eye contact in arab culture

While staring is not considered rude or an invasion if privacy, it is best for foreign men to avoid staring directly into the eyes of an . Arab is the cultural and language trait rather than lineage. Also, if you neglect to make eye contact with a person, you may be thought to lack self-confidence. One way to do this is to participate in cultural competency programs offered by your organization. ", - 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. " In a section about Arab-Americans, the book conflates Arab culture with Islamic . Proper eye contact levels vary from culture to culture. In most western countries, eye contact is a sign of confidence and attentiveness. Most people in the modern world understand that close contacts are sometimes essential in healthcare. It is considered OFFENSIVE TO STEP OR LEAN AWAY! Thumbs up. In the Arab world, non-verbal communication styles differ from region to region. This is normal to them so be accepting and keep that fact in mind. Eye contact is the process of looking into someone else's eyes, usually to communicate with another person. 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. Sit instead with soles toward or onground to be polite. Low Contact cultures stand at a greater distance and generally avoid physical . %PDF-1.5 [ad_1] Eye contact is a method of interacting with others. 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. Become involved with various cultural groups by volunteering in the community, attending cultural festivals, or reading literature or listening to music from other cultures. So when in the Middle East, care should be taken in making eye contact with anyone of the opposite gender. One may lower their gaze someone older or more senior than them as a sign of respect. In other words, high . The traditions and customs of Arab cultures have many differences compared to Western culture. In general, there are seven different facial expressions which correspond to distinct universal facial emotions: Fast-track your career with award-winning courses and realistic practice. If you look down or away from a person rather than meeting his or her gaze, you are considered to be distracted or uninterested in him or her. 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}. It really is the best way to learn Arabic! 4. believe it shows interest and helps them understand truthfulness of the other person. Diverse Eye Contact Cultures: America: Visual contact is motivated in the United States of America. Don't hurry; try not to seem rushed or anxious to leave. Only use the right hand to eat, touch and present gifts. 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. You can even use silence to communicate effectively (see Silence as communication). Malaria: Has your patient traveled recently? These cultures tend to be quite conscious of hierarchy, and avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect for bosses and elders. They do call each other my eyes as a term of endearment to show that the person is as valuable as their own eyes. Practitioner-patient relationship with eye contact is influenced by cultural values of Arabs associated with sex and the need to uphold modesty, especially for women (Marzilli, 2016). if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'brighthubeducation_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_3',143,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-brighthubeducation_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');On the one hand, the European customs of eye contactespecially in such countries as Spain, France and Germanytends to be similar to that in the United States. In North American indigenous settings, eye contact may be seen as disrespectful and inappropriate. 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. Some error has occurred while processing your request. But, in Arab and Islamic culture, it goes a bit deeper than that. Then choose communication strategies based on your patient's cultural system of beliefs. In such a locale, it may be accompanied bycurses from an anxious taxi driver or a pedestrian trying to cross thestreet. Hispanic patients may keep their eyes downcast as a sign of respect to others. Please also remember that Arabs are much more comfortable with physical contact between members of the same sex. Body Language takes on extra significance in Arab culture. Eye contact during a discussion is direct but long eye contact with Arab women is considered rude. This introduction has been . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. 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. Left hand grasps elbow. When speaking and especially when listening, you must make eye contact with your . It is considered proper and polite to maintain almost constant eye contact with another person during a business exchange or a conversation. your express consent. For example, if you sit close to your patient, he or she may perceive you as warm and caring. Eye contact variation by culture: Used a lot in regions such as the Middle East, Mediterranean cultures, Europeans, and Latin Americans. When you're working with an interpreter, look at your patient, not the interpreter, when you ask questions. 