eye contact in arab culture
No is considered as impolite, therefore people use the term 'As God wills it.' People do not refuse a request . Depending upon which cultural scenario a person remains in, eye contact offers various signals. Family loyalty and obligations take precedence over loyalty and obligations to friends or a job and over ones personal needs. Emiratis tend to favor direct eye contact in conversations. To protect loss of face, an Arab will rarely admit to a mistake. "Arab Politics beyond the Uprisings: Experiments in an Era of Resurgent Authoritarianism" is a multi-year TCF project supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. They mourn out loud, while people from other cultures (e.g., China and Japan) are more subdued. Used a lot in regions such as the Middle East, Mediterranean cultures, Europeans, and Latin Americans. Malaria: Has your patient traveled recently? Mosques are considered holy sites and strict rules accompany visits to the mosque. A professional interpreter not only knows the patient's language, but is also well-versed in medical terminology and has been trained to present information in an unbiased way. Next, learn what you can about other cultures. When having a guest over, you will see that this person or these people will be treated like kings and queens. Rushing in may exacerbate your patient's fear of the unknown. If you take a look at somebody [] A persons honor and dignity come from their family. Newspapers around the world expressed their astonishment at the use of such a gesture. Although saying the word no is good, but using it too often can be a sign of disrespect. 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! 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. Meet the Arab Pioneers That Graced the Google Homepage This Past Year, Meet the Arab Changemakers Featured in the 2023 Forbes 30 under 30 List, Emad Batayeh Performs with National Arab Orchestra at the "Taking Back our Narrative" Event presented by Arab America Foundation and Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Good cross-cultural communication enhances your nursing practice by: Your first step toward cultural competence is simply being aware of your own cultural beliefs. 3 0 obj Eye contactwhich simply denotes one person looking directly at another persons eyesseems to have strong implications in almost every culture, although what these implications are vary extensively across the globe! As a result, religious affiliation is essential to everyone in Arab society. Eye Contact. He is also a Nursing made Incredibly Easy! 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. Eye contact during a conversation is vital. 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 communication, eye contact can be a means to regulate the flow of conversation, express emotions and signal attraction towards another individual. may email you for journal alerts and information, but is committed I did not really think much about it till I started doing this research. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR INTELLIGENCE. Touching between . Meaningful Arabic Quotes Thatll Get You Through Your Day, Love Is In The Air Express Your Love With These Sweet Arabic Words, Basic Words in Arabic The Most Commonly Used, The Arabic Alphabet Tips On How To Pronounce The Difficult Letters, Arabic Prepositions Commonly Used In Everyday Conversation, A Look At Capital Cities Of Arab Countries A Complete List, Vowels in Arabic: Short Vowels, Sukun, Shadda, and Tanwin, Common Arabic Words For Feelings And Emotions, Egyptian Clothing What Modern Day Egyptians Wear, Animals In Arabic Language Names And Special Meanings. 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. Today is all about the dos and donts in Arab culture. 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. One of the most important means of nonverbal communication in any culture is eye contactor lack thereof. Get new journal Tables of Contents sent right to your email inbox, November/December 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 6, http://www.culturediversity.org/about.htm, Communicating with patients from different cultures, Articles in PubMed by Richard L. Pullen, Jr., EdD, MSN, RN, CMSRN, Articles in Google Scholar by Richard L. Pullen, Jr., EdD, MSN, RN, CMSRN, Other articles in this journal by Richard L. Pullen, Jr., EdD, MSN, RN, CMSRN, Preventing never events: What frontline nurses need to know, Caring forPatients of different religions, Privacy Policy (Updated December 15, 2022). If you want to strongly disagree and say "No" (la) lift your head up, roll your eyes upwards and make a clicking noise with your tongue. An Arab with colored eyes lives by the phrase: "eyes wide open" at all times. Hand gestures can mean very different things in different cultures; the OK sign in Greece, Spain or Brazil means you are calling someone an a**hole. A video decoding Indian headshakes went viral, attracting over a million hits in a week. It is offensive to ask a man about his wife or female family member. This is normal to them so be accepting and keep that fact in mind. In Asian cultures, the general belief is that is is unacceptable to show emotion openly (whether sadness, happiness, or pain). <> Never openly refuse a request from a friend. Richard L. Pullen, Jr., is a Professor of Nursing and Assistant Director of the ADN Program at Amarillo College Department of Nursing in Amarillo, Tex. Note: Saudi Arabia and Arabian peninsula the physical contact is not as common and can even be considered offensive. Important differences include diet, ideas of modesty, privacy, touch restriction, and alcohol intake restriction. On Inauguration Day 2005, President George W. Bush raised his fist, with the index and little finger extended, in the shape of the Texas Longhorn football team logo. 59), I wish evil upon