Egypt - Customs and Courtesies

Egypt

Customs and Courtesies

Greetings

The traditional Islamic greeting is "assalaamu alaikum" which mean peace be upon you. Men cheek kiss other men and women cheek kiss other women, no woman if good family would cheek kiss a man, even if it is a friend that they have know all of their life. The cheek kiss is usually done with friends and family. If this did happen the woman would be considered of loose morals. In conservative and ultra orthodox Muslim women there would not even be eye contact and certainly no hand contact with the opposite sex. For example when a ultra conservative Muslim woman make a purchase she allows the salesman to put the change on the counter and then picks it up as opposed to setting it in her hand, thereby ensuring no physical contact at all.

Eating/diet/food customs

Egyptian cuisine comes from a crossroad culture so they have picked and chosen those ingredients and food that grow best as well as best meet and the flavor of their people. Egypt has a lot to choose from since it bridges Africa and Asia. Meats are largely grilled or roasted, whole or minced, with lamb and chicken predominating. They also eat fish like perch and tuna. Bread is always whole pita, coated with coarse ground wheat, round, fragrant, and best eaten hot. Vegetables like tomato, little hot green peppers, onions, okra, cabbage, cauliflower, potatoes. Other veggies that show up often are beans, mostly chick pea and fava, which are eaten stewed fro breakfast, hearty stewed for lunch and dinner. Rice is a universal constant which usually consist of grain mix short basmati-like rice with longer brown, nutty tasting rice. There are a lot of spices like saffron and curries and the food is usually spices but not spicy. One of their delicacies is grilled pigeon. They eat a lot of fresh fruits like figs, dates, oranges, and pomegranates. In a Muslim country alcohol is frowned on so they drink a lot of tea and fresh juices.

Gestures

The most common gesture that indicates "no" are: moving the head slightly back and raising the eyebrows; moving the head back and chin forward; or moving the chin back slightly and making a clicking sound with the tongue. After shaking hands, placing the right hand over the heart indicates respect and sincerity. To kiss the forehead, nose, or right hand of a person who is being greeted is extreme respect. In western culture the "A-OK" sign is a positive gesture but in Egypt If the gesture is shaken at the other person it symbolizes the sign of the evil eye. Hitting the right fist into the palm of the left hand indicates obscenity or contempt. Placing the tips of the left hand together so that it faces right, then placing the right index finger directly on the left fingertips indicates an insult directed at one's birth or parentage. Specifically, "You have five fathers," basically calling their mother a whore.

Personal Appearance

Personal hygiene and appearance is a top priority for Egyptians. The traditional garments are made out of cotton and look like robes. The men's are called Galabya and women's are called galabia. They take bathes and showers often and use scent body oils. Men also wear turbans. In the cities modern western dress attire can be seen every wear. They usually wear some sort of sandal.

Communicating Interpersonally

The Egyptians speak louder than Americans and when mad will literally scream. They stand very close to you while conversing, usually 12 inches or less. The close stance is a means to evaluate eye movement, smell and thermal qualities of the other person. Touching and patting are also important. Eye contact is critical when talking to the same sex and look indirectly when it is the opposite sex. Egyptians believe "eyes are the ladle of the words" and express your sincerity. It is impolite to ask about an Egyptian's family or himself in front of other people or loud enough for others to hear. Don't ask him about his wife or daughters directly if you are male.

The People

Attitudes and Values

The motto of Egypt is "Life, Health, and Well-being." Egyptians place a strong emphasis on the nuclear family, the love for social activities, and attachment to appearance and fashion. Egypt is a monochronic high contact culture. They are open, warm, welcoming people towards tourists

Population

The population of Egypt