I attended a cultural and protocol class today, which I found very interesting. It revealed major cultural differences that was mind boggling, and to some aspects, disconcerting. While living abroad, I try not to do anything that may be construed as "Ugly American" behavior... no matter how much I want to express my anger and frustrations at times. Educating myself on the country I'm living in is the key to a successful transition. Bottom Line: Refrain from imposing your country's customs on another country.
Of the 20 million that live in Cairo, 90% are Muslims. The remaining 10% are Coptic Christians (Egyptian Christians who can trace their faith back to when they had to defend it against the reigning empires of Egypt). The Muslims in Egypt are Sunni Muslims (largest Islam denomination followers) vice Shi' ite Muslims (2nd largest). The latter have received bad press due to their predominance in Iraq and Iran. As to their differences, Sunni and Shi' ite Muslims have as much nuances as Catholics to Christians.
Egyptian Cultural Differences and Protocols:
1) Egyptians don't have last names. It's a first name society that carries a series of first names upon the bearer inclusive of bestowed biblical name from the Qu' ran (holy book), father's name, and grandfather's name. This is why telephone books are a rarity in Egypt. There are no last names. For example, Muhammad Ali Ahmed = Muhammad (bestowed biblical name) + Ali (father's first name) + Ahmed (grandfather's first name).
2. A Caste System of sorts still exists. Class lines are not crossed. You cannot befriend the lower class. It's too ingrained in their upbringing to allow the lines to mar. If you are upper class, you cannot be too familiar with your servants. If you cross the class lines, they will lose respect for you, no matter how good your intentions. Even something simple as shaking their hands will indicate disrespect of the system.
3. Acceptable body exposure. Face, hands, and feet are the only body parts that can be exposed, except those of the fundamental Muslim faith (i.e. women who wear burkas). Western influences have caused a range of fashion for women inclusive of long sleeve blouses tucked into floor length skirts topped with head scarves (hegab); jeans, long sleeve blouses, and hegab; humar (head scarf worn by the lower class females) which is a mid-length head scarf over material that covers bangs (imagine a nun's habit and veil) worn over a floor length enveloping garment; the most extreme apparel for women, already mentioned, is the burka or nagab. Needless to say, tourists who come over wearing shorts, miniskirts, or tank tops are thought to be HIGHLY promiscuous.
4. It is extremely rude to show the bottom of your feet (or shoes when worn). Egads. Looks like I'll have to give up my pedicures here. :( If they come upon someone with their feet propped on a desk, or at an airport with feet propped on their carry on, it indicates disrespect. It is also customary not to cross your legs when you are sitting, but it is alright to cross your ankles. Ahhhh, this one will be difficult to remember!
5. Avert the eyes. When walking about, avert eye contact. Especially women. For the latter, it elicits sexual suggestion. In general when conversing with Egyptians, it is disrespectful to look them directly in the eye. Egads. I've even gotten in the habit of staring at their foreheads when I talk to them now.
6. Body Language. Despite the aforementioned modesties, Egyptians are affectionate and have no concept of "personal space". They like to talk very close to your face. It is customary to see straight men greet each other kissing both cheeks, walk arm in arm, or even hold hands. And the same goes for straight women. It is NOT customary to see men and women touch each other in public. The only exception seems to be in areas denoting a strong Western influence, when a man shakes a woman's hands. However, a woman should not extend her hand out first. And when you shake, be sure to use your right hand, as the left hand is the "hygiene" wiping hand. I definitely won't have any problems remembering this rule. LoL.
7. Riding in enclosed spaces. Unless they are driving, women do not sit in the front unless it is a car full of women. In fact, they are not to ride in an elevator alone with a man, unless he is her husband or family member. It is recommended that women let the elevator go, and take the next appropriate elevator. Even if they're running late. On the trains or metros, there is a "women's car". The other cars can be ridden if they are not too congested, but it is more favorable to ride in the women's car if you are a woman. Yikes!
8. Egyptian children are taught to show their respects and greet you. A shy child is scolded and trained to show "respects". When a baby is born, infused compliments should not be heaped on the baby, as bad luck or an "evil eye" will be cast on the baby. It is customary to speak well-wishes in deference to "In Shaalla (In God's Will)". An example of a proper response would be translated as, "God willing this baby will grow up to be healthy and beautiful".
9. There are 28 letters in the Egyptian Arabic alphabet. However, Egyptians can't pronounce the letter "P" since it is not part of their alphabet. When they say an American product that has the letter "P", they substitute it with a "B" sound. For example, they like American sodas such as "Seven-Ub" and "Bebsis". LoL. Should my baby sister come visit, she'll be addressed as "Bamela".
Living in the Middle East where women are considered second class citizens will definitely be a challenge for my free thinking, self-reliant, strong willed self. Fortunately, the Egyptians where I work have grown accustom to "American-isms", and have therefore overlooked our (many) breach of customs. So far, I have found the local nationals at work to be very respectful, endearing, and genuinely helpful. I may encounter something else in the greater community, but it will NOT deter me from gaining an overall enriching experience here! In Shaalla.
