Examples of Western Arab Cultural Differences



Examples of Western Arab Cultural Differences

(Warning: these are very broad generalizations that do not apply to all people)

1. Literate vs. Oral cultures

a. When a Westerner has free time, he might read. An Arab would usually prefer to talk to someone.

b. When a Westerner needs information, he will look it up on his own; an Arab is more likely to ask someone. Common example: even though the price is marked on an item, an Arab will often ask the shop attendant about the price.

c. Complaints: a Westerner will say, "I can't find the information I need." An Arab will say, "Nobody wants to help me."

2. Relationship Orientation vs. Action Orientation

a. In the West, recreation centers on activities. People will ask, "What are you going to do this weekend?" In the Arab world, recreation centers on people and relationships. Visiting relatives is the most common form of recreation.

b. When applying for a job, a Westerner will emphasize what he can do. An Arab might emphasize who he knows in or outside of the company.

3. The Value of Function vs. the Value of Form

a. North Americans dress more for practicality and function. Arabs more often dress to maintain an image, and value perfect form. So if you can't decide what to wear in an Arab context, go for the more formal, dressy option.

b. Example: I was in my Kuwaiti boss's office and needed a pen to sign a document. The only pen in sight was in his breast pocket. I pointed that out and he said, "Oh, it doesn't work. It just looks nice." An American will be more likely to have two pens in his pocket, just in case one doesn't work (

c. Making a good impression is important to Arabs. If four people are invited to dinner, the host(ess) will likely prepare enough food for 20. North Americans are more practical and will likely prepare just enough food for the number of guests.

d. Arab students often decorate their reports, sometimes spending more time on the presentation than the content.

4. Linear vs. Non-Linear Thought Processes

a. North Americans are trained to think sequentially (1, 2, 3; a, b, c) and to write with an introduction, body and conclusion. While their thought processes may resemble an outline, Arabs' thought processes are less restrained and may resemble mind mapping, which often makes it hard to understand the point of a spoken or written presentation.

b. In a North American social gathering, people normally speak in turns and one at a time. In an Arab social gathering, there may be several different conversations occurring simultaneously.

c. On a physical level, this is demonstrated by queuing. Americans usually queue single file. Arabs often queue side by side or in a way that resembles a mob.

5. Direct vs. Indirect Communication Styles

a. An Arab will often feel shy to make a direct request. An American will want to make sure that his request was properly understood and therefore will be much more direct. Example: My Kuwaiti boss once asked me to his office and presented a number of ideas by saying, "What do you think about calling so-and-so..." What do you think about making a brochure about…" etc. I thought they were good ideas and said so. A few days later I realized what he meant when he asked me if I had finished the tasks we had discussed.

b. An Arab will almost never criticize or disagree with you, especially in public. Americans are more outspoken and tolerant of public disagreement. Example: if expecting lively discussion in an Arab college classroom, a North American teacher will have to listen and watch her students very carefully so that she can extract and encourage contrasting views, especially when it conflicts with what s/he presented.

6. High Context Culture vs. Low Context Culture

a. A Westerner will listen to what another person says to extract meaning from a social encounter.

b. An Arab will read the context (tone of voice, body language, setting) to extract meaning from a social encounter.

c. Example: you are visiting a friend and, noticing it's late, you say that you have to go. Your host stands up and says, "It's still early! Why don't you stay for another cup of tea?" The American will feel welcome to stay because of the host's verbal encouragement. The Arab will realize that it IS time to go because the host stood up.

d. Warning: North American women are often unaware of the non-verbal messages they convey with their dress, eye-contact, facial expressions tone of voice, and the setting of encounters with others, thereby getting unwanted attention!

For further reading:

Axtell, Roger. E. Gestures: The do's and taboos of body language around the world. NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1998.

Campbell, Clifton P. International communication (with special attention to the English Language capabilities of Saudi Arab students), nd.

Hall, Edward T. Beyond culture. Garden City, N.Y.: Anchor Press, 1976.

Kluckhohn, F. and R. Strodtbeck. Variations in value orientations. Evanston, Ill.: Row, Peterson, 1961.

Kohls, L. Robert. Survival kit for overseas living: For Americans planning to live and work abroad. 3rd ed. Intercultural Press, 1996.

Levine, David. The flight from ambiguity. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1985.

Williams, Jeremy. Don't they know it's Friday? Cross Cultural Considerations for Business and Life in the Gulf. Motivate Publishing, 1999.

Zaharna, R. S. "Understanding cultural preferences of Arab communication patterns." Public Relations Review, 1995, 21(3).

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