Intercultural Communication: Understanding Egypt…

1. Intercultural Communication:Understanding Egypt… Provided in partial requirement of COM201 by ChelseyAdams, Akima BriggsStacey Hilliard, Karen MoranoNabeelah Said, Tricia Stevens

2. Understanding Egypt…Presentation Overview This presentation seeks to discuss: • The history of Islam • The progression of Islam in Egypt • Stereotypes surrounding Egyptian Muslims • Communication styles • Cultural practices • Islam’s influences on marriage in Egypt • Islam’s influences gender roles in Egypt • Egyptian Muslims’ communication styles

3. Understanding Egypt…Overview of Islam • Islam means submission (to God). • One who submits is a Muslim. • Muslims believe that Muhammad is the "seal of the prophets.“ - His revelations complete the series of biblical revelations received by Jews and Christians.

4. Understanding Egypt…Overview of Islam • Muslims believe that God’s true teachings had been forgotten until Muhammad arrived. • Muslims recognize Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (Ibrahim, Musa, and Isa, respectively) as divinely inspired. • Islam, however, admires only their messages as sacred.

5. Understanding Egypt… Major Muslim Event: Ramadan • The Islamic calendar is based on 12 lunar months and has 354 or 355 days. • Ramadan, the ninth month of the calendar, is a period of obligatory fasting. • This fasting commemorates Muhammad's acceptance of God's revelation, the Quran (the Islamic holy book). • A meal breaks each daily fast and inaugurates a night of feasting and celebration. • Wealthy individuals usually do little work for all or part of the day.

6. Understanding Egypt… Major Muslim Event: Ramadan • Everyone fasts during the daylight hours of Ramadan except: • the sick • the weak • pregnant or nursing women • soldiers on duty • travelers on necessary journeys, and • young children. • Adults excused from the fasting are grateful to observe an equivalent fast at their earliest opportunity.

7. Understanding Egypt…History of Islam in Egypt • Early Islam was intensely expansionist. • It expanded successfully because of: • Passion for the new religion. • Economic and social factors. • Conquering armies and migrating tribes.

8. Understanding EgyptHistory of Islam in Egypt • After about a century, Islamic armies had reached into North Africa and Asia. • Egypt was among the first countries to come under Islamic control. • After the surrender of Alexandria, the whole country was under Muslim rule. • Egypt's first Muslim ruler believed Muslims should be kind to the Egyptians because of their kin to Arabs. • Arabic is the officially language of Islam and Egypt.

9. Understanding Egypt…Contemporary Egyptian Islam • As of 1990, Islam in Egypt was complex and diverse. • Overall, Muslims agreed on the faith's basic system of belief. • However, various social groups and classes applied Islam differently in their daily lives.

10. Understanding Egypt…Contemporary Egyptian Islam • The literate theologians of Al Azhar University generally rejected the illiterates in the countryside. • Upper- and middle-class Muslims were also divided. • Some believed that religious expression was a private matter. • Others thought Islam should play a more dominant role in public life. • Islamic religious renewal movements are present in most cities and in many villages.

11. Understanding Egypt… Contemporary Egyptian Islam • Because of sexual segregation in Egypt's Islamic society, men and women often practice their religion in different ways. • The zaris a ceremony for helping women soothe spirits who are believed to have possessed them. • Women specially trained by their mothers or other women in zar tradition organize the ceremonies. • A zar organizer holds weekly meetings and employs music and dance to induce ecstatic trances in possessed women. • Wealthy women sometimes pay to have private zars conducted in their homes. • These zars are more elaborate than public ones, last for several days, and sometimes involve efforts to exorcise spirits. US Library of Congress, (http://countrystudies.us/egypt/67.htm)

12. Understanding Egypt… Stereotypes and Misconceptions • Though Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world, it is still very misunderstood. • Many believe: • Islamic nations are unquestionably hostile . • Islam is a religion of cruelty, brutality and oppression. • Islamic leaders propose self interested empires. • Women are greatly oppressed under Islam. • Muslims are violent terrorists and Islam was spread with the sword. Islam behind the stereotypes. 25 July 2004. SemontiHossain. 3 Dec. 2009 <http://www.religioustolerance.org/hossain_01.htm>.

