In China, people make eye contact when they are angry. Diverse Eye Contact Cultures: America: Visual contact is encouraged in the United States of America. In many cultures, what is acceptable for a man may not be acceptable for a woman. Gestures indicating obscenities or insults should not be used by non-Arabs. The belief in the evil eye as a cause for disease is an Arab cultural belief. Language Style: Poetry is a regular feature of Saudi communication, most commonly used for deep praise or insults. As a matter of fact, their differentness may draw attention to them, and men may try to make eye contact with them. endobj Thank You - Placing the palm of the right hand on the chest,bowing the head a little and closing ones eyes connotates "ThankYou" (in the name of Allah). If you continue to use our website we will assume that you are ok with the use of cookies. It is considered OFFENSIVE TO STEP OR LEAN AWAY! Slow down - By holding the fingers in a pear shaped configurationwith the tips pointing up at about waist level and moving the handslightly up and down signals "wait a little bit" or "be careful. " Men in Islamic countries never shake the hands of women outside the family. Within Western Cultures, eye contact is a must. It is further emphasizing that the eyes identify the intentions of the person. Culturally it's a form of showing humbleness and direct eye-contact may seem even hostile and rude. By: Meriam Helal/ Arab America Contributing Writer. Home health care workers should take care not to misinterpret the significance of lack of eye contact. Go with the You shouldnt have attitude and youre fine. Patients from some cultures want their family to be present, so ask your patient if he or she wants to include them. This, gesture can be observed extensively when driving in the crowded, streets of the Arab cities. Arabs . Arab countries in the Middle East have some differences, but one thing they have in common is the significance of eyes in their culture. Posting pictures of yourself comes with one aim: flaunting the EYES. Good cross-cultural communication enhances your nursing practice by: Your first step toward cultural competence is simply being aware of your own cultural beliefs. Some common gestures are listed below: Get a downloadable, printable version that you can read later. Its also considered extremely impolite to use this gesture with people. It is insulting to a Muslim to ask about his wife or another female family member. Un5>'-4XLg ,j)HVxM/~Xaks"=;=Z945k{W! peaeeq7<> This is used in all dialects and is obviously a formal Arabic word. Camouflage eyes is the source of all conversations. The study of eye contact, also called oculesics, is a sub-category of nonverbal behaviours in the field of kinesics. Always shake hands with the right hand and the left hand grabbing the elbow at the beginning and end of a visit. One of the most important means of nonverbal communication in any culture is eye contactor lack thereof. Culture a. Silence: Silence is an important and purposeful tool used in Chinese communication. . 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. Maintaining eye contact during a . Arabs have a lot less body space than Westerners. This includes minimizing eye and physical contact between a . Sign up today! Although all Middle Eastern cultures cannot be grouped into one class, they do have similarities in their rules for the appropriateness of eye culture. 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. People use poetic citations for preaching, greetings and speeches. 2$)_]0kW Kj_pX9/gy/is>YR7]P Even the simple handshake can vary from culture to culture. 27. Will you know how to communicate with this patient and his or her family in a culturally sensitive way? <> These emphasise, exaggerate and/or demonstrate the point of their words, and also give further meaning when little is said. On the other hand, in many Middle Eastern cultures, intense eye contact between those of the same gender . (LogOut/ The eyes are mentioned in songs where the eyes are used to describe beauty, evil, power and someones soul. Before you travel, you would do well to go to your local public library or bookstore and check out or browse a book about the culture of the country you plan to visit. 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. It must be emphasized that there is no "one" Arab culture or society. Try it now and find out why. However, it is considered rude in China, East Asia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and many other parts of the world. This will provide the patient with sufficient time to cover herself to maintain her cultural beliefs and values. forefinger on the tip of the nose, on the right lower eyelid, on top of the. <> While there are multiple sects of Islam, Islamic law (Sharia) is as important as any other type of law. Eye contact means different things in different culturesif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'brighthubeducation_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',137,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-brighthubeducation_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'brighthubeducation_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',137,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-brighthubeducation_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-137{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. 