oral and nonverbal communications in Dubai
Oral and Nonverbal Communication in the UAE (Dubai)
Due to the UAE 's high standard of living and growth in trade, many people from all around the world come to the UAE striving for a better life and jobs that pay well. There are around 4.4 million people in the country, with only 15--20% of them being citizens and 96% being Muslims. Hofstede’s analysis of the United Arab Emirates indicates that religion (Islam) plays an important role in people’s lives. Islam is the official and majority religion and includes almost every aspect of life. Education, laws, food, clothes, daily routines and even conversations are all strongly influenced by Islam. The Islamic faith places great emphasis on behaviors such as generosity, respect and modesty which most Emiratis display. The country scores high on power distance and uncertainty avoidance. That means that the society is highly rule--oriented with laws, regulations and controls.
Basic Cultural Values
Before doing business in a country, such as United Arab Emirates, we need to understand basic cultural values of that country. There are some values that specifically prevail in Arab culture: endurance and rectitude; loyalty and dignity; generosity, courage and self--respect; pride, rivalry and revenge. The basic values include: collectivism, hospitality and honor.
In the UAE social relations are crucial. “Nomadic hospitality or diyafa dates to pre--Islamic times and emerged as a coping mechanism in the desert environment, where individuals were utterly dependent on the assistance of others during travel or for protection from avengers or oppressors.” (Feghali, 1997, p. 345).
Oral Communication
Language and Communication Style
Arabic is the official language of the UAE but English is widely spoken in Dubai. However, rules and laws are published in Arabic, as well as government affairs. Natives usually speak Arabic called Emirates. You can get by with just speaking English in Dubai, but if you are ready to learn
Due to the UAE 's high standard of living and growth in trade, many people from all around the world come to the UAE striving for a better life and jobs that pay well. There are around 4.4 million people in the country, with only 15--20% of them being citizens and 96% being Muslims. Hofstede’s analysis of the United Arab Emirates indicates that religion (Islam) plays an important role in people’s lives. Islam is the official and majority religion and includes almost every aspect of life. Education, laws, food, clothes, daily routines and even conversations are all strongly influenced by Islam. The Islamic faith places great emphasis on behaviors such as generosity, respect and modesty which most Emiratis display. The country scores high on power distance and uncertainty avoidance. That means that the society is highly rule--oriented with laws, regulations and controls.
Basic Cultural Values
Before doing business in a country, such as United Arab Emirates, we need to understand basic cultural values of that country. There are some values that specifically prevail in Arab culture: endurance and rectitude; loyalty and dignity; generosity, courage and self--respect; pride, rivalry and revenge. The basic values include: collectivism, hospitality and honor.
In the UAE social relations are crucial. “Nomadic hospitality or diyafa dates to pre--Islamic times and emerged as a coping mechanism in the desert environment, where individuals were utterly dependent on the assistance of others during travel or for protection from avengers or oppressors.” (Feghali, 1997, p. 345).
Oral Communication
Language and Communication Style
Arabic is the official language of the UAE but English is widely spoken in Dubai. However, rules and laws are published in Arabic, as well as government affairs. Natives usually speak Arabic called Emirates. You can get by with just speaking English in Dubai, but if you are ready to learn
References: Business etiquette in the UAE. U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council. Retrieved from http://usuaebusiness.org/about-the-uae/business-etiquette-in-the-uae/ Cultural Insights: United Arab Emirates (UAE). IOR Global Services. Retrieved from http://www.iorworld.com/united-arab-emirates-cultural-insights---worldview---cultural-assumptions---communication-style---business-practices-pages-483.php Customs and Behavior. Tips on how to behave in Muslim countries. 30-Days Prayer Network. Retrieved from http://www.30-days.net/islam/culture/customs/ Feghali, E. (1997). Arab culture communication patterns. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 21(3), 345-378. Kayed, N. (2014). Personal interview in Dubai with General Manager of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Cultural Understanding. Uploaded on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1_wzLQBBRc Nydell, Margaret K. (2012). Understanding Arabs: A Contemporary guide to Arab Society. Boston, MA: Nicholas Brealey Publishing Safadi, M., & Valentine, C. A. (1990). Contrastive analyses of American and Arab nonverbal and paralinguistic communications. Semiotica, 82 (3/4), 269-292. United Arab Emirates Business Etiquette & Culture. Cyborlink.com. Retrieved from http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/uae.htm