13. Understanding Egypt… Stereotypes and Misconceptions • These stereotypes and misconceptions give people a skewed view of Islam. • In fact, the following are more accurate characteristics of Islam. • Islam is a religion that directs Muslims to a course of peace, ethics and morals. • Women are considered to have as many rights as men. • Islam does not permit the murder of innocent people. • Holy wars were sometimes used to spread Islam’s boundaries. Islam behind the stereotypes. 25 July 2004. SemontiHossain. 3 Dec. 2009 <http://www.religioustolerance.org/hossain_01.htm>.

14. Understanding Egypt… Dating and Marriage • The ancient Egyptians were the first civilization to regard marriage as a legal relationship. • Marriage in ancient Egypt was considered a religious duty. • Islamic marriage doctrines and prophetic instructions can be found in the Quran. • The acceptance of the couple, or their representatives, as husband and wife is the most important term for marriage. • The publicity of the marriage (making it known to the people) is an also essential condition of marriage.

15. Understanding Egypt… Dating and Marriage • Islam emphasizes that marriage is the only available way to satisfy the biological need between the man and the woman. • Therefore, chances for the couple to get to know each other before the engagement have become limited. • Couples usually meet through visits with family or at public places.

16. Understanding Egypt… Dating and Marriage • The engagement period has become longer. • Time is taken to prepare the new house. • Sometimes housing is costly and does not suit the income of the couple or their parents. • Mahr money is used by the bride-to-be’s family. • They purchase furniture and jewelry. The jewelry, or Shabka, is given to the bride by the groom at the engagement party.

17. Understanding Egypt… Dating and Marriage • At the engagement party, or “Henna Party,” Henna is designed on the bride’s hands and feet.

18. Understanding Egypt… Dating and Marriage • The marriage contract is signed and registered by "maazon.” • The couple and their families and friends are present. • This procedure happens in the bride’s house or at a mosque. • The day after the wedding the wife's mother and her sisters may visit her and gave her some food. • Seven days after the wedding, the wife's friends and relatives will visit her again offering gifts and food, while she offers sweets and fruits.

19. Understanding Egypt… Male-Female Roles Women Men Men have complete financial responsibility. Jobs are dependent on class. • Islamic culture influences most of men and women’s interactions with one another in Egypt. • Women are less likely to work outside the home. • Women’s dress is more conservative. • Jobs are dependent on class. • Though it may seem restrictive at times, men and women are considered equal.

20. Understanding Egypt… Women’s Rights and Privileges-Ancient • Women were legally entitled to do most things men could independently and of their own will. • Women could serve as national heroines and receive military decoration. • Women could travel freely and without veils. • Traveling women sometimes considered less virtuous. • Customs and traditions have discouraged women from traveling alone. • Throughout ancient times, it appears mores/values changed (love poetry and letters are quite frank about the public accessibility and freedom of women. VirtualEgypt.com (http://www.virtual-egypt.com/newhtml/special/women/index.html)

21. Understanding Egypt… Gender Role Reinforcement Women Men Men-go out in the world, providing financially for the family. According to the principles of Islam, men and women have different natures, talents, and inherent tendencies, and therefore different responsibilities. Both are equal in eyes of Allah, however. • Women-care for home, children and husband. • Women's inherent sexuality is threatening to the harmony of society (esp. to men). • best controlled through women's modesty • women staying as much as possible within private family sphere.

22. Understanding Egypt… Gender Role Reinforcement • Cultural and religious norms increasingly advocate that family roles of both women and men are fundamental in maintaining societal structure. • Such norms support keeping women in the home and oppose women working. • Contemporary images of women as economic assets/providers come into conflict with what are perceived as divinely inspired roles. • Gender roles in Egypt often derive from the Qur'an. • Gender complements are part of the religion. • This concept is an integral part of understanding the social structure of Egyptian society. (<a href="http://family.jrank.org/pages/439/Egypt-Gender-Family.html">Egypt - Gender And Family</a>)

