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Egyptian View-Point
One of Egypt's prominent authors, Tewfik Al-Hakim wrote
in his famous novel "The Return of the Soul":
‘The Great Wisdom flows in Egyptians’ blood, but it
flows without their knowledge. Can you really believe that
the thousands of years which make up Egypt's past have
vanished like a dream without a trace?".
The key words here are 'without their knowledge’, for
the present bears no resemblance of the past. Yet, it is
true the Egyptian mind make-up is a product of thousands of
years of accumulated history. Successive invaders left their
mark, but were eventually assimilated into Egypt which the
Egyptians call the Mother of the World, Om Eddunia.
Egyptians are friendly, hospitable and modest. They also
have a sense of balance and moderation. Problems in Egypt,
however, have a tendency to resist solutions. Everybody
seems to accept that trouble will somehow work itself out. Insha’Allah
and Ma'lesh are essential vocabulary for the visitor.
A key to enjoying any visit to Egypt is infinite patience.
Egypt has its fair share of problems. More than 40% of
its men are illiterate (more for women); it is over
populated and poor. There is a large degree of
mal-distribution of wealth. With no class system in Egypt,
and no titles, the only way to climb up the social ladder is
by acquiring more wealth.
Egyptians are proud and sensitive. Proud of their history
but sensitive of their present. This paradox explains why
people do not like foreign photographers poking their
cameras into their everyday life. Unless photographed at
their best or in situations they are proud of, Egyptians are
more comfortable away from the cameras.
Egyptians are, generally speaking, color blind. Other
races are regarded as equal and given the same
consideration. Foreigners who live in Egypt are treated with
respect and tolerance. Egyptians abroad are sometimes
shocked and surprised by race hate problems in other
countries.
The Arabic language has its mark on the Egyptian mind.
Classical Arabic is used by the media and in formal writing,
but the spoken Arabic is colloquial and varies from one
region to the next. The colloquial Arabic of Cairo is widely
understood throughout the Arab world, because of the
cultural influence of films, songs and TV programs.
Classical Arabic, the language of the Qur’an, is
the living proof of past glory. It can be acquired only by
formal education, and represents the ideal or the ‘higher
self’ for all Arab speakers. When used to its best effect,
the classical form of Arabic is full of metaphors and
elaborate rhyme and exaggeration. For the average Egyptian
over-emphasis and exaggeration in speech is normal and
common. This is reflected also in the colloquial form of the
language, used in everyday conversation. People aspire to
the classical form of speech but can only use and feel
comfortable with the colloquial.
This exaggeration can sometimes lead to conflicts in
communications. A psychologist (Egyptian) once told of a
story of two friends: an English girl and an Egyptian youth.
The girl complained that her friend was pestering her with
his declarations of love, and refused to take no for an
answer when she made it clear she was not interested in him.
On the other hand, the Egyptian boy, confided that the
English girl was encouraging him, but he had shown only
little interest in her. The psychologist said that both were
telling the truth, but the difference was that between
Egyptian exaggeration and over-assertion and English tact
and understatement.
Egyptian males tend to be chauvinistic in a society which
acknowledges and rewards male domination. That patriarchal
system requires the support and loyalty of all members of
the family in return for security and protection. In the
absence of a credible social welfare system, supporting the
family always comes first in Egypt. Adults are expected to
respect and care for their elderly parents. In rural areas, care and loyalty also extends to the
clan.
Egyptians are very conservative. Their mind is ruled by
the notion of honor, especially when it comes to the issue
of women, their protection and what is expected of them to
make the job of their protection easy on the man. Women are
expected to dress and behave modestly. Women who make a show
of themselves either by revealing attire, loud voice or
sensual behavior in public places, bring dishonor to their
kin and hosts. Such behavior is therefore considered an
insult to the family and an abuse of hospitality.
Egyptians, however, can cope with discourteous visitors
(they have been receiving some for the past few thousand
years). While such behavior is usually tolerated, it creates
a stereotype of the westerner as fancy-free and easy. In a
cultural context, this fits perfectly with the love-hate
relationship Egyptians have with the West. To the Egyptian
mind, the West is materially rich and technologically
advanced. But it is also decadent and prejudiced. The
Egyptians do not understand the lack of support of the West
for their national causes. They sincerely welcome their
tourist visitors from all parts of the world, but feel
betrayed when they hear about raids on Lebanon and Iraq or
embargo on Libya. To some, this equates to ‘Our guests
take our hospitality, and then go back and bomb our
brothers..’.