you - Biting the right forefinger,which has been placed sideways in the mouth, maybe a threat or an expression of regret. In China, people make eye contact when they are angry. You suggest a sign outside the patient's room that indicates to knock before entering. Language Style: Poetry is a regular feature of Saudi communication, most commonly used for deep praise or insults. While Islam is the predominant religion, other religious groups are accepted and treated with respect. Become involved with various cultural groups by volunteering in the community, attending cultural festivals, or reading literature or listening to music from other cultures. It causes overstimulation in certain brain regions. In fact, most situations require back and forth eye contact as opposed to strong and straight eye contact. Thumbs up. You can even use silence to communicate effectively (see Silence as communication). Iranians, for example, avoid it at all cost, often looking down and away from the person in front of you. <> So shall we? 1- Making eye contact! Sit or stand back-to-back is considered very rude. Close friends or colleagues hug and kiss both cheeks upon greeting. 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. Caribbean, Latino, an Arab cultures. Although Arab countries are pre- 7 0 obj ";i @AJeewZ/\f73\\]^B?1.K!bP8z82oFQ2"z1j>8^`i;A Please try after some time. As you can see, it is vital to know what eye contact communicates before you visit a new culture. ). In many Asian, African, and Latin American countries, however, this unbroken eye contact would be considered aggressive and confrontational. Sometimes it is very obvious, many times very subtle. Arabs dont have rigid schedules. Considering this, it is advisable to not label every Arab as Muslim and to not consider every Muslim an Arab. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Volume: 2. 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. People who are relaxed and personable enough to establish relationships tend to be more successful. The heat, the smells, and the sounds are enough to cause culture shock, let alone trying to figure out . Eye contact is seen as a social standard of communication. Don't hurry; try not to seem rushed or anxious to leave. It is considered proper and polite to maintain almost constant eye contact with another person during a business exchange or a conversation. In comparison to the Western culture where eye contact is common, mundane and trivial, in Arab culture, it is more communicative and significant. We started our list with guests. The main types of eye contact are frequently interrupted eye contact, glancing, repeated . Therefore, it is important for a visitor to understand the full implications of what he or she may be implying by returning the eye contact initiated by someone else. Another important point in food etiquette is thanking them for the food and wishing them goodness and blessings for their hospitality. The belief in the evil eye as a cause for disease is an Arab cultural belief. Eye Contact: M: Eye contact is . Arabs, like most people, use gestures and body movements to communicate. The Nose Touch You will often see Arab Nationals touch noses three times as they shake hands. Help for Teachers and Students, Making Elementary Musical Instruments: A Fun Approach for Hands-on Learners. Proper eye contact levels vary from culture to culture. 4 0 obj But, in Arab and Islamic culture, it goes a bit deeper than that. In certain African countries, a limp handshake is the standard (Guide to African handshakes). Married people, according to one conversation with a Saudi Arabian student, will hold hands in . <> Arab culture and the Islamic faith are deeply intertwined. Enhance your soft skills with a range of award-winning courses. Silence gives your patient time to reflect before he or she speaks. drug calculations. Unsurprisingly then, making eye contact can actually be seen as disrespectful, arrogant, or even aggressive. One may lower their gaze someone older or more senior than them as a sign of respect. If someone does a favor for you, return the favor in some way. Greeting people of the opposite sex must be approached cautiously as outward displays of affection are frowned upon in Arab cultures. August 1997; International Journal of Intercultural Relations 21(3) . Handshakes are common greetings and farewells. Take off your shoes at the entrance and leave them there before going in. The eyes are the most telling body part and are the most expressive even more than words and gestures. When speaking and especially when listening, you must make eye contact with your . It is pretty much an action of respect as opposed to anything else. They do call each other my eyes as a term of endearment to show that the person is as valuable as their own eyes. . Read the latest news and helpful tips from our blog. This o. Do not stare at women or maintain eye contact. If this is the case the alternative is to place your hand over your heart. This is because Arabs want to offer you everything that they have at home as if it is your own home. Try it now and find out why. 22). Arab culture consists of different communities, groups and cultures. A specific look can indicate interest, another look can indicate love, and another can indicate appreciation. 3. We use gestures as a way to emphasize points and illustrate what we are saying. Some of the nonverbal communication is almost the same as Western orshow more content. Silence: Silence is an important and purposeful tool used in Chinese communication. The OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR INTELLIGENCE. stream Wolfe declares that, "in the United States, making eye contact is interpreted as showing interest, paying attention, and a sign of self-confidence.". Your patient will get the most out of teaching materials that are consistent with his or her lifestyle, environment, and cultural habits. Sit down in a chair next to your patient. It is often considered more polite to have only sporadic or brief eye contact, especially between people of different social registers (like a student and a teacher, or a child and his elder relatives). 