23. Understanding Egypt… Modern Men’s Responsibility to Women • Men have responsibility of caring for all single women in their families, even women previously married. • Women raised with expectation their ultimate sources of economic security will from fathers, brothers, and sons. (<a href="http://family.jrank.org/pages/440/Egypt-Marriage-Family.html">Egypt - Marriage And Family</a>) (http://viviansalama.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/ds116_rj.jpg)

24. Understanding Egypt… Men’s Roles as Husbands • Recent legal changes require men to legally file for divorce. • He can no longer divorce by saying "I divorce thee" three (3) times as permitted by the Qur'an. • Women now able to file for divorce, too. (Esp. in cases of domestic violence). • Men and women may have cross-cousin marriages (child of one's parent's sibling of the alternate sex). • Sizable sums of money through the mahr (gift from the groom to the bride upon marriage), to protect women and counterbalance unequal rights in case of divorce. • Marriages are often not considered valid without mahr! (<a href="http://family.jrank.org/pages/440/Egypt-Marriage-Family.html">Egypt - Marriage And Family</a>)

25. Understanding Egypt… Men’s Roles as Husbands • A husband is responsible for unconditional financial responsibility and has certain rights within the marriage. • He has the right to restrict his wife's physical mobility (often interpreted as the right to prevent wife from working outside the home). • A husband has the right to divorce without the consent of his wife. • He legally receives custody of children after age 7, but girls usually stay with their mothers. href="http://family.jrank.org/pages/440/Egypt-Marriage-Family.html">Egypt - Marriage And Family</a>)

26. Understanding Egypt… Modern Living • Widows, divorcees (especially childless) and bachelors stigmatized if they lived separately. • Unmarried sons/daughters live with parents until marriage, regardless of age. • After divorce or death of spouse, both men and women, especially if childless, expected to return to parents if they are still alive. Otherwise, expected to live with a brother, sister, or other relative. (<a href="http://family.jrank.org/pages/438/Egypt-Defining-Family-in-Egypt.html">Egypt - Defining Family In Egypt</a>)

27. Understanding Egypt… Women’s Roles in Modern Egypt • Early 1900s: Egyptian women formed first services NGO, and paved the way for women’s wider public participation. • 1942: First women's political party -Egyptian Feminist Party.  • 1956: Constitution granted full political rights to women. • 1962: Appointment of Dr. Hikmat Abu Zayd, the first woman minister in Egypt. • 1982: Nursing school established; helps women acquire income. (http://www2.sis.gov.eg/En/Women/HOWomen/History/100101000000000001.htm)

28. Understanding Egypt… Traditional Attire To left: Woman in sebleh To right: Man in galabeyah http://www.raqs.co.nz/me/clothing_egypt.html

29. Understanding Egypt… Modern Men’s Attire • Usually very similar to the clothing worn in the Western world, less conservative than women’s clothing. • Some men still wear traditional clothing. • Men should wear dark colored, lightweight, conservative business suits, at least to the first meeting. • Men should avoid wearing visible jewelry, especially around the face and neck. (http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/egypt-country-profile.html)

30. Tarbushes, shishas (1926) Gallibaya (c1980) Nubian man 1967

31. Man in tarboosh, woman in bur`a (around 1920) Bedouins had a style all their own.

32. Understanding Egypt… Modern Women’s Attire • Many women wear clothing typical to the Western world, others wear hijabs or abayas (head scarves) and burkas. In some areas, majority of women dress conservatively. Better to be overdressed than underdressed. • Younger women can sometimes get away with jeans and T-shirts, but it depends on region • Visitors advised to wear loose clothing-cover legs and arms completely when walking around downtown. At a minimum, cover shoulders, avoid anything low-cut or tight. • In the Red Sea resorts, dress code more lenient but cover up if going into town or local areas. • Evening dress is less conservative. (http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/Egypt/Muhafazat_al_Qahirah/Cairo-2008750/Local_Customs-Cairo-Dress_Codes_for_Women-BR-1.html)

33. (http://www.elanguages.org/images/42117) Note the variety of clothing-not all girls wear headscarves. Jeans are worn by some children. Legs, arms and shoulders covered. The photographer asked for permission to take the ladies’ pictures. The mother turned her back, but the two young girls did not object. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/doublejeopardy/3083739875/)c

