CultureShock! Egypt , livre ebook

Marshall Cavendish International - Susan Wilson

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169 pages

English

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CultureShock! Egypt is invaluable to anyone who wants to blend into life in the country whose existence revolves around the River Nile. Containing much insight about the Egyptian people-the class system, the importance of family, their sense of honour-this guide also provides useful information and advice for settling into your new home and getting along with the locals. For example, learn about their notion of space and eye contact, and how the men may perceive foreign women who smile at them. On the business front, be aware of the necessity of having business cards as well as how to handle uniquely Egyptian business meetings. CultureShock! Egypt is all you need to settle effortlessly into and enjoy your new life in the Land of the Great Pharoahs and magnificent pyramids.

Sujets

Egipto

Egypt

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Publié par	Marshall Cavendish International
Date de parution	01 février 2011
Nombre de lectures	0
EAN13	9789814484770
Langue	English
Poids de l'ouvrage	4 Mo

Informations légales : prix de location à la page 0,0550€. Cette information est donnée uniquement à titre indicatif conformément à la législation en vigueur.

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This 4th edition published in 2011 by:
Marshall Cavendish Corporation
99 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591-9001
www.marshallcavendish.us
First published in 1998 by Times Editions; 2nd edition published in 2001; 3rd edition published in 2006 by Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited. Copyright 2006, 2011 Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited All rights reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Request for permission should be addressed to the Publisher, Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited, 1 New Industrial Road, Singapore 536196. Tel: (65) 6213 9300, fax: (65) 6285 4871. E-mail: genref@sg.marshallcavendish.com
The publisher makes no representation or warranties with respect to the contents of this book, and specifically disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose, and shall in no event be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.
Other Marshall Cavendish Offices:
Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited. 1 New Industrial Road, Singapore 536196 Marshall Cavendish International. PO Box 65829, London EC1P 1NY, UK Marshall Cavendish International (Thailand) Co Ltd. 253 Asoke, 12th Flr, Sukhumvit 21 Road, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Marshall Cavendish (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Times Subang, Lot 46, Subang Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Batu Tiga, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Marshall Cavendish is a trademark of Times Publishing Limited
eISBN : 978 981 4484 77 0
Please contact the publisher for the Library of Congress catalog number
Printed in Singapore by Times Printers Pte Ltd
Photo Credits:
All black and white photos by the author. All colour photos from Photolibrary.
Cover photo: Photolibrary
All illustrations by TRIGG
ABOUT THE SERIES
Culture shock is a state of disorientation that can come over anyone who has been thrust into unknown surroundings, away from one s comfort zone. CultureShock! is a series of trusted and reputed guides which has, for decades, been helping expatriates and long-term visitors to cushion the impact of culture shock whenever they move to a new country.
Written by people who have lived in the country and experienced culture shock themselves, the authors share all the information necessary for anyone to cope with these feelings of disorientation more effectively. The guides are written in a style that is easy to read and covers a range of topics that will arm readers with enough advice, hints and tips to make their lives as normal as possible again.
Each book is structured in the same manner. It begins with the first impressions that visitors will have of that city or country. To understand a culture, one must first understand the people-where they came from, who they are, the values and traditions they live by, as well as their customs and etiquette. This is covered in the first half of the book.
Then on with the practical aspects-how to settle in with the greatest of ease. Authors walk readers through topics such as how to find accommodation, get the utilities and telecommunications up and running, enrol the children in school and keep in the pink of health. But that s not all. Once the essentials are out of the way, venture out and try the food, enjoy more of the culture and travel to other areas. Then be immersed in the language of the country before discovering more about the business side of things.