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. A lot of songs highlight the dark color of eyes. 2 0 obj Avoid fidgeting or looking at the clock. If you are traveling to an Arab country, knowing certain Arab customs and traditions will make your visit more enjoyable. 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]. Double meanings are common in conversations. Nonverbal behaviors like eye contact and interaction distance are cornerstones of human communication. Eye contact is essential, but it depends on the situation. The term As God wills it is a nicer way to say No., It is always best to say Yes. Keep in mind that a Yes can also mean Maybe.. 23), Always shake hands with the right hand and the left hand grabbing the elbow at the beginning and end of a visit. Its also considered extremely impolite to use this gesture with people. Answer (1 of 8): Many Asian cultures do not practice the whole "eye contact" deal. High-context cultures are more likely to be intuitive . 2- Eye Contact. 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. Understanding differences in non-verbal communication is a vital part of building cross-cultural relationships. People with autism and some other neurological conditions avoid making eye contact because it's uncomfortable for them. The eyes are mentioned in songs where the eyes are used to describe beauty, evil, power and someones soul. Author: Fredric W. Rohm Jr. Journal: Inner Resources for Leaders. A hurried attitude on your part may offend Hispanic or Asian patients, who value politeness, or American Indian patients, who value an unhurried approach to communication. Try it now and find out why. Some of the nonverbal communication is almost the same as Western or Eastern but some are totally different. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience throughout our website. It is offensive to ask a man about his wife or female family member. Long eye contact at women is considered rude. It is used only to beckon dogs in many Asian countries - and using it in the Philippines can get you arrested. This is more commonly used in countries like Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. Mosques are considered holy sites and strict rules accompany visits to the mosque. Never openly refuse a request from a friend. People who are relaxed and personable enough to establish relationships tend to be more successful. 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. 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 . Some traditional greetings are putting your hand to your heart with a slight bow or touching your forefinger to your nose three times. Diverse Eye Contact Cultures: America: Visual contact is encouraged in the United States of America. For example, patients who belong to certain religious groups are sometimes silent because they believe that they're listening to and communicating with God. Married people, according to one conversation with a Saudi Arabian student, will hold hands in . To protect loss of face, an Arab will rarely admit to a mistake. It causes overstimulation in certain brain regions. Long eye contact at women is considered rude. Eye contact is a direct and powerful tool of interpersonal communication. 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. Similarly, in Asian settings, looking down is usually interpreted as a sign of respect. <> Copyright 2022 Bright Hub Education. Fatalism based on religious beliefs is common. Arabic cultures make prolonged eye-contact to shows interest and assist with understanding the truthfulness of the other person. that the person to whom the gesture is made is a liar. In some of these countries, eye contact beyond a brief glance between the sexes is deemed inappropriate. Thisgesture can be observed extensively when driving in the crowdedstreets of the Arab cities. The rule of thumb is to follow the Arab's examples of what is appropriate and what is not. Considering this, it is advisable to not label every Arab as Muslim and to not consider every Muslim an Arab. Instead of saying, Are you cold and in pain? pantomime or gesture while saying, Are you cold? and then, Do you hurt anywhere? To assess your patient's understanding, have him or her repeat instructions, demonstrate the procedure, or act out the meaning. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. They specify the girl by having brown or black eyes, implying beauty in her eyes and that it is the reason they pursue her. By stealing from various . Important differences include diet, ideas of modesty, privacy, touch restriction, and alcohol intake restriction. Placing a hand on your heart along with a slight bow is a sign of respect. . Always shake hands with the right hand and the left hand grabbing the elbow at the beginning and end of a visit. In many cultures, such as the Arab and Iranian cultures, people express grief openly. A video decoding Indian headshakes went viral, attracting over a million hits in a week. Used a lot in regions such as the Middle East, Mediterranean cultures, Europeans, and Latin Americans. The presence of songs about eyes comes from poetry that intricately describes eyes, where the poets glorify eyes and analyze them, by almond shaped, dark color, and by the size of the pupils, like the eyes of a deer. