There is no definitive answer it all depends on the situation at which it is said… It is a Muslim greeting with dual meaning “May God grant you peace” There is a lot of tension between the Shiites and the Sunnis (two major sects of Islam).Its for homework i have no clue what it means. Also religious beliefs in Saudi Arabia, being an Islamic society, are sensitive topics. Politics is a very sensitive subject over there.Abdullah says people don’t bring up subjects that form beliefs, such as politics, because there is a lot of controversy about that over there.ġ2.)Would you give me an example of a belief that you would find offensive or morally objectionable? Achmed says that he just tries to understand and not form an opinion.

People vaguely express their differences in opinions.ġ1.)What do you do when a stranger states a belief that you find offensive or morally objectionable? In Iraq, it is easier to be curious and have conversations like this, but not in Saudi Arabia.

If they find it inappropriate, they don’t interact or dive further into the subject.Not in Iraq, but in Saudi Arabia men and women do not converse with one another.ġ0.) How do you react when a stranger expresses a belief that you find odd or peculiar? Are you curious? Do you ask the individual to explain him or herself? Please explain.

In both cultures it is harder for men and women to converse with one another.ĩ.)In this community, is interacting with a stranger generally discouraged? Usually between men it is easy to start interactions.Intimacy or PDA are not accepted in either culture.Ĩ.) In this community, is it generally considered impolite to avoid interactions with a stranger?.In Saudi Arabia, they use sports and cars as a conversation starter.In Iraq, they use politics as a conversation starter.Also, they use sister with girls that are strangers.Ħ.) When greeting someone, do you always have the same greeting? Or does it change?ħ.) Upon greeting someone do you talk about intimate life or do you try to keep it general? Is intimacy an appropriate public conversation? With friends they use name, and with strangers they use mister or “bro”.In Saudi Arabia, they are not allowed to be friends with girls and it is shameful to look girls in the eyes.ĥ.) Do you have titles of respect for strangers, or certain types of people. Difficult to make eye contact with a female.Achmed likes to make eye contact with everyone while talking.etcģ.) In your cultures are there any specific gestures that you do in regards to conversation or performance.Ĥ.) How important is eye contact to your culture? If eye contact isn’t important, is it appropriate? North Iraq, must kiss 3 times on the same cheek.Kisses on cheek (sometimes nose in Saudi Arabia) between men.Gender plays an important role in Saudi Arabian society men really cannot converse with women at all.Ģ.) How do you greet someone that you just met? Does this greeting change when you greet someone you already know?.Gender is not important with close friends, but with strange girls, they must maintain more distance.It is appropriate to move closer when you have a deep connection with them,.Distance is not important in either Iraqi or Saudi Arabian culture.1.) When meeting someone what is the appropriate distance? Is it important? When is it appropriate to move closer? Does gender play a role?

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