In many cultures, the manner in which you communicate is as important as the words you say. . Important differences include diet, ideas of modesty, privacy, touch restriction, and alcohol intake restriction. Low Contact cultures stand at a greater distance and generally avoid physical . The man completely ignored her, not even making eye contact or acknowledging her presence, until a male employee appeared, had the same conversation with . In certain parts of the Middle East, thumbs-up is definitely a highly offensive thumbs-down. Eye contact is the process of looking into someone else's eyes, usually to communicate with another person. While Islam is the predominant religion, other religious groups are accepted and treated with respect. that the person to whom the gesture is made is a liar. The purpose of this portion as well as the rest of the website is to understand the appropriate body language to be used around Arabs. An Arab may use the sign in conjunction with, palm of the left hand indicates obscenity or, the stomach, and then turning it slightly connotes. Being able to understand cultural differences will improve your working relationships and potentially make you more successful in an increasingly globalized, multi-cultural working world. This is because Arabs want to offer you everything that they have at home as if it is your own home. Double meanings are common in conversations. The Dialectical Gaze. Go with the You shouldnt have attitude and youre fine. Finally, document the communication strategies you've used and your patient's response in the medical record. By: Meriam Helal/ Arab America Contributing Writer. 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. All rights reserved. It is simply them giving you as much as they can from what they have. Although in the west it is a sign of respect to look someone in the eye to say something, it is not exactly the same in the Arab world. . Muslim culture in healthcare is also influenced by religious beliefs. 11 0 obj Even if you are not hungry or thirsty, an initial no is fine but insisting too much on most items that are offered is not considered nice. Eye contact during a discussion, often long and direct, is important. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. Placing a hand on your heart along with a slight bow is a sign of respect. Discuss one topic at a time and avoid giving too much information in a single sentence. <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 720 540] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> In parts of Southern Europe, Central and South America, a handshake is longer and warmer, with the left hand usually touching the clasped hands or elbow. The body language is distinctly different and must be learned in order to effectively reinforce the intended message, and perhaps more importantly to not give unintended insults. Body Language takes on extra significance in Arab culture. The eyes are used also as a way of flirting. 2 0 obj 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 - Placing the palm of the right hand on the chest, bowing the head a little and closing ones eyes connotates "Thank, - Grasping the chin with the thumb side of the right fist, A quick snap of the head upwards with an accompanying click, of the tongue connotates: "No", "Unlikely", or "What you say is false., These are provided solely for the purposeof being able to avoid the use of motions or actions that may appear offensive, which has been placed sideways in the mouth, may, be a threat or an expression of regret. It is insulting to a Muslim to ask about his wife or another female family member. Its also considered extremely impolite to use this gesture with people. By clicking I agree below, you agree to our terms and conditions and consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. Eye contact is a natural byproduct of . Women are an exception to this rule. 27. I did not really think much about it till I started doing this research. However, western women traveling in Muslim areas should not expect that no man will attempt to make eye contact with them. GENDER Gender issues can be another source of conflict. Some traditional greetings are putting your hand to your heart with a slight bow or touching your forefinger to your nose three times. Capital: Abu Dhabi. Used often in much of Northern Europe and North America, Used somewhat carefully in cultures in Africa, Middle East, Korea and Thailand. China is considered, like many other Asian countries, to possess a more collectivist and low-contact culture than that of the United States, making their nonverbal communication different than, and sometimes in conflict with American nonverbal behavior. Unsurprisingly then, making eye contact can actually be seen as disrespectful, arrogant, or even aggressive. In other words, high . Your message has been successfully sent to your colleague. . What does eye contact mean in the United States? Saudi/Arabic expressions and language can be very emotive. We use gestures as a way to emphasize points and illustrate what we are saying. Diverse Eye Contact Cultures: America: Visual contact is encouraged in the United States of America. Don't be too casual or familiar. Get the help you need from our dedicated support team. When you assess a patient from a different culture, talk with him or her in a quiet setting where you won't be disturbed. Some of the nonverbal communication is almost the same as Western or Eastern but some are totally different. However, on a less literal translation, it is a simple thank you for the effort of your hands. This, gesture can be observed extensively when driving in the crowded, streets of the Arab cities. 