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Communication Styles

Diversity factors

The older generation of Saudis may expect a certain level of respect and formality to be maintained when communicating with them, regardless of their rank or position in the company.

High context

Communication in Saudi Arabia is high context, meaning people rely on a wide variety of contextual clues when communicating — not just words. In addition, because of the Arab culture's emphasis on personal relationships and interdependence, it is assumed that there is a shared understanding among members of a group. Therefore, much information does not need to be verbalized because it is already known or understood.

Indirect

The focus on interpersonal relations means there may often be a stronger emphasis on what someone wants to hear rather than on directness and blunt honesty. This is the result of families living in the same communities for centuries, and the complex interrelationships among families. Traditionally, an effort is made not to offend another person even when conveying a difficult message. This communication style also carries over into working relationships.

The tendency to talk around an issue without answering directly is especially true if an Arab would have to say "no" in response to a question. Rather than coming straight to the point, an Arab is more likely to be polite but vague. Since they do not like to give negative answers, it is possible that some Arabs will agree to a request that they do not intend to honor. On the other hand, they may answer in the affirmative but be deliberately vague about any specific commitment. However, other, nonverbal cues, such as a reluctance to commit to an actual time for a meeting, or whether the affirmative answer is being said with enthusiasm or with hesitancy, may indicate their true feelings.

Personal

Personal relationships: The Saudis emphasize personal relationships. Therefore, personal and social issues are of primary importance in communication between individuals. A Saudi will want to get to know someone and build trust with them before engaging in business discussions. This is not always limited to simple pleasantries, but is a sincere effort to be friendly and interested. This is also linked to their concept of time, in that the present is to be lived and the future will take care of itself.

Polite: Another characteristic of the Saudis is their tendency to be very polite, which is rooted in the importance of hospitality in Arab culture. The Arab host will pay much attention to ensure that their guest is comfortable. Therefore, Saudis will demonstrate courtesy, which can also extend to comments filled with praise and gratitude toward their guest. In these situations, the foreigner may respond by showing sincere appreciation to the host's kindness.

Expressive

Arabs value the ability to speak eloquently. They are very expressive and place great importance on words. Observers have remarked that the manner in which a statement is made is sometimes more important than the content or words. Another observation a non-Arabic speaker may notice is the use of hand gestures, emotion or loud tones Arabs use when talking. This comes from the way the Arabic language is spoken, as many words must be said with a kind of passion in order to use the right pronunciation.



Power of words: In addition, it is typical for an Arab to believe in the power of words to influence circumstances. This is why the Arabs often speak in euphemisms. Some people believe that direct speech about sickness or death, for example may actually create negative consequences.

Perhaps this value for language derives from the beauty that Arabs find in the words of the Qur'an. It is said that the writing style of the Qur'an is more poetic than anything ever composed in Arabic. In fact, this is often given as proof of the book's divine origins, as the Prophet Muhammad was illiterate when he received the revelations.

Basic Phrases:

 

Thank you (Shokran) Good bye (Ma Al Salamah)  
Good evening (Masa Al Khair) See you later (Narak Qareeban)  
I'm sorry, I don't speak Arabic (Asef La istatea, An Atakalam Ana Alogah Al Arabiah) Excuse me (Losamaht)  
Good morning (Sabah Al Khair) Fine, thank you (Tayib Shokran)  
Nice to meet you (Forsah Saeedah) Good afternoon (Masa Al Khair)  
How are you? (Kaif halak) You're welcome (Afwan)  

Personal space

In Arab culture, individuals of the same gender stand somewhat closer together than in some other cultures. Eye contact is important. Physical touch among the same gender is also common among Arabs, although this is less the case in Saudi Arabia and countries on the Arabian Peninsula than in other Arab nations. Even here, however, friends often greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. It is common to see two friends walking down the street, hand in hand. While this contact is common both among men and among women, it is restricted to members of the same sex. In many places, it is either illegal or highly unusual to see public displays of affection between men and women.


Date: 2015-12-11; view: 908


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