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. If your patient is confined to bed, close the door or draw the curtains completely around the bed for privacy. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Some Asian Americans consider touching a person's head to be impolite because they believe the spirit resides there. 3 Alif Kamil El-Shinnawi Street Avoid fidgeting or looking at the clock. and Arab countries), communication relies heavily on non-verbal, contextual, and shared cultural meanings. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Eye contact is essential, but it depends on the situation. <>>> Therefore, during the relationship-building process, it is important to offer . Eye contact is the type of thing that really differs from person to person. In most western countries, eye contact is a sign of confidence and attentiveness. Arabic cultures make prolonged eye-contact. Finally, document the communication strategies you've used and your patient's response in the medical record. 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. . In Japan, silence from women can be considered an expression of femininity. You can withdraw your consent at any time. Language and culture are intertwined, which makes non-verbal communication a key aspect in language learning. The thumbs-up sign has been confusing people for . Belief in the evil eye as a supernatural cause of disease or misfortune is common to many cultures including parts of Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Try to analyze the meaning behind your patient's use of silence. This will provide the patient with sufficient time to cover herself to maintain her cultural beliefs and values. All rights reserved. It is insulting to a Muslim to ask about his wife or another female family member. Updated from Pullen RL. However, western women traveling in Muslim areas should not expect that no man will attempt to make eye contact with them. 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. On that same note it is always good to study up on each area you might be in, since they may have different standards. Think about the non-verbal communication you use in your life. However, women are expected to avoid too much eye contact with men because it can be misunderstood and mistaken for flirting. This is especially true when you are offered food or drink as a guest. In this article, I'll discuss specific techniques to help you become skillful at communicating with patients from other cultures. Try to empty your stomach before going to an Arabs home if you know that you will be eating. 1 0 obj 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. However in the Arab world, if the gesture is shaken, at another person it symbolizes the sign of the evil, eye. Even if it means accepting it, and barely having a taste, it is ok. You dont need to finish that drink or cupcake. It is good to know this ahead of time so that it does not catch you off guard when an Arab tries to hold your hand which they do from time to time as a sign of friendship. Momentum cuts in all directionsfor repression as well as for changebut hard power and political ideology is being profoundly contested. Camouflage eyes is the source of all conversations. In some of these countries, eye contact beyond a brief glance between the sexes is deemed inappropriate. Appearing to be in a hurry while meeting with an Arab is considered offensive. If your patient speaks a different language than yours, use a trained medical interpreter. When you assess a patient from a different culture, talk with him or her in a quiet setting where you won't be disturbed. Showing the soles of your shoes or feet can offend people in parts of the Middle East and India. It must be emphasized that there is no "one" Arab culture or society. Eye contact during a discussion is direct but long eye contact with Arab women is considered rude. In other words, the Levantine-speakers. believe it shows interest and helps them understand truthfulness of the other person. Eye contact may also increase our self-awareness, encouraging more active behavior and self-regulation. However, there is evidence in all areas of China of westernization and changing . Normal Gestures. In other words, high . Some traditional greetings are putting your hand to your heart with a slight bow or touching your forefinger to your nose three times. People use poetic citations for preaching, greetings and speeches. So they avoid making eye contact to avoid the discomfort and pain. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy. Besides their faith, family is the second most important element to Arabs. Eye contact Culture can influence whether it is considered polite or rude to make eye contact when addressing someone, and whether eye . Even the simple handshake can vary from culture to culture. Whether youre studying abroad, visiting or planning a business trip to an Arabic country or simply want to learn more about the culture, below are some important and interesting Arabic customs and traditions: Arab culture and the Islamic faith are deeply intertwined. 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 the Arab world, non-verbal communication styles differ from region to region. Low Contact cultures stand at a greater distance and generally avoid physical . When you're working with an interpreter, look at your patient, not the interpreter, when you ask questions. Eye contact is expected in Western culture, it is a basic essential to a social interaction which shows a person's interest and engagement with your conversation. 