<> Image byUlrike W.fromPixabay, What Does Foreshadowing Mean? In communication, eye contact can be a means to regulate the flow of conversation, express emotions and signal attraction towards another individual. Un5>'-4XLg ,j)HVxM/~Xaks"=;=Z945k{W! peaeeq7<> Even if youre not planning a trip, it is also fun getting educated about other cultures. Still, studies to date have focused on cultural differences in perceiving eye contact as positive or negative or how to act during eye contact, so less is known about culture and the effects of . Though it can feel like a void in communication, silence can be very meaningful in different cultural contexts. 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. All rights reserved. Author: Fredric W. Rohm Jr. Journal: Inner Resources for Leaders. 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. %PDF-1.5 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. They mourn out loud, while people from other cultures (e.g., China and Japan) are more subdued. Arabic cultures make prolonged eye-contact to shows interest and assist with understanding the truthfulness of the other person. Arabs are more likely to have subjective perceptions. 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. Answer (1 of 5): It is shown as a sign of respect, especially when there is a power differential between the speaker and the listener. <> Literally. In most western countries, eye contact is a sign of confidence and attentiveness. Year: 2010. Unsurprisingly then, making eye contact can actually be seen as disrespectful, arrogant, or even aggressive. 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. The eyes are the most telling body part and are the most expressive even more than words and gestures. endobj Northern Europe and the Far East as classed as non-contact cultures. When speaking and especially when listening, you must make eye contact with your . Finnish (European) and Japanese (East Asian) participants were asked to determine whether Finnish and Japanese neutral faces with various gaze directions were looking at them. August 1997; International Journal of Intercultural Relations 21(3) . 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. It is pretty much an action of respect as opposed to anything else. Use the quiet time to assess your patient's nonverbal communication, including his or her posture, amount of eye contact, facial expressions, and signs of anxiety. These cultures tend to be quite conscious of hierarchy, and avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect for bosses and elders. For almost 13 centuries Arabic has been the written and spoken language of Egypt. In Arab culture, the left hand is used for toileting and is widely considered to be unclean. Avoid fidgeting or looking at the clock. endobj It must be emphasized that there is no "one" Arab culture or society. Women are an exception to this rule. Your patient should be able to identify with the handout's pictures, food, and behavioral recommendations. In much of the Arab world, men hold hands and kiss each other in greeting, but would never do the same with a woman. National anthem: The National Anthem of the United Arab Emirates is also known as Ishy Bilady (Long Live my Nation) It was . Arabs believe in persons, not in institutions. Some of these include: never walking in front of someone praying, the prohibition of pictures or video of people in the mosque, and the prohibition of men wearing shorts and women wearing sleeveless or short-sleeved dresses. 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. 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). The Nose Touch - You will often see Arab Nationals touch noses three . In China, people make eye contact when they are angry. endobj 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]. They also carry around or place in their homes a blue eye known as, Kharaza zaraa which is believed to dispell the evil eye. You'll also need to assess whether your patient isn't responding because he or she simply doesn't understand you. Knowledge of the cultural and spiritual values of Muslims is critical in providing healthcare services to them. Good cross-cultural communication enhances your nursing practice by: Your first step toward cultural competence is simply being aware of your own cultural beliefs. Like every country or region, Arabs have Arabic culture rules. Then choose communication strategies based on your patient's cultural system of beliefs. Fatalism based on religious beliefs is common. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy. By stealing from various . Understanding differences in non-verbal communication is a vital part of building cross-cultural relationships. Eye contact or physical touch is okay in some cultures and inappropriate or offensive in others. Showing soles of feet is very offensive. For example, direct eye contact is considered impolite or aggressive in many American Indian, Indo-Chinese, and Arab cultures. Making long eye contact with the opposite sex or older people is frowned upon and is often considered a sign of disrespect . In other cultures, however, silence is not viewed as a negative circumstance. Sitting cross-legged is seen as disrespectful in Japan, especially in the presence of someone older or more respected than you. Emotions connote a sincere concern for the outcome of the decision. United Arab Emirates Africa & The Middle East Map World Map . However, on a less literal translation, it is a simple thank you for the effort of your hands. Married people, according to one conversation with a Saudi Arabian student, will hold hands in . Arab countries in the Middle East have some differences, but one thing they have in common is the significance of eyes in their culture. Even if it means accepting it, and barely having a taste, it is ok. You dont need to finish that drink or cupcake. The eyes are used also as a way of flirting. In many cultures, the manner in which you communicate is as important as the words you say. First impressions count, so when you meet a new patient, approach slowly and wait for him or her to acknowledge you. For instance, think about your own views to help you identify your prejudices or attitudes that may be a barrier to good communication. Editorial Advisory Board Member. However, depending on your patient's cultural expectations, he or she may perceive you as threatening and invading his or her personal space. Children are considered as jewels and that men and women, as well as male and female children have different and distinct roles. 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. Your message has been successfully sent to your colleague. Therefore, even southpaws should use their left hands sparingly when visiting the Middle East. Staring is not considered rude unless gazing at women. In Japan, silence from women can be considered an expression of femininity. According to Islam, piety is the most admirable characteristic someone can have. No is considered as impolite, therefore people use the term 'As God wills it.' People do not refuse a request . Eye contact is seen as a social standard of communication. <> People who are relaxed and personable enough to establish relationships tend to be more successful. But remember, just as maintaining eye contact is important, be . Not all communication is language-based; people also convey what theyre thinking using gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions. Shake hands longer but less firmly than in the West. your express consent. However, western women traveling in Muslim areas should not expect that no man will attempt to make eye contact with them. 10 0 obj - 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. 