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.