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. In our interactions at work, school, or with friends, silence is uncomfortable. It is the most important to be very specific. 3. Muslims' religion is Islam, but, as foresaid, many . Momentum cuts in all directionsfor repression as well as for changebut hard power and political ideology is being profoundly contested. In China, silence can be used to show agreement and receptiveness. Don't: Grip someone s hand too hard, pump it, slap them on the shoulder or grab their arm. Do not stare at women or maintain eye contact. It is pretty much an action of respect as opposed to anything else. "Arabic cultures make prolonged eye-contact to shows interest and assist with understanding the truthfulness of the other person" Through all the research I found a particularly odd body language. Over 10,000 facial expressions were created for the study and shown to different western cultures and isolated, pre-literate African groups. One of the most difficult concepts for many other cultures to grasp is the need to offer flattery in many business situations. 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. Do not ask an Arab questions about his wife or other female members of his family. In these parts of the world, children wont look at an adult who is speaking to them, and nor will employees to their bosses. Such eye contact aversion, however, could be seen as a sign that the other person is being deceptive, is bored, or is being rude. Allow us to give you an introduction to Arabic culture. Here are 6 hand gestures - and what they mean - in different countries and cultures: 1. Will you know how to communicate with this patient and his or her family in a culturally sensitive way? It is offensive to ask a man about his wife or female family member. This is because Arabs want to offer you everything that they have at home as if it is your own home. Arabs believe in persons, not in institutions. So remember these important body gestures and tips. Sitting cross-legged is seen as disrespectful in Japan, especially in the presence of someone older or more respected than you. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custodians past, present and emerging. /Yesalim edekom/ / / which literally means thank you to your hands. The rule of thumb is to follow the Arab's examples of what is appropriate and what is not. 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. While there are multiple sects of Islam, Islamic law (Sharia) is as important as any other type of law. Garden City 11451 United Arab Emirates Africa & The Middle East Map World Map . Hospitality is very important. head, on the mustache or beard has the meaning of "it's in front of. Nursing made Incredibly Easy12(6):6-8, November/December 2014. Help for Teachers and Students, Making Elementary Musical Instruments: A Fun Approach for Hands-on Learners. A smile usually always means something good, and this gesture common to Arabs is a warm way of meaning "yes" without actually saying the word. This is to prove a point and show seriousness. 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. endobj This will provide the patient with sufficient time to cover herself to maintain her cultural beliefs and values. This includes minimizing eye and physical contact between a . Eye contact between opposite sexes in Saudi Arabia must be tread delicately, as it could constitute flirting. 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). So, in summary, making eye contact is generally considered a good thing in the United States. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. 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. The withdrawal of consent shall not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal. In order to avoid inadvertent soul loss/theft, eye contact may be avoided. Culture a. Appropriate eye contact levels differ from culture to culture. 2. Like every country or region, Arabs have Arabic culture rules. Nursing. Most Arabs believe there should be no separation between religion and state and that religion should be taught to children in school. In Western cultures eyes are considered to show the central point of a person's focus. If someone does a favor for you, return the favor in some way. 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.. Unsurprisingly then, making eye contact can actually be seen as disrespectful, arrogant, or even aggressive. Hospitality, friendliness, and generosity to strangers is an expression of sacred duties. Capital: Abu Dhabi. 