Elements of Culture

North Africa and Southwest Asia

Elements of Culture

• Language

• Religion

• Everyday life

• Customs/traditions

• Role of Women

Language• The majority of people living in North Africa and Southwest

Asia speak the language of Arabic- The modern written language (Modern Standard Arabic) is derived from the language of the Quran (known as Classical Arabic or Quranic Arabic). It is widely taught in schools, universities, and used to varying degrees in workplaces, government and the media.

• Written and read from left to right

• Arabic influence, both in vocabulary and grammar, is seen in Romance languages, particularly Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan and Sicilian

Arabic

Religion

• Islam is the most practiced religion of the region, however Christianity and Judaism are also practiced– 83% of Muslims in the region are Sunni (Sunni vs Shi’ite)– Read Qur’an and visits the mosque

• Modern Jews pray at the Wailing Wall• Christians visit places like the Mount of Olives• Muslims have a shrine called the Dome of the Rock

5 Pillars of Faith• Declaration of Faith (Shahada) – Belief in Allah and his

prophet/messanger Muhammad• Prayer (Salat) – Praying 5x/day towards the holy city of Mecca,

located in Saudi Arabia• Alms (Zakāt) - Practice of charitable giving by Muslims based on

accumulated wealth, and is obligatory for all who are able to do so. It is considered to be a personal responsibility for Muslims to ease economic hardship for others and eliminate inequality

• Fasting (Sawm)- Ritual fasting is an obligatory act during the month of Ramadan. Muslims must abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk during this month, and are to be especially mindful of other sins

• Pilgrimage (Hajj)- a pilgrimage that occurs during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah to the holy city of Mecca. Every able-bodied Muslim is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life

Everyday Life

• Souks, or marketplaces, are common features of life in North Africa– Known for high pressure sales– Bargains– You can get everything in souk

• Food (traditional)• Clothes• Spices

• Traditionally men work while women stay at home, but opportunities for women in education and in the business world are increasing

YOU CAN GET EVERYTHING AT THE SOUK

Customs/Traditions• Many women (Muslim) cover their hair and/or faces

• Practicing the 5 Pillars of Faith

• Some places (restaurants) have separate eating areas for men and women

• Last meal of the day is usually between 8p-11p– Emphasis on rice, wheat products and heavy spices

• Political/terroists groups like the Taliban in Afghanistan have restricted people’s behavior

• Many believe the Western influence is changing and threatening the culture and values

• Music is characterized by an emphasis on melody and rhythm

Role of Women

• Many Southwest Asian societies have strict rules concerning women’s roles in society

• Because family is viewed as very important, many women stay at home to manage household affairs