1. North Africa and Southwest Asia
Elements of Culture
North Africa and Southwest Asia

2. Elements of Culture Language Religion Everyday life Customs/traditions
Role of Women

3. Language
The majority of people living in North Africa and Southwest Asia speak the language of Arabic- The modern written language (Modern Standard Arabic) is derived from the language of the Quran (known as Classical Arabic or Quranic Arabic). It is widely taught in schools, universities, and used to varying degrees in workplaces, government and the media.
Written and read from left to right
Arabic influence, both in vocabulary and grammar, is seen in Romance languages, particularly Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan and Sicilian

4. Arabic

5. Religion
Islam is the most practiced religion of the region, however Christianity and Judaism are also practiced
83% of Muslims in the region are Sunni (Sunni vs Shi’ite)
Read Qur’an and visits the mosque
Modern Jews pray at the Wailing Wall
Christians visit places like the Mount of Olives
Muslims have a shrine called the Dome of the Rock

7. 5 Pillars of Faith
Declaration of Faith (Shahada) – Belief in Allah and his prophet/messanger Muhammad
Prayer (Salat) – Praying 5x/day towards the holy city of Mecca, located in Saudi Arabia
Alms (Zakāt) - Practice of charitable giving by Muslims based on accumulated wealth, and is obligatory for all who are able to do so. It is considered to be a personal responsibility for Muslims to ease economic hardship for others and eliminate inequality
Fasting (Sawm)- Ritual fasting is an obligatory act during the month of Ramadan. Muslims must abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk during this month, and are to be especially mindful of other sins
Pilgrimage (Hajj)- a pilgrimage that occurs during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah to the holy city of Mecca. Every able-bodied Muslim is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life

9. Everyday Life
Souks, or marketplaces, are common features of life in North Africa
Known for high pressure sales
Bargains
You can get everything in souk
Food (traditional)
Clothes
Spices
Traditionally men work while women stay at home, but opportunities for women in education and in the business world are increasing

10. YOU CAN GET EVERYTHING AT THE SOUK

11. Customs/Traditions Many women (Muslim) cover their hair and/or faces
Practicing the 5 Pillars of Faith
Some places (restaurants) have separate eating areas for men and women
Last meal of the day is usually between 8p-11p
Emphasis on rice, wheat products and heavy spices
Political/terroists groups like the Taliban in Afghanistan have restricted people’s behavior
Many believe the Western influence is changing and threatening the culture and values
Music is characterized by an emphasis on melody and rhythm

13. Role of Women
Many Southwest Asian societies have strict rules concerning women’s roles in society
Because family is viewed as very important, many women stay at home to manage household affairs