2. Persians living in Santa Clara Population History Religion

3. Why did Persians move to the U.S.? For a better education Iranian Revolution

4. Most Popular Religions Muslim, Bahai Converted to Christianity in the U.S.

5. Persian Demographics In Santa Clara County Persians populate.74% of the population

6. Based on a survey of 10 local students, Persians showed high and low context traits

7. Low Context Factors Communication style is highly verbal Gestures are commonly used Greetings involve handshake and kissing

8. High Context Factors Culture showed ingroup bias Collectivist View (Family, friends come first) Relaxed Time Concept

9. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE # 1 Everybody helps each other out, close knit bonds Very loyal, friendships usually last a life time

10. THEY LOVE TO HAVE A GOOD TIME! Socialize first then work, relationships are cherished “Persian Time” means one hour later, never rushed always relaxed

11. Persians believe in superstition quite a lot

12. Most popular beliefs carried out to America Compliments brings badluck (“nice hair” then hair falls out) Esfand and Turqouise eye protects from evil

13. Other popular beliefs carried out to America Holding Koran over head tells God to watch over High Education = Success

14. Values carried out to America Respect towards Family (Formal Communication) Special Prefixes used “Tou” (younger) “Shomah” (elders) Persian Literature

15. Persian New Years “New Rooz” (farsi) Rituals performed to signify new beginnings (bake pastries, new clothes) Table of Seven “Haft Seen” set up in all households Different foods symbolize different things ( rebirth of nature, fertility, natural beauty, love, health, age)

17. Persian Communication Style Within Small Groups Language Respect Eye Contact Body Language Personal Space/Touch