From my study of the Internet readings, it is my understanding that the Arabian culture is one based on respect. The rituals and habits formed in this culture are such that everyone is regarded morally and modestly.

Some of the body gestures that stood out when reviewing the passages were those used in the Dewaniah (a gathering room in the Arabic home). Before you enter the house, you are expected to stand outside the door where you cannot see into the house and wait to be invited in. The host will hold his hand up, a gesture understood to mean “come in”, and then the guest will enter. I think this means that people in the Arabic culture are taught not to be intrusive and to respect others privacy. Also, upon entrance to the Dewaniah, you do not sit until everyone in the room has shaken your hand. Everyone sits in a circle so that no one is facing another’s back. This, another sign of respect may mean that everyone should have equal input into the conversation.

Another point to be noted is that guests in an Arabian home are greatly revered and the host goes out of his way to make them comfortable. It is customary that when at the dinner table, the hosts and his sons do not eat start eating until the guests have started. If the host has finished his meal before his guests, he will pretend he is still eating so that they will not feel rushed and may enjoy their meal at their own pace. Women are treated as a possession of their husband. It is rude to compliment a man’s wife on her beauty of greet her with a kiss. It is usually customary that if one compliments your possessions, it is offered to you out of respect. Could you imagine: “Sir, you have a beautiful wife” “Here, why don’t you take her home with you”—How odd would that be?

Overall, the gestures and unspoken understanding between Arabian people used to express respect and honor to one another.

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