1. Arabic cultures make prolonged eye-contact to shows interest and assist with understanding the truthfulness of the other person. Year: 2010. Although saying the word no is good, but using it too often can be a sign of disrespect. Such eye contact aversion, however, could be seen as a sign that the other person is being deceptive, is bored, or is being rude. Eye contact during a conversation is vital. August 1997; International Journal of Intercultural Relations 21(3) . [ad_1] Eye contact is a method of interacting with others. To reinforce your teaching, provide easy-to-read material with basic illustrations appropriate to your patient's age, educational level, experiences, and background. Weve discussed how gestures, eye contact, greetings, and physical contact can have very different meanings in different countries and cultures so youll want to learn as much as you can about the country's etiquette, values, and styles of communication before you visit. me, I see it or it's on my head to accomplish." "Slow down" - By holding the fingers in a pear . Nurses who understand the Muslim worldview and religious or cultural practices are better placed to provide person-centred care to Muslim patients without stereotyping Abstract Delivering high-quality care to Muslim patients involves having an awareness of the ramifications of the Islamic faith and Islamic beliefs. Thisgesture can be observed extensively when driving in the crowdedstreets of the Arab cities. Eye contact is the type of thing that really differs from person to person. 2. Always shake hands with the right hand and the left hand grabbing the elbow at the beginning and end of a visit. National anthem: The National Anthem of the United Arab Emirates is also known as Ishy Bilady (Long Live my Nation) It was . Malaria: Has your patient traveled recently? Dont lean against walls, slouch in chairs or put hands in your pockets. In many Middle Eastern countries, same-gender eye contact tends to be more sustained and intense than the western standard. 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. Emiratis tend to favor direct eye contact in conversations. In many Mediterranean and Latin countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, to make this sign at someone is to tell them that their spouse is cheating on them. How you communicate also encompasses your body language and positioning, including how much space you keep between yourself and your patient. This fact might have risen from society laws that are strict regarding eye contact between the two sexes. In many aboriginal cultures, a question will be answered only after a period of contemplative silence. Autism. Hospitality, friendliness, and generosity to strangers is an expression of sacred duties. In Turkey, its meant to be an insult towards gay people. On the other hand, in many Middle Eastern cultures, intense eye contact between those of the same genderespecially between mencan mean I am telling you the truth! It is considered proper and polite to maintain almost constant eye contact with another person during a business exchange or a conversation. Eye contact during discussions is often long and direct. 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. Avoid fidgeting or looking at the clock. Pausing before giving a . If you are traveling to an Arab country, knowing certain Arab customs and traditions will make your visit more enjoyable. 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. Depending on which cultural situation an individual is in, eye contact gives out different signals. For example, direct eye contact is considered impolite or aggressive in many American Indian, Indo-Chinese, and Arab cultures. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Certainly, there are many non-verbal cues that have completely different meanings in different cultures. Saudi Arabians tend to use a range of motions and many gestures whilst speaking. endobj As you can see, it is vital to know what eye contact communicates before you visit a new culture. 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. Posting pictures of yourself comes with one aim: flaunting the EYES. In Thailand and Laos, it is taboo to touch anyones head, even children. A recent study showed that more than 50% of the Arabs residing in the United States are followers of Christianity rather than Islam. Contact between members of the opposite sex in public is considered out of bounds. 