2. Please enable scripts and reload this page. Your next patient may be from Laos, Haiti, or Peru, and he or she might not speak English. drug calculations. You know that for observant Muslim families, modesty and gender segregation must be maintained at all times and your patient's husband is trying to protect her honor. Eye contact during discussions is often long and direct. . You can use silence as a communication technique. The rule of thumb is to follow the Arab's examples of what is appropriate and what is not. Pullen, Richard L. Jr. EdD, MSN, RN, CMSRN. Middle Eastern cultures, largely Muslim, have strict rules regarding eye contact between the sexes; these rules are connected to religious laws about appropriateness. increasing patient satisfaction and decreasing stress for you and your patient. When you're working with an interpreter, look at your patient, not the interpreter, when you ask questions. In Western. A lot of songs highlight the dark color of eyes. Arabs dont have rigid schedules. 11 0 obj 5. Used a lot in regions such as the Middle East, Mediterranean cultures, Europeans, and Latin Americans. Momentum cuts in all directionsfor repression as well as for changebut hard power and political ideology is being profoundly contested. Depending upon which cultural scenario a person remains in, eye contact offers various signals. This is for a very good reason. By: Meriam Helal/ Arab America Contributing Writer. Eye Contact. In parts of Northern Europe, a quick, firm handshake is the norm. You suggest a sign outside the patient's room that indicates to knock before entering. 22). Some people in Dubai prefer strong eye contact as a show of respect, while others would prefer that you politely avert your gaze when speaking to them. Use simpler words, such as pain or hurt instead of discomfort. Simple sentences such as Do you hurt? or Do you have pain? are best. As a matter of fact, their differentness may draw attention to them, and men may try to make eye contact with them. When you assess a patient from a different culture, talk with him or her in a quiet setting where you won't be disturbed. Try to analyze the meaning behind your patient's use of silence. Avoid using medical jargon and slang terms. Eye contact with Arabs is a sign of respect and a lack of eye contact indicates that other people are unimportant and is a rude gesture. American and Arab Cultural Lenses. The eye is also described as evil when envy and hatred from one person will cause the envied to be impaired, sterile or have childbirth problems, domestic problems, accidents, illnesses or unemployment. When you're providing care, you may have to ask the patient for special permission to touch her head or another body part. It is considered OFFENSIVE TO STEP OR LEAN AWAY! Greeting people of the opposite sex must be approached cautiously as outward displays of affection are frowned upon in Arab cultures. Sit or stand back-to-back is considered very rude. 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. Appearing to be in a hurry while meeting with an Arab is considered offensive. they should follow certain guidelines whenever possible. <> Eye contact during a conversation is vital. stream 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. An innocent hug made headlines around the world in 2009 when America's first lady, Michelle Obama, broke royal protocol on a visit to Britain by hugging the Queen. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Capital: Abu Dhabi. Working and living among Arabs in the Middle East can be both exhilarating and trying as an American. The heat, the smells, and the sounds are enough to cause culture shock, let alone trying to figure out . The traditions and customs of Arab cultures have many differences compared to Western culture. //= gravity_form( 5, false, false, false, null, false, $tabindex, true ); ?>. 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 many cultures, what is acceptable for a man may not be acceptable for a woman. Language Style: Poetry is a regular feature of Saudi communication, most commonly used for deep praise or insults. But other cultures consider touching other people . So they avoid making eye contact to avoid the discomfort and pain. There is a saying that to tie an Arabs hands while he is speaking is tantamount to tying his tongue. 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. may email you for journal alerts and information, but is committed To protect loss of face, an Arab will rarely admit to a mistake. 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! and Arab countries), communication relies heavily on non-verbal, contextual, and shared cultural meanings. In many Middle Eastern countries, same-gender eye contact tends to be more sustained and intense than the western standard. In such a locale, it may be accompanied bycurses from an anxious taxi driver or a pedestrian trying to cross thestreet. The Cultural Atlas team acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands throughout Australia on whose country we have the privilege to live and work. Eye contact is essential, but it depends on the situation. This is normal to them so be accepting and keep that fact in mind. One of the most important means of nonverbal communication in any culture is eye contactor lack thereof. If you can, take a look at how other people around youespecially the successful onesuse eye contact. Diverse Eye Contact Cultures: America: Visual contact is encouraged in the United States of America. Sometimes it is very obvious, many times very subtle. 1. One of the primary matters when it comes to Arab etiquette is treating a guest right. Dont lean against walls, slouch in chairs or put hands in your pockets. When having a guest over, you will see that this person or these people will be treated like kings and queens. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website. Sign up today! Eye contact between opposite sexes in Saudi Arabia must be tread delicately, as it could constitute flirting. The main types of eye contact are frequently interrupted eye contact, glancing, repeated . A patient's culture also influences whether he or she is comfortable being touched by a stranger, especially someone of the opposite sex. 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. Body language makes up the largest part of our non-verbal communication - eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions can convey powerful messages. 2- Eye Contact. Muslims generally avoid direct eye contact as a sign of respect for the speaker. stream In the Arab world, the opposite is true. These emphasise, exaggerate and/or demonstrate the point of their words, and also give further meaning when little is said. This, gesture can be observed extensively when driving in the crowded, streets of the Arab cities. Sit down in a chair next to your patient. and symbolic of you beingbeneath my feet. Being able to understand cultural differences will improve your working relationships and potentially make you more successful in an increasingly globalized, multi-cultural working world. Nursing made Incredibly Easy12(6):6-8, November/December 2014. "Speech is usually loud, and eye contact is essential during communication but without staring," the book reads. Considering this, it is advisable to not label every Arab as Muslim and to not consider every Muslim an Arab. How you communicate also encompasses your body language and positioning, including how much space you keep between yourself and your patient.
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