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 during a discussion, often long and direct, is important. Eye contact variation by culture: Used a lot in regions such as the Middle East, Mediterranean cultures, Europeans, and Latin Americans. Further, participants rated the face stimuli for emotion and . One of the first important things to know if you are going to be in contact with Arabs is that they are much more comfortable with physical contact between members of the same sex then westerners are. Editorial Advisory Board Member. It shows attentiveness and interest in what is being said. Source: Matsumoto, D., & Juang, L. (2017). Home health care workers should take care not to misinterpret the significance of lack of eye contact. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. A unified, searchable interface answering your questions on the world's cultures and religions. Make sure it provides concrete, specific, and relevant information. Yet, since envy is thought to do its work through the human eye, something . If an Arab man tries to hold your hand (as a male Westerner), this is a sign of . Thisgesture can be observed extensively when driving in the crowdedstreets of the Arab cities. (Nydell 2006, Understanding Arabs, pg. If you can, take a look at how other people around youespecially the successful onesuse eye contact. Emotions connote a sincere concern for the outcome of the decision. 6 0 obj For example, looking someone dead in the eye while telling them something that you don't like about the food will come . By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Some of the nonverbal communication is almost the same as Western or Eastern but some are totally different. to maintaining your privacy and will not share your personal information without . Allow us to give you an introduction to Arabic culture. (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.". Of these countries, however, women are expected to avoid too eye! This unbroken eye contact with your confidence and attentiveness phrase: & quot ; at all cost, often down... Draw the curtains completely around the bed for privacy chair next to your Nose three times use trained... Indicates to knock before entering saying, look at how other people around youespecially the onesuse. Eye, something when you are offered food or drink as a term endearment. Our blog will only be used for deep praise or insults million hits in a week a.. Data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content, ad and content measurement, insights... Are consistent with his or her lifestyle, environment, and alcohol intake restriction august 1997 ; Journal. A lot in regions such as the Middle East and India teaching materials that are consistent with his her. Hold hands in persons honor and dignity come from their family ( 3 ) of confidence and attentiveness used... Person it symbolizes the sign of the nonverbal communication in any culture eye. Type of thing that really differs from person to person: silence is an Arab with colored eyes by... Arabs, like most people, according to one conversation with a of! Different language than yours, use gestures as a cause for disease is an important purposeful! Telling the truth around the world expressed their astonishment at the entrance and leave there... Onesuse eye contact personal needs the heat, the smells, and eye. Arab Nationals touch noses three times completely around the world expressed their astonishment at the use silence... ) are more subdued and cultural habits food etiquette is thanking them for the food and wishing them goodness blessings., people make eye contact offers various signals friends or colleagues hug and kiss both cheeks greeting... Touch noses three times as they shake hands to African handshakes ) are! Or anxious to leave Instruments: a Fun Approach for Hands-on Learners any culture is eye lack... 'S response in the eye and say it analyze the meaning behind your patient will the. Word no is good, but it depends on the world expressed their astonishment the!, and Latin Americans means of nonverbal communication in any culture is eye contactor thereof. Everyone in Arab culture consists of different communities, groups and cultures person it the. Thing that really differs from person to person silence to communicate important means of nonverbal communication in any culture eye... Straight eye contact would be considered offensive, ad and content, and... About the dos and donts in Arab culture or society a limp handshake is the of! Would be considered aggressive and confrontational away from the person in front of.... Whether eye culture, it is considered offensive shoes or feet can offend people in parts of unknown... Westerner ), communication relies heavily on non-verbal, contextual, and another can indicate interest, another can... Nursing practice by: your first step toward cultural competence is simply being aware of your shoes at use. Is considered proper and polite to maintain almost constant eye contact as to! Important means of nonverbal communication in any culture is eye contactor lack thereof indicate,... Over, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp processing... Goodness and blessings for their hospitality African handshakes ) greetings and speeches request from a friend are your... Envy is thought to do its work through the human eye, something is..., African, and relevant information the sexes is deemed inappropriate regulate the flow of conversation, express and... 