Hey who had the chance to watch the show Dubai 101 (it is a show about the emirate culture on channel “Dubai one”)
Here are some of the examples on what they talked about
What you need to know before going to emirates
The way you dress (not to show your shoulders and not to have any clothes shorter then knee length for women)
Most women are found wearing a black habib or something similar
How to greet
Some men greet each other with something called a nose kiss, in other word the men touch their noses with each other and they do it three times it is a sign of deep respect and a greeting
Instead of shaking hands with each other they but one hand over their heart (so that the arm comes across the body) as a sign of greeting it is especially used between different genders that are not closely family related.(there are NO handshakes)
Some of the gestures used in other situations:
Like shaking your cup as a sign that you have finished with your drink instead of actually saying that you had enough.
It is considered an insult to show the soles of your feet or the bottom of your shoes in public.
There were many more but that’s all I could remember.
(I think that most of the ] gestures could almost be found in most Islamic cultures)
Which of these do you think is most commonly found here in Kuwait or that is similar?
an example of a dinner setting in UAE
ReplyDeleteIf you are invited to taste a coffee, tea or traditional meal with a urban family, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Before entering a home shoes should be removed. When sitting, take care to keep out pointing the soles of your feet in anyone’s direction as this is considered rude in Arab Muslim culture. Food and drink (and there will be a lot of it!) should be taken with one’s right hand. Your landlord will most likely keep proposing you more and more food and drink. It is acceptable to take a second helping but not necessarily a third or fourth! You will have to be firm and it might take a bit of polite “back and forth” between you and your host before he acknowledges that you are actually finished!
I think it's an exiting topic to discuss. specially when it's about the gulf countries and culture. As you know these countries have so many gestures in common. Like for example touching nose by nose to say hi and that happened a lot between men most of the time it's in kuwait and KSA.
ReplyDeleteIt is remarkable how some cultures have lots of things in common, we for instance, the Arabian Gulf countries, are known by using the BEST and most EXCELLENT quality of incense and perfumes! That definitely leaves a good impression about our culture to other people!
ReplyDeleteI guess that nothing will be so strange between Arabian Gulf people now, they are almost the same. people who visit one of gulf country will respect and follow the same roles in wearing almost long dresses, shaking hands,etc..
ReplyDeletetalking about something else, last night, I was watching a reality program on the TV and there was a group of Lebanese, Moroccan and Tunisian and some others from different Arab countries, but I observed that this three nationalities, probably, switch a lot between two language within in Arabic to English or Arabic to French, and their own language became very week. I guess, after about 20 years later they will miss their language, that will be the biggest affections in their culture.
What do you think? Do you guess that will happen in Kuwait soon?
not likely, becouse both arabic and english are being used and you still have people here in kuwaite who can only speack arabic.
ReplyDeleteI do believe that Kuwaiti people will preserve their language because it represents them and shows their identity and who they really are. Yet, I'm still concerned about the coming generations as they are highly influenced by westerns, also they code switch a lot in their speech, whether in a formal or informal setting. Do you agree with that?
ReplyDeletethe influence of english language on our kuwaiti language is obvious.. and i'm so glad u offered the chance to discuss this topic.
ReplyDeletei think this generation and the coming generations are losing their identity.
they might think that speaking English is part of civilization. some think that using old kuwaiti words is not a civilized thing !!
sometimes when i use old kuwaiti words, my friends say 'what is thaht word ?! what do you mean ! ' .. or they say : 'OH! this is such an old word ! do u really still use it til now !?? '
actually, i still do not know what's wrong in that ! i love our old words !
and studying English language now in colllege does not mean that i have to talk in English most of the time ..
very interesting topic , and about the influence of English language on our Arabic or Kuwaiti language , personally that thing hasn't affect me negatively , I don't mix - code switch - words between both language in one sentence ( except for people who know English ) but otherwise I use Plain Kuwaiti Arabic in my daily social life .
ReplyDeleteAbout the TV show , it's interesting to find such shows that are Aired in an English spoken Channel , and I think this show is mainly addressed to the foreigners living in the UAE , who at least need to know about these facts in order to be accepted and acculturated .
The Emirates states are all Muslim, therefore alcohol is not served except in hotels. It is an offence to drink or be drunk in public and penalties are severe. Some prescribed and over the counter medicines from outside the country may be considered to be a controlled substance within the UAE and will not be allowed into the UAE without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health Drug Control Department (DCD). A passenger arriving with such medication without permission may be subject to prosecution. Dress and behavior should be modest, particularly during the month of Ramadan when it is disrespectful to smoke, drink or eat in public between sunrise and sunset. Women's clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs. Cohabiting, adultery and homosexual behavior are illegal in the UAE, and it is an offence to swear or make rude gestures, or show a public display of affection. In general, the country has a tolerant approach to Western visitors, but local laws and sensitivities should be respected.
ReplyDeleteTipping: Tipping practices are similar to most parts of the world. Where no service charge is included, 10% is adequate and many hotels and restaurants add a service charge, so it is best to check the bill.