fate as determined by God and is powerless in controlling many of lifes events. Arabs are generally very socially-oriented people. In Asian cultures, the general belief is that is is unacceptable to show emotion openly (whether sadness, happiness, or pain). Arabs have a lot less body space than Westerners. One of the most difficult concepts for many other cultures to grasp is the need to offer flattery in many business situations. Arab . US ARMY TRAINING AND DOCTRINE COMMAND gave the perfect list for this blog! By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. "It's my Obligation" - The gesture of placing the right hand or its. You can use silence as a communication technique. Used often in much of Northern Europe and North America, Used somewhat carefully in cultures in Africa, Middle East, Korea and Thailand. 6 0 obj In some cultures, such as Hispanic and Arab cultures, male healthcare providers may be prohibited from touching or examining certain parts of the female body, and female healthcare providers may have similar prohibitions when caring for male patients. On that same note it is always good to study up on each area you might be in, since they may have different standards. Culture a. Working and living among Arabs in the Middle East can be both exhilarating and trying as an American. In many cultures, what is acceptable for a man may not be acceptable for a woman. The most obvious example is the issue of covering your head in some Muslim countries but also, within religions such as Islam and Hinduism, shaking a woman's hand can be considered offensive. Yet, since envy is thought to do its work through the human eye, something . For instance, think about your own views to help you identify your prejudices or attitudes that may be a barrier to good communication. Thisgesture can be observed extensively when driving in the crowdedstreets of the Arab cities. Theft is at the core of every colonial enterprise. One could innocently say to someone with a new car "Oh that's a nice car!". Hospitality, friendliness, and generosity to strangers is an expression of sacred duties. So remember these important body gestures and tips. Learn more about the body language course. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. ";i @AJeewZ/\f73\\]^B?1.K!bP8z82oFQ2"z1j>8^`i;A . 10 FAMILY The family is the key . Some of the nonverbal communication is almost the same as Western or Eastern but some are totally different. How you communicate also encompasses your body language and positioning, including how much space you keep between yourself and your patient. One way to do this is to participate in cultural competency programs offered by your organization. Silence gives your patient time to reflect before he or she speaks. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Certainly, there are many non-verbal cues that have completely different meanings in different cultures. So if somebody doesn't give any eye contact during a conversation, it may be considered . Dr. Matias Baltazar of Universit de Vincennes and his co-researchers completed a study in October 2014 in which 32 participants were wired to a skin conductance machine in order to record the sweatiness of their . It is offensive to ask a man about his wife or female family member. Such eye contact aversion, however, could be seen as a sign that the other person is being deceptive, is bored, or is being rude. xTn0? It must be emphasized that there is no "one" Arab culture or society. However in the Arab world, if the gesture is shaken, at another person it symbolizes the sign of the evil, eye. Men in Islamic countries never shake the hands of women outside the family. So when in the Middle East, care should be taken in making eye contact with anyone of the opposite gender. /Shokran/ // which is a basic thank you. The side-to-side head movement originates from British occupation, as the occupied Indian people were afraid to ever gesture no to soldiers but wanted to show signs of understanding. 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Research carried out by the Paul Ekman Group, an American Psychologist, showed that over 90% of common facial expressions were identified by people in very different cultures. In this article, I'll discuss specific techniques to help you become skillful at communicating with patients from other cultures. But other cultures consider touching other people . In many aboriginal cultures, a question will be answered only after a period of contemplative silence. Depending on which cultural situation an individual is in, eye contact gives out different signals. In many Middle Eastern countries, same-gender eye contact tends to be more sustained and intense than the western standard. You suggest a sign outside the patient's room that indicates to knock before entering. It is also not unusually for men to hug and kiss each other nor is it considered an act of homosexuality but of close friendship most times men will kiss each other on both checks unless it is in times of the Hajj(pilgrimage) then they may only kiss each other on the shoulders Which is also something westerners are not use to. Eye contact is a way of communicating with others. 22). When visiting an Arabic country, it helps to know the customs, traditions and language. When you're providing care, you may have to ask the patient for special permission to touch her head or another body part. Beware that in Turkey, a firm handshake is considered rude and aggressive. Reading nonverbal cues like eye contact, posture, space, facial expressions, and gestures; listening to intonation; using pausing strategically; reading silence and language rhythm; and reading . Its colours of red, green, white and black represent the unity of the Arab countries. As a matter of fact, their differentness may draw attention to them, and men may try to make eye contact with them. National anthem: The National Anthem of the United Arab Emirates is also known as Ishy Bilady (Long Live my Nation) It was . Showing soles of feet is very offensive. . The museums of the former imperial powers are full of art stolen from former colonies, from Africa to Asia and beyond. Im sincere!, In many Asian, African and Latin American cultures, extended eye contact can be taken as an affront or a challenge of authority. Home health care workers should take care not to misinterpret the significance of lack of eye contact. Some common gestures are listed below: Get a downloadable, printable version that you can read later. This is for a very good reason. These cultures tend to be quite conscious of hierarchy, and avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect for bosses and elders. Most Arabs believe that most of lifes events are controlled and orchestrated by God. <> Arab men would never normally touch a woman who is not family. Hispanic patients may keep their eyes downcast as a sign of respect to others. Arabs believe in persons, not in institutions. The OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR INTELLIGENCE. This is more commonly used in countries like Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. endobj They may differ depending on the age, gender, ethnicity, profession, and status of the people involved. Please select all the ways you would like to hear from Qatar Foundation International: You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. info@qfi.org | Privacy Policy | Sitemap2023 Qatar Foundation International, LLC. Although saying the word no is good, but using it too often can be a sign of disrespect. Family presence during resuscitation in a rural ED setting, My aching back: Relieving the pain of herniated disk, Nurses and smoking cessation: Get on the road to success, The nurse's quick guide to I.V. believe it shows interest and helps them understand truthfulness of the other person. First impressions count, so when you meet a new patient, approach slowly and wait for him or her to acknowledge you. Difficult concepts for many other cultures to grasp is the need to offer flattery in many Eastern! Be accepting and keep that fact in mind attraction towards another individual acceptable a! Listed below: Get a downloadable, printable version that you can read later culture, the left is. But remember, just as maintaining eye contact can be both exhilarating and trying as an.! Should be taken in making eye contact in Arab culture is different is than eye... ; it & # x27 ; t give any eye contact gives different! 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