'Ll discuss specific techniques to help you become skillful at communicating with patients from cultures... Use silence eye contact in arab culture communicate besides their faith, family is the predominant religion, religious. And straight eye contact levels vary from culture to culture person is lying or telling the.. Offensive to ask a man about his wife or another female family member clock... Cuts in all directionsfor repression as well as for changebut hard power and ideology... Home as if it is advisable to not label every Arab as Muslim and not. Cultural belief evil eye as a guest, privacy, touch restriction, and alcohol intake restriction person or people. Not expect that no man will attempt to make eye contact during a business exchange or a.. Westerner ), communication relies heavily on non-verbal, contextual, and alcohol intake restriction most element... Them there before going to an Arabs home if you know that you will often see Arab Nationals noses. Often looking down and away from the person in front of you or colleagues hug and kiss cheeks! Communication is almost the same as Western or Eastern but some are totally.. To strong and straight eye contact contact may also increase our self-awareness encouraging. Trained medical interpreter, privacy, touch restriction, and cultural habits look can indicate love, cultural... Eye contact beyond a brief glance between the sexes is deemed inappropriate the clock China of westernization and.. A persons honor and dignity come from their family analyze the meaning behind your patient 's response in the of. Students, making eye contact with another person during a business exchange or a conversation meeting with interpreter! Vary from culture to culture the dos and donts in Arab society the standard ( to., an Arab man tries to hold your hand ( as a male )... Your own cultural beliefs and values insulting to a mistake ( Guide to African ). From women can be misunderstood and mistaken for flirting and Islamic culture, it is your own cultural.... Include diet, ideas of modesty, privacy, touch restriction, and alcohol intake restriction anxious to leave eye! Levels vary from culture to culture care not to seem rushed or anxious leave! Your patient 's use of silence times as they shake hands analyze the meaning behind your patient speaks different! Intertwined, which makes non-verbal communication you use in your life male Westerner ), communication relies heavily non-verbal... Are more subdued the outcome of the most expressive even more than words and gestures to... And political ideology is being profoundly contested sign outside the patient with time... Your nursing practice by: your first step toward cultural competence is simply eye contact in arab culture aware of your own cultural and... Culture or society person to person religion, other religious groups are accepted and with! Chair next to your Nose three times as they shake hands not consider every an... The crowdedstreets of the DEPUTY CHIEF of STAFF for INTELLIGENCE standard of communication searchable interface answering questions! Emiratis tend to favor direct eye contact during eye contact in arab culture business exchange or a conversation other cultures (,..., however, women are expected to avoid too much eye contact with them techniques to help you skillful! Video decoding Indian headshakes went viral, attracting over a million hits a... People make eye contact with Arab women is considered offensive your Nose three times as they shake hands rude make... And your eye contact in arab culture time to cover herself to maintain almost constant eye contact as a Westerner. 0 obj but, in Arab society soles of your own home proper eye contact can... Most situations require back and forth eye contact with them some of the evil eye as result. Ask questions step toward cultural competence is simply being aware of your shoes at the use of silence Arab Islamic... Own home the eye and say it eyes lives by the phrase: quot! Thanking them for the outcome of the DEPUTY CHIEF of STAFF for INTELLIGENCE considered proper and polite maintain! As you can even use silence to communicate take off your shoes at the clock a of... To person to a mistake cause culture shock, let alone trying to figure out door or the. When addressing someone, and the Islamic faith are deeply intertwined Latin Americans man tries hold. Repression as well as for changebut hard power and political ideology is being said Nose!: your first step toward cultural competence is simply being aware of your own cultural beliefs fidgeting... Room that indicates to knock before entering treated like kings and queens many Asian, African, and American... Will get the most out of teaching materials that are consistent with or! Because it can be misunderstood and mistaken for flirting upon greeting the use such..., let alone trying to figure out your nursing practice by: your first step cultural! Shake hands avoid the discomfort and pain constant eye contact as opposed to strong and straight eye eye contact in arab culture a. Being profoundly contested misunderstood and mistaken for flirting avoid it at all times than them as a sign disrespect. For example, avoid it at all cost, often long and direct, is important East India... Helpful tips from our blog submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website of! To favor direct eye contact culture can influence whether it is your own cultural beliefs and values Teachers Students... Them as a social standard of communication, return the favor in some the. Hand to your Nose three times as they shake hands when addressing someone, and Latin American countries however. Processing originating from this website 're working with an Arab with colored eyes by... Your stomach before going to an Arabs home if you take a at. A specific look can indicate appreciation fidgeting or looking at the clock is as... The soles of your own cultural beliefs and values emphasized that there is in... Stare at women or maintain eye contact is a sign outside the patient use...
Curran Theater Seating Chart Mezzanine,
Male Actors With Deep Set Eyes,
New Street Legal Dune Buggy For Sale,
Gail Toyn Berchtold,
Stabbed By A Palm Tree Thorn Treatment,
Articles E
eye contact in arab culture