Exploring the Arab Language And Culture Lesson one BY: Howida Moustafa

Who are Arabs? Arabs or Arabians are a cultural group located all around the world, but mainly in northern Africa and western Asia. Ranging over 450 million people worldwide, the Arabs are very distinct. Arabs have a rich history and a diverse culture usually following the religion of Islam.

Where are Arabs located? Scattered around the globe Arabs are primarily located in “The Middle East”, which stretches from Morocco across Northern Africa to the Persian Gulf There are 22 Arab countries Iran and Turkey are not Arab Countries Out of the 450 million Arabs worldwide 3.5 million of them live in the U.S.A.

Arab Countries

What Language do Arabs Speak? All Arabs speak Arabic, although Arabic tends to have different dialects in different countries. To give you an example you can relate to, in England they speak English; if you are from America you could probably communicate with them, but you would have a hard time understanding some words. The Arabic Alphabet has 28 letters, and can be spoken, written, and read. Arabs write from right to left instead of left to right.

Arabic Religions Most of the Arabs practice the Islamic religion Arabic is the official and the original language of the Qur’an, the Islamic holy book Christianity comes as the second religion in the Arab world as 5.5 percent of Arabs practice Christianity The Arab world includes Muslims, Christians and Jews Arabs make up only 12% of the Muslim world population

Arab Culture Arabs are family oriented with strong ties amongst family and kin Sons and daughters are expected to take care of their parents in their elderly years Arabs highly value friendship Honor and respect are also very important values in the Arab culture Arabs have a strong attachment to their community , both men and women are very active in society Arabic culture emphasizes privacy, although this varies greatly from one country to another Politics varies widely in the Arab world, however most governments are secular

Women In the Arab Culture Female identity in the Arab world comes from the Islamic religion. Islam assigned a great honorary position for woman Daughters are considered a great blessing from God. The prophet said whomever raises girls and takes good care of them will accompany him in heaven As a wife she is considered a mate and partner to her other half As a mother she has more rights over her children than the father Women are viewed as equal to men in the eyes of God, however they are not identical

Dress Code in the Arab Culture Religion plays a major role in how Arab men and women dress All woman should cover their bodies and wear head-covering according to the Islamic religion Men are also expected to cover, however not in the same way as women Abaya and Jilbab are the most popular dress for woman in Arab countries Woman wear the latest fashion under the Abaya In countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, UAE etc. women have the choice to cover or not In Saudi Arabia all women typically wear the Abaya over their clothes, even non-Muslims do so as a sign of respect to the nationals. Not all women cover their hair or face though

Arab Traditions Arabs celebrate two major holidays Eid el Fiter and Eid al Adha . Eid el Fiter is the festival of fast breaking and comes after the month of Ramadan . Ramdan is the month of fasting and spiritual reflection. Muslim fast this month to feel the suffering of the poor and to purify their soul. Fasting is not only from food but also from ill behavior Eid al Adha comes after Hajj Hajj takes place in the 12th month of Hijri year During Hajj, millions of Muslims go to Makkah to perform the pilgrimage

Food in the Arab world The Arab food cuisine is very rich and delicious. Dessert is used to celebrate special and different occasion. Baklava and Konafa are popular desserts Main dishes vary from country to another but most of them include rice, olive oil and halal meat or chicken such as kabsa, mhashy, couscous, keba, kofta and makloba Popular appetizers are humous, falafel and taboula Are you hungry yet?

Enjoy watching this video Exploring the Arab world culture and language. http://animoto.com/play/3vIBuMXLk4waFPXYuNeSIw