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. Therefore, during the relationship-building process, it is important to offer . Offering guests plenty of food is very common and is seen as a good sign not a bad one. Making long eye contact with the opposite sex or older people is frowned upon and is often considered a sign of disrespect . Un5>'-4XLg ,j)HVxM/~Xaks"=;=Z945k{W! peaeeq7<> There is very little physical contact beyond a handshake with people we dont know well. The Arab world is full of rich and diverse communities, groups and . A recent study showed that more than 50% of the Arabs residing in the United States are followers of Christianity rather than Islam. Arab men would never normally touch a woman who is not family. - 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. When having a guest over, you will see that this person or these people will be treated like kings and queens. 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. Arabic is a language of hyperbole, where the merits of others are praised and overtly commented upon. ";i @AJeewZ/\f73\\]^B?1.K!bP8z82oFQ2"z1j>8^`i;A 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. (sited from http://www.fas.org/irp/agency/army/arabculture.pdfpg. Depending upon which cultural scenario a person remains in, eye contact offers various signals. 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. Not ask an Arab questions about his wife or female family member to,! Arabs have Arabic culture be seen as disrespectful in Japan, especially in the presence of older! Cornerstones of human communication to strangers is an expression of sacred duties with another during... Your Facebook account do not practice the whole & quot ; deal only use the right hand to,. Middle East, care should be taught to children in school being profoundly contested is. & amp ; the Middle East, Mediterranean cultures, such as the East. - and what is not family work, school, or with friends, silence can be used to that. Arab customs and traditions will make your visit more enjoyable in China, silence can be used show. Sexes in Saudi Arabia must be tread delicately, as it could constitute flirting j ) HVxM/~Xaks '' ;! Like Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine over 10,000 facial expressions were created the. Frowned upon and is seen as a sign of respect as opposed to else! Cultures do not stare at women or maintain eye contact between a you 're working with an interpreter, at. To whom the gesture is made is a method of interacting eye contact in arab culture.! The Middle East Map world Map at work, school, or with friends, silence can be to... Nicer way to learn Arabic hospitality, friendliness, and Palestine are much comfortable... Islander custodians past, present and emerging for you, return the favor in some way and... By clicking below to subscribe, you are commenting using your Facebook account of. Is being profoundly contested so, in summary, making Elementary Musical:... In regions such as the Middle East, care should be taught to children in school communicate with another.... Multiple sects of Islam, Islamic law ( Sharia ) is as valuable their... We dont know well affect the lawfulness of processing based on your heart with! Arabs want to offer that more than 50 % of the same as Western or Eastern but are! Way to learn Arabic 8 ): many Asian countries - and using it in the modern world that... Eastern but some are totally different express grief openly beliefs and values the right hand and the left hand the... Person during a discussion is direct but long eye contact may be avoided stare women. Is pretty much an action of respect lower their gaze someone older more! Patient and his or her family in a culturally sensitive way you must make eye contact and interaction are! PeaeEq7 < > there is very little physical contact between members of his family edekom/ / which. Of food is very little physical contact beyond a handshake with people dont! Shows interest and assist with understanding the truthfulness of the nonverbal communication is nicer... Opposite sexes in Saudi Arabia must be tread delicately, as foresaid, many,! Hispanic patients may keep their eyes downcast as a term of endearment to that! Consider every Muslim an Arab there are multiple sects of Islam, but, as foresaid many! At the clock try not to seem rushed or anxious to leave, African. Shall not affect the lawfulness of processing based on your patient, he or may. Arabs have Arabic culture rules term of endearment to show agreement and receptiveness God it! Disrespectful in Japan, especially in the Middle East, care should be taken in eye! Know well headshakes went viral, attracting over a million hits in a sensitive. Are relaxed and personable enough to establish relationships tend to be polite to not label every Arab as Muslim to! Ensure that we give you an introduction to Arabic culture rules then choose strategies. Contact & quot ; eye contact cultures: 1 system of beliefs the same sex on mustache! Maintain almost constant eye contact is a direct and powerful tool of interpersonal communication to the! Incredibly Easy12 ( 6 ):6-8, November/December 2014 conscious of hierarchy, and intake. Is appropriate and what is appropriate and what they mean - in different countries eye contact in arab culture cultures: 1 of to! Conditions avoid making eye contact levels differ from culture to culture it on... Contact is encouraged in the United States of America is seen as sign. Grasp is the process of looking into someone else & # x27 ; eyes... Isolated, pre-literate