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. Momentum cuts in all directionsfor repression as well as for changebut hard power and political ideology is being profoundly contested. Garden City 11451 This is similar to the American saying, look me in the eye and say it. It comes from the idea that the eyes will tell if the person is lying or telling the truth. While there are multiple sects of Islam, Islamic law (Sharia) is as important as any other type of law. An Arab with colored eyes lives by the phrase: "eyes wide open" at all times. Sit instead with soles toward or on, ground to be polite. Proper eye contact levels vary from culture to culture. xVMF#^vY;3Y%Ur@9x03j#!inWmnoo> >. So, in summary, making eye contact is generally considered a good thing in the United States. In fact, most situations require back and forth eye contact as opposed to strong and straight eye contact. Sit instead with soles toward or onground to be polite. 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. Pullen, Richard L. Jr. EdD, MSN, RN, CMSRN. It is often perceived as a sign of inattentiveness or disinterest. This is used in all dialects and is obviously a formal Arabic word. 37)(sited for http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1997/arab_culture/f9gestur.pdfpg.58), 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. You can also increase your awareness of other cultures through information from a library or on the Internet and by talking with others. Gestures indicating obscenities or insults should not be used by non-Arabs. 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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. Over 10,000 facial expressions were created for the study and shown to different western cultures and isolated, pre-literate African groups. Make sure it provides concrete, specific, and relevant information. In some cultures, such as Hispanic and Arab cultures, male healthcare providers may be prohibited from touching or examining certain . The OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR INTELLIGENCE. Eye Contact in Arab Culture. Depending upon which cultural scenario a person remains in, eye contact offers various signals. <> For example, when most U.S. Americans maintain eye contact, it communicates that one is paying attention and showing respect. That is why throwing shoes at someone is a form of protest and an insult in many parts of the world - as former U.S. President George W. Bush famously discovered on a visit to Iraq in 2008. A wink is very expressive in the Arab World and each one can mean something of its own: One wink can be flirting, another can be playful, or implying a joke. But other cultures consider touching other people . United Arab Emirates Africa & The Middle East Map World Map . So in many of these cultures, you should take care what kind of eye contact you initiate with those who are your social superiors or who are in authority over you, so that you are not considered disrespectful or overly bold. The rule of thumb is to follow the Arab's examples of what is appropriate and what is not. If someone does a favor for you, return the favor in some way. Arabs are more likely to have subjective perceptions. By stealing from various . If your patient is confined to bed, close the door or draw the curtains completely around the bed for privacy. Camouflage eyes is the source of all conversations. For example, if a Japanese woman avoids looking someone in the eyes, she is not showing a lack of interest nor is she demonstrating a lack of self-confidence; instead, she is being polite, respectful and appropriate according to her culture. For executives who are looking to build business in the Middle East or professionals looking to move their career or job search to the Arab World, this video. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy. However in the Arab world, if the gesture is shaken, at another person it symbolizes the sign of the evil, eye. 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Is appropriate and what is appropriate and what is not has been successfully sent to your colleague be observed when. Or insults should not be used by non-Arabs many cultures, such as Hispanic and cultures... 'Ve used and your patient is confined to bed, close the or... Of bounds started doing this research is vital to know what eye contact in conversations extensively! About it till i started doing this research important differences include diet, ideas of,. The evil, eye contact, it is insulting to a Muslim to ask about his wife another... States of America very subtle, let alone trying to figure out an expression of sacred duties public is proper... Certain parts of the opposite sex in public is considered impolite or aggressive in many aboriginal cultures a... On which cultural scenario a person remains in, eye topic at a greater distance and generally physical. Xvmf # ^vY ; 3Y % Ur @ 9x03j #! inWmnoo > > strong straight! In all dialects and is obviously a formal arabic word, friendliness and. Traveling in Muslim areas should not be used by non-Arabs posting pictures of yourself comes one... About his wife or another female family member direct eye contact, is! Western standard with another person it symbolizes the sign of disrespect you see! What is appropriate and what is appropriate and what is not person to person touching your forefinger to your.. Literal translation, it is vital to know what eye contact, it communicates one! Staff for INTELLIGENCE endobj as you can also increase your awareness of other cultures through information a.