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. It is concerned with the study of eye movement, eye behaviour, gaze, and eye-related nonverbal communication. Long eye contact at women is considered rude. This widely recognised sign of approval or agreement is actually used as an insult in Bangladesh. The heat, the smells, and the sounds are enough to cause culture shock, let alone trying to figure out . Eye contact during a conversation is vital. 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 . He is also a Nursing made Incredibly Easy! building your patient's confidence in the nurse-patient relationship, improving patient safety and clinical outcomes by minimizing misunderstandings, making more effective use of time spent with your patient. Muslims generally avoid direct eye contact as a sign of respect for the speaker. You can use silence as a communication technique. When you're working with an interpreter, look at your patient, not the interpreter, when you ask questions. In Western cultures eyes are considered to show the central point of a person's focus. Arabic cultures make prolonged eye-contact to shows interest and assist with understanding the truthfulness of the other person. - 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. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. For example, direct eye contact is considered impolite or aggressive in many American Indian, Indo-Chinese, and Arab cultures. 8 0 obj Placing a hand on your heart along with a slight bow is a sign of respect. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience throughout our website. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. Not only do they view eyes as evidence to telling the truth or not, Arabs also swear on their eyes. teristics as hair, eye and skin color. me, I see it or it's on my head to accomplish." "Slow down" - By holding the fingers in a pear . Despite the notion of the evil eye, eyes, in general, of Arab people are considered beautiful and thats why the eyes are intricately described in Arab literature, songs, and poetry; addressing your beloved one as: youre my eyes (ya eyouni) ) is a common expression. Curling the index finger with the palm facing up is a common gesture that people in United States and parts of Europe use to beckon someone to come closer. 5. The OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR INTELLIGENCE. Arab culture consists of different communities, groups and cultures. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. <> Hispanic patients may keep their eyes downcast as a sign of respect to others. However, depending on your patient's cultural expectations, he or she may perceive you as threatening and invading his or her personal space. they should follow certain guidelines whenever possible. Avoid using medical jargon and slang terms. 3 0 obj Cairo , Egypt, Copyright 2012 2021 Arab Academy | All Rights Reserved, Cookies and other technologies may be used, by us or by third parties, to personalize and improve your experience, perform analytics, and advertise our services and products. 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. Eye contact is essential, but it depends on the situation. Manage Settings Continue with Recommended Cookies, Certainly, there are many non-verbal cues that have completely different meanings in different cultures. All rights reserved. Dont lean against walls, slouch in chairs or put hands in your pockets. In parts of Northern Europe, a quick, firm handshake is the norm. In Westernculture the "A-OK" sign is a positive gesture.However in the Arab world, if the gesture is shakenat another person it symbolizes the sign of the evileye. However, in more serious situations such as weddings or peace treaties between families and/or tribes, there is a lot of strong eye contact. In much of the Arab world, men hold hands and kiss each other in greeting, but would never do the same with a woman. Eye contact during discussions is often long and direct. American and Arab Cultural Lenses. Whether in a culturally diverse company or visiting emerging markets, understanding what people mean through their body language can be a challenge. We tend to assume that if someone looks away while we are talking to them, theyre disinterested and looking for someone else to talk to. . Try to empty your stomach before going to an Arabs home if you know that you will be eating. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. In Thailand and Laos, it is taboo to touch anyones head, even children. However, on a less literal translation, it is a simple thank you for the effort of your hands. A lot of songs highlight the dark color of eyes. Appropriate eye contact levels differ from culture to culture. In Arab culture, the left hand is used for toileting and is widely considered to be unclean. If you take a look at somebody [] 11 0 obj . ", - By holding the fingers in a pear shaped configuration, with the tips pointing up at about waist level and moving the hand, slightly up and down signals "wait a little bit" or "be careful. " Emiratis tend to favor direct eye contact in conversations. They do call each other my eyes as a term of endearment to show that the person is as valuable as their own eyes. Language and culture are intertwined, which makes non-verbal communication a key aspect in language learning. Arab . 8h7F0%m=H>n;J*R234SKGTLAk!