Handbook for Host Families of Egyptian Participants 2010 Table of Contents Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................... 5 Egyptian Culture Quiz ................................................................................................................... 7 Foreword ..................................................................................................................................... 10 Objectives of Handbook ......................................................................................................... 10 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 11 What is Culture? .................................................................................................................... 11 The Cultural Iceberg ............................................................................................................... 11 Generalizations and Stereotypes ............................................................................................. 13 Culture and Perception .......................................................................................................... 16 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 18 Geography ............................................................................................................................ 19 Climate ................................................................................................................................. 19 Communication ........................................................................................................................... 20 Indirect and Direct Communication Styles ................................................................................ 20 Correcting Your Egyptian Student ............................................................................................ 21 The “three no’s” Rule ............................................................................................................. 22 Linear and Circular Communication Styles ............................................................................... 23 “Nagging” ............................................................................................................................. 25 Non‐Verbal Communication ................................................................................................... 26 Language Ability .................................................................................................................... 27 Sensitive Topics ..................................................................................................................... 28 Food and Mealtimes ................................................................................................................... 29 Etiquette and Table Manners .................................................................................................. 29 Foods Restrictions ................................................................................................................. 30 Holidays and Food ................................................................................................................. 30 Family Life ................................................................................................................................... 31 Daily Life ............................................................................................................................... 31 Night Life .............................................................................................................................. 32 Importance of Religious Holidays ............................................................................................ 32 Parent and Child Relationship ................................................................................................. 33 Discipline .............................................................................................................................. 33 Sibling Relationship ................................................................................................................ 34 Sense of Space ........................................................................................................................... 35 Living Space .......................................................................................................................... 35 Personal Space ...................................................................................................................... 37 Space among Family Members ............................................................................................... 38 Shared Space ......................................................................................................................... 38 What do these differences re: space mean in practical terms to you and your student? ............... 39 Teenage Life ............................................................................................................................... 40 Peer Relationships ................................................................................................................. 40 Dating and Marriage .............................................................................................................. 40 Free Time .............................................................................................................................. 41 Education .................................................................................................................................... 43 Teaching and Learning Styles .................................................................................................. 43 Teacher/Student Relationship ................................................................................................. 43 Daily and Weekly Schedule ..................................................................................................... 44 3 Homework ............................................................................................................................ 44 Extra‐Curricular Activities ....................................................................................................... 45 Parental Involvement at School ............................................................................................... 45 Clothing at School .................................................................................................................. 46 School and Community Presentations ..................................................................................... 46 Transportation ............................................................................................................................. 47 Sense of Time ............................................................................................................................. 50 Personal Hygiene and Grooming ................................................................................................ 52 Cleanliness and Religious Washing .......................................................................................... 52 Bathroom Routines ................................................................................................................ 52 Showering at School .............................................................................................................. 53 Swimming ............................................................................................................................. 53 Body Hair .............................................................................................................................. 54 Feet/Shoes ............................................................................................................................ 54 Laundry ................................................................................................................................ 54 Privacy and Modesty in the Home ........................................................................................... 55 Dogs and Pets ........................................................................................................................ 55 Gender Roles .............................................................................................................................. 56 Adjusting to U.S. American Gender Roles ................................................................................. 57 Religion ....................................................................................................................................... 58 Role of Religion in Egypt ......................................................................................................... 58 Key Terms ............................................................................................................................. 59 Practices of Islam ................................................................................................................... 60 Islamic Prayer ........................................................................................................................ 60 Tips & Recommendations