Culturally Speaking

[jmfargo]

According to what we have learned in Arabic 105, meeting somebody for the first time requires a lot of what I would almost consider "filler" speech. I know we do this in America as well, but usually the filler is quick and simple, "That's nice," or "Oh, yeah!"

In Arabic countries, a typical introductory greeting between two people could go like this:

John: Good morning to you!
Mike: And good morning to you, as well!
John: My name is John.
Mike: My name is Mike.
John: Nice to meet you!
Mike: Good morning to you!
John: Good morning to you too!
Mike: How are you?
John: Good, thank you, praise God. And you?
Mike: A little tired, praise God. Thank you.
John: I work at the university.
Mike: I'm a librarian.
John: Good morning to you!
Mike: Good morning to you too!
John: It was nice to meet you. I have a meeting, may I go?
Mike: Of course, go. Nice to meet you.
John: Goodbye.
Mike: Goodbye.

The literal translation would be different, but you're saying the exact same thing after every bit of introductory information. The "Good morning to you" translates roughly to a general statement of pleasure at learning something new. It's strange to me.

And there's a LOT of praising God built into the language. For example, if you say you're doing well, but don't say "Al-hum dul-allah" ("praise God"), it is considered strange and possibly rude.

Just thought I'd share.

Comments

[argonel.livejournal.com]

As much as you can separate language and culture is the praising of god part of the language or is it "just" a cultural issue. I.E. is it required to be grammitically correct or is on so ingrained in the culture that it sounds unnatural to leave it out.
Considering that languages don't exist in a vacuum it can be interesting to see what cultural baggage comes along for the ride.

[jfargo.livejournal.com]

In this case, you can leave it out and it would just be rude, not incorrect. In some other cases it's built in. For example: "in sha-allah" Roughly translated it means "If God wills it," but it means sort of "With any luck" or "I hope."

[rain-herself.livejournal.com]

That's kind of neat. I'm sure it would get on my nerves if I had to do it all the time, but since I don't, it's charming. :)

[jfargo.livejournal.com]

It's interesting how many phrases there are that go on in everyday conversations that don't really matter. We have them in English, too, I'm guessing, but since we're "part" of it, we don't notice it.

[akdidge.livejournal.com]

...but don't say "Al-hum dul-allah" ("praise God"), it is considered strange and possibly rude.

I read that as, "Um-hmm, dull allah" at first, heh. Which would probably be considered just rude, not odd.

[jfargo.livejournal.com]

I don't know. Sounds like you'd pronounce it as well as about half of my class. :)

[kauricat.livejournal.com]

This is very cool to know.

[1mother1.livejournal.com]

That is very interesting.

[venakali.livejournal.com]

I saw an odd name at work the other day. I know it was a real name. Almighty Allah. All I could think was (and I know this is terrible)... "wow, that guy must have a hard time at the airport."

[turbotroll.livejournal.com]

Lots of exaggerated niceties there...Fascinating. Please keep us updated with more Arabic language bits as its one I've always been curious about but too lazy to learn more about.

Truly a culture of hatred and violence.

/rolleyes

[jfargo.livejournal.com]

*chuckles*

One of the things that we read is that if somebody is openly sad in most Arabic countries, say you or I get some disturbing news, and we're crying at a coffee shop*, unlike in the US and many places, it is considered polite for perfect strangers to approach you and try to comfort you, or at least to say something along the lines of "Don't cry, it will be okay."

It's really pretty cool, learning the culture.

*Not that we cry. We're manly men!