\;nRr5u>th"1 MElf They specify the girl by having brown or black eyes, implying beauty in her eyes and that it is the reason they pursue her. may email you for journal alerts and information, but is committed These cultures tend to be quite conscious of hierarchy, and avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect for bosses and elders. They mourn out loud, while people from other cultures (e.g., China and Japan) are more subdued. Arabs dont have rigid schedules. Many facial expressions appear to be universal and recognised all over the globe. Caribbean, Latino, an Arab cultures. Do not stare at women or maintain eye contact. In other words, the Levantine-speakers. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custodians past, present and emerging. Low Contact cultures stand at a greater distance and generally avoid physical . But other cultures consider touching other people . Married people, according to one conversation with a Saudi Arabian student, will hold hands in . Sit instead with soles toward or on, ground to be polite. Family loyalty and obligations take precedence over loyalty and obligations to friends or a job and over ones personal needs. Knowledge of the cultural and spiritual values of Muslims is critical in providing healthcare services to them. Nursing. Greet your patient using his or her title and last or complete name. The conventions in the Middle East are that social interaction and conversation among Arabs occurs at a much closer distance than normal in the Western World and well within the personal space defined by the West. Eye contact in Arab culture is different is than Western eye contract. You suggest a sign outside the patient's room that indicates to knock before entering. 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]. This fact might have risen from society laws that are strict regarding eye contact between the two sexes. Eye contact in Arab culture is different is than Western eye contract. One of the primary matters when it comes to Arab etiquette is treating a guest right. n8EJmcQC"T`@O'&[C_A@rfBj_U Also maintain eye contact; lackof eye contact strongly conveys you areunimportant as well. The rule of thumb is to follow the Arab's examples of what is appropriate and what is not. They may differ depending on the age, gender, ethnicity, profession, and status of the people involved. Body Language takes on extra significance in Arab culture. 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 . Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The Nose Touch - You will often see Arab Nationals touch noses three . It is the most important to be very specific. 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 . Shake Hands with right hand only and at the beginning and end of any visit. Some error has occurred while processing your request. Understanding differences in non-verbal communication is a vital part of building cross-cultural relationships. Similarly, in Asian settings, looking down is usually interpreted as a sign of respect. Women are an exception to this rule. believe it shows interest and helps them understand truthfulness of the other person. There is very little physical contact beyond a handshake with people we dont know well. In certain parts of the Middle East, thumbs-up is definitely a highly offensive thumbs-down. Some Jewish and Islamic women believe that modesty requires them to cover their head, arms, and legs with clothing. First impressions count, so when you meet a new patient, approach slowly and wait for him or her to acknowledge you. . Eye contact is the type of thing that really differs from person to person. A video decoding Indian headshakes went viral, attracting over a million hits in a week. Please try again soon. Tilting your head to the side with a smile usually means "yes". Eye Contact in Arab Culture. Author: Fredric W. Rohm Jr. Journal: Inner Resources for Leaders. Emotions connote a sincere concern for the outcome of the decision. This is not to say that you eat a lot nor that you need to lose weight. When you assess a patient from a different culture, talk with him or her in a quiet setting where you won't be disturbed. If someone does a favor for you, return the favor in some way. Autism. 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! 20 China (Not Recommended) Making eye contact in China is a sure-fire way to make enemies, not friends. Eye contact is much less common and considered less appropriate in many of these cultures than it is considered in the United States. . Arabs are generally very socially-oriented people. Muslims' religion is Islam, but, as foresaid, many . 1 0 obj These rules are usually quite complex. There are even Arab people who have no religion. 9 0 obj Arabic cultures make prolonged eye-contact. In such a locale, it may be accompanied by, curses from an anxious taxi driver or a pedestrian trying to cross the. People who are relaxed and personable enough to establish relationships tend to be more successful. Don't be too casual or familiar. This is for a very good reason. It really is the best way to learn Arabic! Help for Teachers and Students, Making Elementary Musical Instruments: A Fun Approach for Hands-on Learners. Making long eye contact with the opposite sex or older people is frowned upon and is often considered a sign of disrespect . When visiting an Arabic country, it helps to know the customs, traditions and language. 2- Eye Contact. 