The right hand should be used for gesturing, touching objects and handling food and utensils, according to U. The thumbs-up gesture in Arab countries means roughly the same as raising a middle finger in the West. The sight or touch of the soles of the feet is an even graver insult: Jubilant Iraqis who whacked the fallen statue of Saddam Hussein with their shoes last April were subjecting the tyrant to the worst humiliation imaginable.
Finally, the entrenched conservatism of the Iraqi countryside protects women with walls that are both literal and figurative. Mahoney and his command staff have grown close to many Iraqis -- sheiks, contractors, officials. The tradition of hospitality results in many invitations to meals at their homes. But the U. The women cook in an adjoining room, but young men serve the food.
Even the most innocent mention of a wife or daughter could be interpreted the wrong way, said Nahida Kareem, chairwoman of the sociology department at Baghdad University. Especially coming from a foreigner.
Such generalizations apply mainly to the countryside and to devout Muslims, not necessarily to more Westernized urban families. Still, U. Cultural change moves in both directions, however. Likewise, how do u say hello in Iraq?
Likewise, what is the culture like in Iraq? The dominating culture within Iraq is Arab, and most Arabs are Muslim. Iraqi Muslims are split into two groups, the Sunnis and the Shias Shiites. The Sunnis, a majority in Islam, are a minority in Iraq , and the Shias, a minority in the Arab world, are the majority in Iraq. The language that people speak in Iraq is Arabic and Kurdish. Be amazed by the Islamic architecture of Karbala. Be in awe of the ancient city of Ur.
Cruise through The Marshes. Enter the Kurdistan capital of Erbil. Explore Iraq's past at the National Museum. Explore the pretty canals of Basra. Explore the ruins of Babylon. How do you say bye in Iraq? Basic Etiquette It is important to respect the age hierarchy. Stand up when someone older than you enters the room and offer them your seat if there are none available.
Men are expected to stand up to greet women—especially those with children. This is considered insulting. Similarly, it is inappropriate to cross your legs when facing someone. When someone offers you something or makes a kind gesture towards you, it is polite to lightly protest first e. Once the person insists, you may accept the offer. Some Iraqis observe a separation between the functions of the hands. This custom is tied to Islamic principles that prescribe the left hand should be used for removal of dirt and for cleaning.
It should not be used for functions such as waving, eating or offering items. Therefore, one should gesture, touch people, or offer items using both hands together. Using the one hand alone can seem too informal, but if doing so, use the right. Be aware that if you show admiration for an item or compliment a possession, an Iraqi may feel obliged to offer the item to you as a gift. As it is a expected form of politeness , neglecting to say it may be perceived as a slight or that you are ignoring the person.
It is common for Iraqis to be late. Punctuality is not highly important in Iraq and unpredictable incidents can disrupt daily schedules. Events and appointments also often run overtime as people usually try to give each other as much attention and respect as possible. Therefore, It can be a good idea to allow more time for an arrangement with an Iraqi than you normally would. It is expected that men pay for the women in Iraq.
Therefore, Iraqi men may insist on paying the bill for other men as well—especially in a small group or business setting. Among friends, people may protest lightly before allowing the person who volunteered to pay. However, it is considered very awkward and rude to completely refuse to let someone pay for you and pay for yourself instead.
Some may see this as an insult to their honour. Visiting It is considered an honour to host guests; therefore, invitations to attend dinner or occasions at Iraqi homes are often offered quite early on in friendships.
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