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CULTURE:

We learn about culture when we are young. It is taught directly and indirectly through school, books, movies, travel, movie, religion, family and many other sources. Our culture is an expression of who we are. It shapes our world view as well as our perception of time and space. Our values and how we interpret events and actions can all be attributed to our cultural backgrounds. It is extremely powerful and we can even have compound cultures depending on where we live, and what our backgrounds are. We judge and communicate based on our cultural underpinnings.

As you are aware there are many different cultures throughout the world. Each culture is always present and always changing based on current events and other influences. World Neighbor's goal is to help build bridges between cultures through information. Everyone can benefit by understanding various cultural framework. Enjoy these interesting cultural tidbits. We will refresh these regularly (and keep the previous tidbits for your reference as well!) As with all cultural generalizations not every trait will be true for all people. These are all brief "tidbits" so the history portion is in no means exhaustive but only meant to convey a high level overview.                   

 

Seperator

 

Featured Cultural Tidbits #1: Panama

 

Panama Flag

 

Panama is located in Central America and acts as the bridge between the Americas. Panama also connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via the Panama canal. This canal has significant economic for Panama and the world. Panama is a geographically diverse country with the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Panama borders with both Colombia and Costa Rica. There are over a thousand islands under the jurisdiction of Panama.

 

The capital of Panama is Panama City. This is one of the most modern cities in Central America. While the city is modern, the old part of the city has neat cobblestone streets and colonial buildings. Panama has beautiful markets and forests with plentiful stunning beaches as well.

Panamanians

The culture and language are Caribbean and Spanish. The majority of the population is of mixed Amerindian, African, and Spanish. The majority of the population is Roman Catholic.

Panamanian women often greet each other by patting each other on the forearm or shoulder. If the women are close friends they may hug and kiss on the cheek. Men shake hands until they know someone wel. Once men know each other well enough, they greet each other with an "abrazo" (a hug with slaps on the back.)

Don't use a Panamanian’s first name unless they invite you to. Most people in Panama use both their mother's and father's last names. Always refer to people by the appropriate titles (Señor or Señora) along with their surname. At large social gatherings you can feel free to introduce yourself, Panamanian people are warm and friendly. At smaller parties your host will most likely handle the formal introduction.

Panama Hat

County Profiles have been compiled by referencing, but not limited to, the following sources:

Featured Cultural Tidbit #2: United Arab Emirates (UAE)

 

UAE Flag

 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is comprised of seven Arab states or emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharhah, and Umm al-Qaiwain.  The UAE has one federal government with a president that is elected every five years.  While there is a president each emirate has it’s own sheikh.  Family life is very important and family comes before everything.  The traditional extended family often lives together in the same house.  Family social networks are of the utmost importance in business and everyday activities.  Business activities are strongly influenced by family ties and the loyalty that is influenced by the original Bedouin tribal structure. 

 

The UAE Constitution states that men and women are equal.  Women are in the workforce in all manner of industries.  Although women hold a minority of manager positions, the country actively promotes the role of women in the workforce.  In keeping with traditionally the women’s primary role is with her husband and children. There is also segregation of women in public spaces.  Most women wear veils in public.  Women are also mostly escorted so as not to be alone in public. 

Foreign women should be mindful and respectful of these traditions.  Dressing conservatively is de rigueur for both nationals and foreign women alike.  Women should maintain a comfortable distance from males, taking their cue from the man.  Direct eye contact and smiles from a women to a man may be viewed as inappropriate.  When a man is speaking to another man, however, they often stand very close.  While two men may shake hands, a woman should not extend her hand to shake, especially in public.   

The social standing of the Emiratis person that introduces you to others will influence the way that you are perceived.   If you do not have a high enough ranking person doing your introductions you may have difficulty in some business scenarios.  Although westerners are often more direct, Emeratis may tend to be a bit more indirect.  If you are confident and present yourself professionally you will gain credibility through your actions.  Just remember that the rules of Islam are of chief importance in the society and you will generally do fine.  
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are more developed than the other Emirate states.  There are a large number of foreign workers in these Emirates.  Increasingly, tourism is playing another economic role in addition to the traditional oil industry. There are a number of wonderful archaeological sites and museums. There are also traditional Bedouin villages that depict the tribal lifestyle. There are top line shopping, hotels and man made attractions. You can learn a lot about an Emirati based on their names.  The first name is the personal name and is usually taken from the Koran or paternal grandparent.  The second name is the father’s personal name and the third name is the grandfather’s personal name.    

There are some standard things to keep in mind when meeting or working with Emiratis.  Avoid public displays of affection, never use your left hand in public, don’t cross your legs, don’t whistle, and never point your finger or the soles of your feet at someone. 

 

 

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