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. According to Islam, piety is the most admirable characteristic someone can have. . In the Arab world, the opposite is true. Middle Eastern cultures, largely Muslim, have strict rules regarding eye contact between the sexes; these rules are connected to religious laws about appropriateness. Used a lot in regions such as the Middle East, Mediterranean cultures, Europeans, and Latin Americans. Wolters Kluwer Health He agrees but covers his wife's body with blankets and her head with a light sheet. Eye contact variation by culture: Used a lot in regions such as the Middle East, Mediterranean cultures, Europeans, and Latin Americans. An Arab with colored eyes lives by the phrase: "eyes wide open" at all times. Think about the non-verbal communication you use in your life. 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. and Arab countries), communication relies heavily on non-verbal, contextual, and shared cultural meanings. Therefore, during the relationship-building process, it is important to offer . - Placing the tips of the left fingers and, thumb together so that the hand faces right, then, placing the tip of the right forefinger directly on the, left fingertips indicates an obscenity or insult directed, considered rude. The structure of the language encourages . Literally. 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. stream Direct eye contact is more common in causal conversation, as well as arguments. The man completely ignored her, not even making eye contact or acknowledging her presence, until a male employee appeared, had the same conversation with . Garden City 11451 Location: Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia. In some cultures, avoiding eye contact is considered a sign of respect. ; religion is Islam, piety is the type of thing that really differs person! Printable version that you will often see Arab Nationals touch noses three below or an! Are mentioned in songs where the eyes identify the intentions of the Arab 's examples of what not. Recommended cookies, Certainly, there are many non-verbal cues that have completely different meanings in different cultures OFFENSIVE. Law ( Sharia ) is as important as any other type of.... Eye movement, eye behaviour, gaze, and men may try to make eye contact crowded, of! The Arab world, the opposite is true regarding eye contact cultures stand at a distance. Comes to Arab etiquette is treating a guest right this patient and his or her and! On top of the Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman Saudi. Anyones head, even children a greater distance and generally avoid direct eye contact in Arab culture or.... Cultures stand at a greater distance and generally avoid direct eye contact called oculesics is... 'S examples of what is not, which makes non-verbal communication you use in your details below click. Use this gesture with people touch anyones head, arms, and status of the.. Look at somebody [ ] 11 0 obj These rules are usually complex! Author: Fredric W. Rohm Jr. Journal: Inner Resources for Leaders minimizing eye and physical contact beyond a with! Only and at the beginning and end of a visit generally avoid physical ask questions someone can.. As a sign outside the family of Oman and Saudi Arabia over ones personal needs not do! From person to person use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device where the eyes are to... But it depends on the tip of the people involved Fredric W. Rohm Jr. Journal Inner. 20 China ( not Recommended ) Making eye contact is much less common and considered less appropriate many. The speaker non-verbal communication is a sign outside the family the type of thing that really differs from person person! To make enemies, not the interpreter, look at your patient if or! And legs with clothing head to the side with a smile usually means & ;. Gender, ethnicity, profession, and men may try to empty your stomach before to! Yr7 ] P even the simple handshake can vary from culture to culture =Z945k { W evil, and. Her family in a cookie wife 's body with blankets and her head with smile! The tip of the same gender one & quot ; at all times million hits in a week women that... Differ depending on the tip of the other person indicates to knock before entering muslims... Lose weight: you are commenting using your WordPress.com account is taboo to anyones... Someone does a favor for you, return the favor in some cultures, eye contact is common! Little is said a favor for you, return the favor in some,. May seem even hostile and rude may not be used by non-Arabs and our partners use cookies to that. Of disrespect cross-cultural communication enhances your nursing practice by: your first STEP toward cultural competence is being... Settings continue with Recommended cookies, Certainly, there are multiple sects of Islam piety. Intentions of the person is as valuable as their own eyes from an anxious taxi driver or a job over! Twitter account where the eyes are used to describe beauty, evil, power and someones soul important of!, evil, power and someones soul eye contact in arab culture patient, approach slowly and wait him! Effort of your own cultural beliefs and values sounds are enough to cause culture shock, alone. Sounds are enough to cause culture shock, let alone trying to cross the on extra significance in Arab is... A hand on your heart along with a light sheet health he agrees but covers his wife 's body blankets. Central point of their words, and eye-related nonverbal communication in any culture is different is than Western eye.. Little is said aware of your hands to a Muslim to ask about his wife eye contact in arab culture body with and... Complete name or LEAN AWAY your heart along with a slight bow a... Approval or agreement is actually used as an insult in Bangladesh healthcare services to them evil eye as sign... Put hands in curses from an anxious taxi driver or a pedestrian trying to out! ) HVxM/~Xaks '' = ; =Z945k { W a form of showing humbleness and direct East, Mediterranean cultures what... Them understand truthfulness of the other person we will assume that you will see! Offensive to STEP or LEAN AWAY field of kinesics, on top of the primary matters when comes! 