34. Understanding Egypt… Tourist Guide: CASUAL INTERACTIONS • Egypt is a high context communication country. • The listener is responsible for understanding the intended message. • These characteristics are typical of conversation: • Intense eye contact • Implicit body language • Silence • Saying “no” is impolite. • When an Egyptian says “yes”, he or she may actually mean “possibly.” (http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/egypt-country-profile.html)

35. Understanding Egypt… Tourist Guide: CASUAL INTERACTIONS • Indirect communication is also common in Egypt. • Speakers may: • Be circular or ambiguous • Repeat for“emphasis” • Be subjective • Interrupt (frequently) • Speak over other speakers • Be deliberately emotional • Speak loudly • Be prone to get close while talking, and • Likely to value embellishments. • Attempting to gain distance during a conversation could make you seem cold or disinterested. (http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/egypt-country-profile.html)

36. Understanding Egypt… Tourist Guide: CASUAL INTERACTIONS • Non-verbal communication is very popular in Egypt, as it coincides with the other communication styles. • Gestures are very important and may have different meanings than in other countries. • It is rude to point. • A “thumbs up” gesture is considered insulting. • Shoes are removed at meetings, but one should never show the bottoms of his/her feet. (http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/egypt-country-profile.html)

37. Understanding Egypt… Tourist Guide: CASUAL INTERACTIONS • Egyptians touch when speaking with good friends and established business associates. • Until someone is “known well enough” a handshake is appropriate. • Once trust is established, expect close contact including hugging and kissing. (http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/egypt-country-profile.html)

38. Understanding Egypt… Tourist Guide: TRADITIONAL GREETINGS • It is best to follow the lead of the Egyptian you are meeting. • Handshakes are the customary greeting among individuals of the same sex. • Once a relationship has developed, common to kiss on one cheek, then the other while shaking hands, men with men and women with women. • In any greeting between men and women, the woman must extend her hand first. • If she does not, a man should bow his head in greeting. • It is impolite for a man to greet a woman he doesn’t know. (http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/egypt-country-profile.html)

39. Understanding Egypt… Tourist Guide: MOSQUE ETIQUETTE • DO NOT wear a cross or other Judeochristian symbols. • It’s considered an insult. • Men, coming into the women’s section will subject you to being fussed at in Arabic. • Be absolutely silent, talking is considered a sign of disrespect. • MUST cover arms, shoulders, chest and legs (in Coptic Orthodox churches, too). • Men-must cover up as well. (http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/Egypt/Muhafazat_al_Qahirah/Cairo-2008750/Local_Customs-Cairo-Dress_Codes_for_Women-BR-1.html)

40. Understanding Egypt… Tourist Guide: MOSQUE ETIQUETTE • It is considered polite for women to cover their hair and neck with a scarf • Don't make eye contact with men • Take your shoes off before entering through the women's door. • Don't take pictures inside without prior permission. (http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/Egypt/Muhafazat_al_Qahirah/Cairo-2008750/Local_Customs-Cairo-Dress_Codes_for_Women-BR-1.html)

41. Works Cited • Virtual-Egypt.com, (http://www.virtual-egypt.com/newhtml/special/women/index.html • Egypt-Gender and Family, (http://family.jrank.org/pages/439/Egypt-Gender-Family.html) • Egypt-Marriage and Family, (http://family.jrank.org/pages/440/Egypt-Marriage-Family.html) • Egypt Information System, http://www2.sis.gov.eg/En/Women/HOWomen/History/100101000000000001.htm • Kwintessential, (http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/egypt-country-profile.html) • Raqs.co.uk, http://www.raqs.co.nz/me/clothing_egypt.html • Theringbearer.com, theringbearer.ca/cultures.php?v=article&aid=4181 • Virtual Tourist, (http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Africa/Egypt/Muhafazat_al_Qahirah/Cairo-2008750/Local_Customs-Cairo-Dress_Codes_for_Women-BR-1.html) • US Library of Congress, (http://countrystudies.us/egypt/67.htm) • Zawaj.com, http://www.zawaj.com/weddingways/egypt_customs.html