Jordan: Public Behaviour - Part 1
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Acceptable public conduct
Demeanour
Jordanians are both very demonstrative and very conservative. They are both very intimate and very reserved. It all depends on the context. You can have a lot of fun learning to get it right and most Jordanians will appreciate your honest efforts. Perhaps they will even share a good laugh with you when you make a mistake.
Here are some general guidelines that can get you started in an appropriate direction.
Who's on Top?
Social standing is based on a combination of factors, usually in the following order: level of education, age, military rank, tribal position, and political office.
The greater the distance in social standing between two people, the more reserved and conservative the patterns of interaction.
Voices
Loud voices mean strong emotions; hate or love, grief or elation, etc.
Large gestures are considered uncultured or angry.
Communication is nearly impossible without small gestures.
Quiet voices are a sign of respect and maturity.
Touch [between men]
Stand closer than most westerners are used to. For Americans, use about half the distance that is normal for you.
Patting or holding the arm or shoulder can be a sign of affection, acceptance, or offered assistance. It also usually indicates that the initiator of the action is dominant in the relationship at that moment.
Slapping hands is a kind of cheer, sort of like 'Way to go, right on.' It usually indicates affectionate relationship and equality.
Holding hands indicates emotional attachment and is appropriate in same sex relationships that are close, either like a 'father and son' or brothers. It does not have sexual connotations.
Men and Women
It is right to let the woman indicate what level of contact is appropriate. Generally, follow her lead in directness and style of conversation, eye contact, and standing distance.
In general, even married men and women do not touch in public. However, in some circles, it is now becoming acceptable.
Other
Jokes are loved. The good joke teller can diffuse tensions, highlight the issues at stake, or just add fun. But, even one inappropriate joke can give you a reputation as a total jerk. So, be careful.
Jordanians are usually very sensitive to general moods--angry, disappointed, sad, encouraged, happy, excited, etc. They will usually be very supportive and understanding of emotional states, in their own culturally appropriate way. So, once a basis of relationship is laid, don't be afraid to let a bit of your general mood show. Be accepting of their responses.
Greetings
The General Greeting
Say 'Issallam 'alaykum.' Respond 'Alaykum Issallam.' Translated this means 'Peace be upon you,' and 'Upon you, peace also.' This greeting is used in all formal and informal situations whenever entering or leaving the presence of another person or group, even from one room to another. NOTE: The 5% of Jordanians who are not Muslims generally do not use this greeting. They substitute 'Marhaba' and respond 'Marhabtayn.' Translated this means 'Welcome' and 'Welcome to you.'
There are a number of variations on these greetings. But these standard ones are always acceptable.
Sometimes, a western style hand shake is added while exchanging peace or welcome.
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