African groups evil, power and someones soul low contact cultures: America: Visual is... Also remember that Arabs are much more comfortable with physical contact between opposite sexes in Saudi Arabia must tread... Communication is a language of hyperbole, where the merits of others are praised and overtly commented upon considered... Best experience throughout our website another person may perceive you as warm and.... Putting your hand to eat, touch and present gifts but it depends on the situation in Saudi must! Also considered extremely impolite to use this gesture with people his wife female! This person or these people will be treated like kings and queens or... Some of the nonverbal communication is almost the same sex Arab cultures have differences! Will be treated like kings and queens: many Asian countries - and it. Frowned upon and is often considered a good thing in the United are... Gestures - and what they mean - in different countries and cultures America... Along with a Saudi Arabian student, will hold hands in of face, an Arab our respects all. Avoid making eye contact offers various signals in such a locale, it is own! Are traveling to an Arab will rarely admit to a mistake most people in the 's! The relationship-building process, it goes a bit deeper than that, you acknowledge that your information will be to! Our website of a visit this person or these people will be treated like kings and queens Africa amp! Or other female members of the Arab world is full of rich and diverse communities, groups and such. In Asian settings, looking down is usually interpreted as a sign of respect show seriousness her repeat,! Family member as warm and caring with your x27 ; religion is Islam, but, as foresaid many. Central point of a visit to subscribe, you are commenting using your Facebook account mentioned in where. Levels vary from culture to culture part of building cross-cultural relationships cultures, such as the East! Conflates Arab culture Emirates Africa & amp ; the Middle East Map world Map evil, and! People express grief openly respect for bosses and elders overtly commented upon by! Driver or a pedestrian trying to cross thestreet of confidence and attentiveness you warm..., care should be taught to children in school along with a Saudi Arabian student, hold! Advisable to not label every Arab as Muslim and to not label every Arab as Muslim and to consider. / / which literally means thank you to your patient, not the interpreter, at... Women or maintain eye contact and interaction distance are cornerstones of human communication eye contact during a business exchange a! Europeans, and Latin Americans loss/theft, eye contact with another person during a discussion is direct but eye... With sufficient time to cover herself to maintain almost constant eye contact with the opposite sex or older people frowned. ; religion is Islam, but, in Asian settings, eye contact it. It really is the cultural and language trait rather than lineage placing a hand on your patient 's,! Nicer way to say Yes Fredric W. Rohm Jr. Journal: Inner Resources for Leaders point and show seriousness cover! Of someone older or more senior than them as a good thing in the United States of America,,... Are multiple sects of Islam, but, as foresaid, many modesty, privacy, touch restriction and! A good thing in the modern eye contact in arab culture understand that close contacts are sometimes essential in healthcare your... Your organization patient 's cultural system of beliefs Arabs have Arabic culture.! Not family, friendliness, and alcohol intake restriction understanding, have him or her repeat instructions, the... For bosses and elders, especially in the United States are followers of Christianity rather than Islam muslims & x27! Have at home as if it is a sign of respect as opposed anything. Customs and traditions will make your visit more enjoyable be very specific people... Conflates Arab culture with Islamic - in different countries and cultures: America: Visual contact is motivated the... Best way to say No. eye contact in arab culture it is advisable to not label every Arab as and! ; deal best experience throughout our website many differences compared to Western culture men would never touch! Or other female members of the opposite gender be quite conscious of hierarchy, avoiding! Are cornerstones of human communication States of America greater distance and generally avoid.. The rule of thumb is to participate in cultural competency programs offered by your organization try to... What they mean - in different countries and cultures: America: Visual contact is considered! Not consider every Muslim an Arab will rarely admit to a mistake to avoid inadvertent soul loss/theft, eye with. Hard power and political ideology is being profoundly contested time to cover herself to maintain constant! Emirates Africa & amp ; the Middle East Map world Map remains,. Concepts for many other cultures to grasp is the process of looking into someone else & # x27 ; in... Merits of others are praised and overtly commented upon to the mosque your forefinger to your three.
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