In Egypt, the prominent culture is that of Islam. There
is a tangible Coptic Christian part of Egypt. But Copts are
not a minority, in the since that they are of the same race
and culture as their Moslem countrymen. An observer once
said that all Egyptians are Moslems, whether they are
Christians or Marxists. The resulting culture is moderate
and inclusive, even of those who are non-Egyptian. The
recent trouble with fanaticism is regarded by most Egyptians
as an ‘imported’ and alien phenomenon. Egyptians love
peace and hate violence. Even the most recent revolution in
1952 had a casualty of one soldier, and he was killed by
accident!.
Egypt remains one of the more secure and friendly
countries in the world for tourists. Egyptians are easy to
get on with and will go out of their way to help foreign
visitors find their way, or invite them for a meal or a tea.
Their offers are usually authentic and not for expected
reward. This generosity is part of the culture and a product
of the harsh living conditions which value sharing and
giving. The hustle of the market place for selling local
ware to tourists has nothing to do with the national
character and more to do with free market competition for
more income.
These factors also give rise to other traits of the
Egyptian character such as a sarcastic sense of humor.
Egyptians laugh at their way of life, and everything else
under the sun. Even political leaders take it as a
compliment to be subject to popular jokes. The lack of jokes
is usually a sign that something is wrong.
One such joke was favorite in the early days of former
president, Sadat, who came to power after the popular
president Nasser. He literally dismantled everything Nasser
did, but in his public addresses he used to say that he
followed Nasser’s way.
It was said that Sadat had an outing in the presidential
limousine, and when the car arrived at the crossroads, the
chauffeur asked the new president which way he should turn.
Sadat asks, 'which way did president Nasser go?' 'left, your
excellency. ‘Well, signal left and turn right!
The Upper Egyptian, the Saeidi, is usually the
butt of Egyptian jokes. He is given the same treatment as
the man from Alabama or the Irish in the UK. In Cairo, the Saeidi
is known to have bought the tramway from a crook. He got on
the tramway on his first day in Cairo and was impressed by
the ticket revenue, so he bought the carriage and paid his
life savings to the crook next to him who offered to sell it
to him.
Other examples of Egyptian jokes include the street wise
kids and the miserable living conditions. One such kid
applied for a job in a hotel that requires English as a
second language. He was asked by the manager (in Arabic) to
say in English "come here" to which he replied
correctly. He was then asked again to say in English
"Go there" to which he had no answer. He thought
for a while and then said (in Arabic):" I will run
there and then say ‘come here’!
Egyptians are very religious. They ask for God’s mercy
when they get desperate, using the expression Rahmetak Ya
Rabb (Your Mercy, O’ Lord). A cartoon published
recently shows a poor family next to a very expensive
butcher’s shop. While their eyes are fixed on the meat
they all say Lahmetak Ya Rabb (Your meat, O' Lord!).
This
kind of joke plays on the linguistic form and is seldom
translated.
Superstition is part of the Egyptian way of life.
Owls and black cats are bad omens and so are bearers of bad
news. Bad dreams can be grossly misinterpreted. Ghosts and
spirits are also bad news.
Egyptians will never leave a slipper or a shoe turned
upside down, or a pair of scissors open; these are signs of
bad luck. They never throw bread on the floor, and if found
will be picked up and put aside in a corner so that it is
not trodden on. Superstition is contained by faith in Allah.
Customs relevant to the visitors include the social
obligation to be generous to the guests of the house. Eating
together creates a bond of friendship (Proverb: The bond of
eating bread and salt together). There is also the sanctity
of homes; never enter a home uninvited. The respect of
parents is part of a strong family bond, which obliges
members to solidarity at all times. This social bond leads
to the custom of vendetta in Upper Egypt.
In all social aspects there is no great distinction
between Moslems and Copts. Except for religious occasions,
the social code is for all Egyptians. Fortunately,
foreigners are not expected to know or follow that code, but
are so much appreciated if they show awareness of local
customs and the language, however rudimentary. It is prudent
to avoid arguments about politics, religion or status of
women in Egypt. These are the topics which are likely to
create misunderstanding and frustration. But a chat in
simple Arabic and English, a joke about the crowds and the
traffic, a comment about the positive aspects of life in
Egypt, will be so much appreciated. For the tourist, a little effort will go a long way to
make his stay welcome and enjoyable..
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