Download Comparative Cultural Patterns: Arabian Culture

Comparative Cultural Patterns:
Arab Culture
Chapter 9
Comparing Arab Cultures
• Cultural awareness is a critical
communication skill.
• Value Orientation Theory (Ch. 8) are used
to compare Arab and U.S. cultures.
• Specific emphasis on religion and language.
• Identify communication barriers among the
Arab states and the U.S.
Arab States
Diversity in the Arab World:
• Iran is not considered an Arabian country
because Persians (majority) speak Farsi.
Focus on Theory
• Relationship between religion and freedom.
Arab Sates and Islam
• Arabs have 3 trends: nationalism, panArabism, and Islam.
• Followers of Islam total around 1.2 billion
or 20% of the world’s population.
– 2nd largest after Christianity.
• Today some 75 countries have dominant
Muslim populations.
• Muslim literally means “submitters” to
God.
Islam & Arabic Language
• Mohammed was a prophet living in 7th
century Arabia, (born 570, died 632).
• The Koran (Quran) is thought to be the
literal word of Allah, or God.
– Received revelations thought the Angel
Gabriel.
– Revelations continued for 20 years and today
comprise the Koran, or holy book of Islam.
– Tajweed http://muslimmedianetwork.com/mmn/?tag=tajweed
Islamic Religious Practices
5 obligations
1.Shahada, or creed is the confession of faith:
La ilaha illa ‘llah and is translated at “there
is no God but God, and Muhammad is his
prophet.”
2.Salah (prayer) is an important part of
everyday life. Muslims are required to stop
and pray 5 times a day facing in the
direction of the holy city of Mecca.
5 obligations
3.Zakat (giving alms) to the poor is expected
of each person.
4.Swam (fasting) during the holy month of
Ramadan is required.
5.The hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca is a
requisite trip for those who are able to make
the journey. http://samatoursusa.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oCCub5gJc8
Case Studies
• Why explore the dominant cultural patterns
of Saudi Arabia and Dubai?
• Because knowledge of other cultures is
critical to our understanding of current
political, social, and economic situation in
the Arab world.
• Provides a way to compare Arab culture.
Saudi Arabia
• Geography- geo-political role of importance
b/c of land mass and location.
• Discovery of oil and relationship with the
U.S (25% -30 % of world’s reserves).
• Saud family promotes Wahhabism - ultra
conservative brand of Islam.
• Considered the most conservative Islamic
country in the world.
Saudi Arabia
• Media is controlled by the government
• Matawain - Societies for the Preservation of
Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. Moral
Police.
– Koran, sunnah & sharia law are the basis for
the Saudi Constitution.
• U.S. & Saudi Arabia have a close
relationship
– Based on oil, economics, and politics
Dubai
• United Arab Emirates is comprised of
seven Arab states. Dubai is one emirate.
• Dubai has taken a divergent path
compared to its Arab neighbors.
• Investing oil profits in the region not the
west.
• Called the “Las Vegas” of the Middle
East – tourism/tolerance.
• Dubai is attempting to balance western
interests and Islamic values.
•
http://dubai.ae/en/Lists/Topics/DispForm.aspx?ID=10&category=Residents
Birj Dubai
Tower in process
Dubai Waterfront & Marina
Burj Al Arab & Twisting Towers
Pyramid & Indoor Skiing
Dominant Cultural Patterns
• The U.S. and Islamic Arab cultures clash
over the following cultural values:
1. The relationship between God and
humankind.
2. The role of morality in human affairs.
3. The role of technology and modernization.
4. The nature of progress.
Arab Worldview
Derived from Islam & expressed in the Arabic
language.
Allah determines all action.
Private enterprise is valued but selfish and
greedy capitalism is not tolerated.
Islamic worldview does not accept change
uncritically & is therefore conservative (Koran).
If humans obey Allah & the Quran they will be
in harmony with all other elements of nature.
Arab Values
• Activity Orientation: hard work is a virtue.
• All kinds of work is accepted except if
indecent or immoral.
• Humans are trustees of possessions but
ultimately Allah is the “owner”
• Islam encourages practicality not wishful
thinking.
• Time Orientation: Use of the Hijrah or
Hegirian calendar; July 15, 622 is first day.
– Lunar calendar based on cycles of the moon.
Arab Values
• Monochronic and polychronic times
– Challenges U.S. orientation.
• Human Nature Orientation: Born free of sin
therefore humans are more good than evil.
– Only humans are endowed with intelligence
and choice.
• Relational Orientation: Collectivistic (
group, family) and Islam.
Role of women
• Muslims say women in Arab cultures are
equal to men – but
– Equality and sameness are two different things.
– Women can pursue education, freedom of
expression, business and own property.
– As a wife and mother, women are entitled to
complete provision & maintenance by husband.
In Saudi Arabia women are veiled & wear the
Abaya, do not go out alone, drive, or eat with
men, are not allowed to attend sporting events
or go to the movie theater.
Communication Barriers
• Political Unrest and terrorism
• Westernization versus Cultural Norms
• Stereotypes