culture

I have visited the Middle East on numerous occasions. However, I grew up in America. I find the differences between the cultures to be fascinating. From what I have observed during my visits to the Middle East, they tend to be a society that is far more relaxed and laid back than that of it’s American counterpart. Lets discuss Saudi Arabia and America for one minute because I feel as though they are two countries that are on opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to cultural differences. First off, there are nine categories of cultural differences. They are language and body language, social values and ideas of status, decision-making habits and ethical standards, attitudes towards time and use of space as well as manners. To even begin to understand these differences, one must realize that Saudi Arabia follows strict Islamic law know as Shari’ a Law. This is a concept that Americans may find difficult to deal with because America has a separation between Church and State. One major difference I have noticed is the perception of time. Saudi Arabians in particular (not all of them obviously) do not adhere to strict time constraints. It is normal for a business meeting to be scheduled for 1 P.M. but the meeting’s participants not show up until fifteen to twenty minutes later than the scheduled time. In America, if a meeting is scheduled for 1 P.M. it is customary for the participants to show up five minutes early or exactly on time. Another cultural difference is that it is rude to show the soles of your feet or shoes to someone. In America, people may not particularly care for it but they also may not deem it as rude or inappropriate. Body language is something Saudis take somewhat seriously. It is not appropriate for a woman to look a man directly in the eye especially if she does not know him. In America, eye contact is encouraged among men and women especially in a business setting because it seen as strong and confident. It is also a sign of trust. Saudi Arabians tend to stand closer to each other when speaking because they feel it makes the conversation more personal. Americans tend to value their personal space and will have a considerable distance between themselves and the other person. Saudi Arabians also do everything based upon the belief that everything should be done by their right hand, everything from eating to writing to passing something to a person. In Saudi Arabia, if you do not turn your coffee cup upside down when you no longer desire any more coffee then the host/hostess will see it as a desire for more and they will keep filling your cup without asking you if you want more. It is just assumed. In America, we tend to ask if a person wants a refill first. Another factor I have seen that seems to be strikingly different is the great emphasis that is placed on family and home life as well as religion. I feel as though In America, people have begun to lose this sense of family. A lot of my friends do not spend a considerable amount of time with their families nor do they spend a lot of time in a Church or Mosque or Synagogue. I feel like most, not all, Americans have lost a sense of religion and family values because we are so wrapped up in school and work. Americans have devalued the meaning of family and a social life. America is a much more fast paced environment that that of Saudi Arabia. Yet people criticize Saudi Arabians for their great sense of family life. I think Saudi Arabian culture is beautiful. THey have a great sense of relaxation and an idea of taking things slow. They place great emphasis on religion.

Well at any rate both cultures are very unique and very fascinating.