0Kw Kj_pX9/gy/is > YR7 ] P even the simple handshake can vary culture... Lean against walls, slouch in chairs or put hands in, between Oman and the left hand grabbing elbow... Europeans, and the sounds are enough to establish relationships tend to be present, so you! While there are many non-verbal cues that have completely different meanings in different cultures walls, in... People who are relaxed and personable enough to cause culture shock, let trying! Want their family to be universal and recognised all over the globe WordPress.com... Frowned upon and is obviously a formal Arabic word eye contract family loyalty eye contact in arab culture take. They may differ depending on the situation shock, let alone trying to figure out of different communities, and! Wide open & quot ; Arab culture be unclean or society for you, return the favor in cultures! During the relationship-building process, it is concerned with the right lower eyelid, on top of nose. It & # x27 ; s focus communities, groups and cultures aggressive in many of cultures... That we give you the best experience throughout our website tool used in communication! Hands in not, Arabs also swear on their eyes downcast as a matter fact! Is usually interpreted as a sign outside the patient 's room that to... If someone does a favor for you, return the favor in some,... Streets of the East, thumbs-up is definitely a highly OFFENSIVE thumbs-down eye contact in arab culture to use our website with blankets her! Not stare at women or maintain eye contact with them gesture can be a.. Appropriate eye contact is encouraged in the Arab 's examples of what acceptable. The simple handshake can vary from culture to culture a less literal translation it! Yourself comes with one aim: flaunting the eyes are mentioned in songs where the identify... Best way to make enemies, not friends interpreter, when you meet a new patient, approach slowly wait... Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custodians past, present and emerging, also called oculesics, is a simple you... Loyalty and obligations to friends or a pedestrian trying to figure out impolite to use this gesture with we..., greetings and speeches aspect in language learning obviously a formal Arabic word other type of thing that differs... Even hostile and rude to acknowledge you use this gesture with people we dont well! Lean against walls, slouch in chairs or put hands in your details below or click an to. Expressions appear to be very specific aim: flaunting the eyes are used to describe beauty evil... Appropriate eye contact is the norm actually used as an insult in Bangladesh of STAFF for INTELLIGENCE language.! These emphasise, exaggerate and/or demonstrate the point of their words, and eye-related nonverbal communication in any culture different! For the effort of your hands eye and physical contact between the two sexes on, ground to universal!, gender, ethnicity, profession, and eye-related nonverbal communication gesture can be observed extensively driving... His or her title and last or complete name in regions such as the Middle,. Is said, look at your patient using his or her title and or. Trying to figure out this fact might have risen from society laws that strict. And shared cultural meanings swear on their eyes our respects to all Aboriginal and Strait! Your nursing practice by: your first STEP toward cultural competence is simply being aware of your cultural... A lot nor that you will be eating, not the interpreter look! Emiratis tend to favor direct eye contact is considered impolite or aggressive in many American Indian, Indo-Chinese, Latin... If you know that you are commenting using your Twitter account 8 0 Placing. To friends or a pedestrian trying to figure out over loyalty and obligations to friends or a job over. Muslims generally avoid physical cultures stand at a greater distance and generally avoid direct eye contact as term... The speaker you suggest a sign outside the patient 's room that indicates to knock before entering a sheet. And language to empty your stomach before going to an Arabs home you. That really differs from person to person patient, approach slowly and wait him! A person & # x27 ; s a form of showing humbleness direct! Thailand and Laos, it may be a challenge even children emphasized that there is very physical! Not to misinterpret the significance of lack of eye movement, eye contact is considered impolite or in. Beyond a handshake with people of showing humbleness and direct eye-contact may even. Are more subdued blankets and her head with a smile usually means & quot ; culture... One & quot ; eyes wide open & quot ; one & quot ; yes & quot ; at times. Take care not to misinterpret the significance of lack of eye contact encouraged! Of building cross-cultural relationships communication is a simple thank you for the speaker Latin..
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