Other values? Fundamental values in US and Egyptian cultures, and a humble attempt to explain them! Presented by: Connie and Hoda Thursday 9 July 2009 Cairo

Value 1: Self reliance/ long-term relationships ValueUS perspective of the value Egyptian perspective of the value Self reliance vs. long-term relationships Individualistic Not perceived as anti-social Use “I” rather than “we” Personal story! Personal accomplishment The opposite perception in Egypt: Selfish Isolated Not fitting in Does not trust us! Ungrateful (excessive use of “I”) The family is the social center of Egyptian life and approach to life is non- committal. Egyptians take time to build relationships to last. Families are hospitable and values comfort and happiness of all. US/EGY Values

Translating the values to both families! Why is it difficult for Egyptian students to be self reliant? Why are American students so individualistic? Teenagers rely on family. Making mistakes are ok but should learn from them, take accountability and be responsible. It is shameful to make mistakes. This should be discussed with student but may take time as student will need to reflect on it. It is not their role to make decisions on their own. Clear answers to their questions and concerns are important – perhaps several times - every time. Decision making is an important skill that parents, teachers, etc teach American children as they grow up Teenagers brought up to fix their problems if they make mistakes- parents are in the backstage observing and providing support if necessary (not absent!) Not expected to rely on others Preparation for their lifestyle of moving out, living on their own, paying their own bills at a much earlier age than Egyptian youth. US/EGY Values

Value 2: Control vs. fate ValueUS perspective of the value Egyptian perspective of the value Control vs. fateTaking action Feeling empowered Just do it! Openness to facing and dealing with problems The opposite perception in Egypt: Who died and made you king/queen? Consensus is important- you can’t just take charge Younger people can’t take action! Role of older people/parents is very neglected this way “We are not in control”. Whatever happens – happens. We are not supposed to know but we feel that we are in control. Money and power changes people. It is important to be patient. Inshalla US/EGY Values

Translating the values to both families! Why is it difficult for Egyptian students to take charge of their own matters more? Why are American students acting that way? They are not used to acting individually They need validation every time It is not their role They are not supposed to be in control of the future. In the US culture, the end result is more important than the process. They are result- oriented Efficiency is an important skill. The more they can solve problems and fix situations, the better prepared they are for life It is related to concepts of time and speaking up discussed in other sections. US/EGY Values

Value 3: Equality ValueUS perspective of the value Egyptian perspective of the value EqualitySocial equality a cornerstone of US culture History of struggle for equality Equal opportunities Informal People are equal, but there are differences that need to be recognized and respected US/EGY Values

Translating the values to both families! Why is it difficult for Egyptian students to understand? Why are American students believe in the best for themselves? Equality is for all but some are more equal than others Teenagers taught to believe in the American dream US/EGY Values

Value 4:The American dream vs. tradition and dignity ValueUS perspective of the value Egyptian perspective of the value The American dream vs. tradition and dignity Opportunities Personal success and abundance Buying/owning things The opposite perception in Egypt: Materialism Individualistic Personal success is the exception, not the rule Egyptians have a rich history and many traditions and take strong pride in these. It is important to preserve one's dignity as well as that of one's group. Egyptians tend to strive to show their “best face” and changes will take time for student. US/EGY Values

Translating the values to both families! What is the Egyptian dream that students work towards achieving? How do students perceive as the American dream? Parents know best – may give student options. Patience and understanding is important. It is important to celebrate birthdays and to honor holidays. Surprise student with special dishes This is part of a student’s personality and how they are brought up The ideal situation is that they achieve what they want on their own- this is their calling! US/EGY Values

Value 5: Law & Order ValueUS perspective of the value Egyptian perspective of the value Law and order US/EGY Values

Translating the values to both families! Why is it difficult for Egyptian students to….? Why are American students ……? US/EGY Values

Value 6:Speaking up vs. meeting the needs of others ValueUS perspective of the value Egyptian perspective of the value Speaking up vs. meeting the needs of others Freedom of speech Explicit Content vs.. context Friendly communication with less assumptions and more information Assertiveness is values, respected and taught The need to be heard! Too direct- like a train Implicit Context is more important than content Rude You do not have to speak your mind all the time US/EGY Values

Translating the values to both families! Why is it difficult for Egyptian students to speak their mind? Why are American students too direct? It is not right to take charge. The family is the social center of Egyptian life and approach to life is non-committal. It is important to foster to spend time with student, enjoying oneself and create good social connections They are taught to be direct because sharing information is very valuable when they communicate The intention is not offend, but to be clear They see this as being hones, not rude US/EGY Values

Value 7: “Time is money” vs. social connections ValueUS perspective of the value Egyptian perspective of the value Speed vs. social connectionsTime management Saving time Agendas Why the hurry? We have all the time in the world What matters is who you spend your time with, not how? US/EGY Values

Translating the values to both families! Why is it difficult for Egyptian students to accept? Why are American students so obsessed with time? Slower pace of time. Perception of time is flexible and “loose”. Lighthearted approach to life and value humor. Accomplishments done through a relationship process not linear. They can be completed but are not bound to the pressure of time ticking. It is viewed in a holistic sense rather than in a segmented structure. Accomplishments can be completed but are not bound to the pressures of time ticking. This is how they can measure their accomplishments It is easier to see how well you are doing when you can attach a number to it Students often feel that they are running out of time- and this is a cause of concern Their need to accomplish and measure their accomplishments is very important US/EGY Values