To round off, snippets of basic information are offered before readers are tested on customs and etiquette of the country. Useful words and phrases, a comprehensive resource guide and list of books for further research are also included for easy reference.
CONTENTS
Introduction
Acknowledgements
Dedication
Map of Egypt
Chapter 1
First impressions
Chapter 2
A Tour of Egypt
Geography and Natural Resources
Environmental Issues
Regions of Egypt
Major Cities
Ancient and Recent Past
Government and Jurisdictions
Economy
Tourism
Crime and Violence
Terrorism
Chapter 3
The Egyptian People
Religion
Diversity
Social Class, Power and Wealth
Family
Honour
Education
Chapter 4
Social Interactions
Dating and Marriage
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Names
Death and Inheritance
Dress
Households and Houses
Rural and Bedouin Lifestyles
Hospitality
Friendship
Visiting
Baksheesh and Tipping
Gifts
Compliments
Chapter 5
The Logistics of Settling In
Formalities
Documents to Bring
Pre-entry Vaccinations
Housing
Laundry
Medical Care
Baby Supplies
Toiletries
Special Foods
Kitchen and Household Supplies
Electric Current and Equipment
Money and Banks
Communication
Pets
Servants and Service People
Miscellaneous Necessities
Getting About
Sights, Smells and Sounds
Facilities for the Handicapped
Animals
Shopping
Chapter 6
Food and Entertaining
Dining Etiquette
Restaurants and Takeaway
Meals and Food
Shopping for Food
Drinking Water
English/Egyptian Spice Glossary
Chapter 7
Enjoying Egypt
The Calendars Used
Ramadan
Festivals
Entertainment
Prostitution, Homosexuality and Extra-Marital Relationships
Travel and Tourism
Chapter 8
Communicating Egyptian Style
Simplified Arabic Pronunciation and Alphabet
Greetings and Common Phrases
The Verbal Dimension
The Non-verbal Dimension
Egyptian Time
Queuing
Photography
Chapter 9
Business
Business Style
Business Dress
Business Cards
Business Meetings
Business Hours
Topics to Avoid
Nepotism
Bribes
Setting Up a Business
Dealing with the Bureaucracy
Chapter 10
Egypt at a Glance
Famous People
Culture Quiz
Do s and Don ts
Glossary
Resource Guide
Further Reading
About the Author
Index
INTRODUCTION
This revised edition of CultureShock! Egypt brings with it what I hope is an even better understanding of what it is like living in Egypt if you are a Westerner. I have been going to Egypt since 1988 and have had the privilege of living there in fairly typical, upper-middle class Egyptian neighborhoods (Garden City and Zamalek). I purposely chose not to live where most Americans live because it felt right to me to be where I was. A new friend recently confirmed my impression that something happens to some of us when we go to Egypt-we feel like we have come home . If this happens to you, please recognise that you are not alone and enjoy.
Just the word Egypt brings to mind visions of pyramids, grand temples, gigantic monuments, mummies and king-gods, all relics of one of the oldest civilisations in the world. To many, it will forever be the land of the Pharaohs , a place where agriculture and advanced mathematics developed. But the long reign of the Pharaohs and grand monuments passed away nearly 2,000 years ago. Life in Egypt has changed, and changed a lot, since the time when grand temples and statues were built to worship its king-gods.
Today, Egypt is a developing North African country of over 60 million people facing new challenges as it moves through the 21st century. Egypt is a land of proud, honourable families, each trying to do the same things families do everywhere in the world within the confines of their government, religion, culture and values. Like people everywhere, they concern themselves with love, work, family, doing the right things and having their children grow up to be good people.
As humans, each of us faces the world within the confines of our culture (that complex mixture of beliefs, behaviours and societal rules which tell us what is right and wrong, good and bad). Hopefully, this book will bring greater understanding of the Egyptian culture: of who modern Egyptians are, how they view life from their cultural perspective, and how they go about facing challenges in a rapidly changing world. In the words of modern Egyptians: Ahlan wa sahlan ! (AH-lan wa-SAH-lan)-Welcome! You are welcomed to Egypt!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Above all, I thank the people of Egypt who are patient with my questions, share their lives with me, are kind and generous, and who always make me feel welcome. Much of the data gathered for this book results from directing two field schools in Egypt sponsored by the University of North Texas, Institute of Anthropology and the Study Abroad Program. Special thanks to Dr David Keitges for helping make these field schools happen. Thanks to all my students who went to Egypt with me. Their remarkable incidences of culture shock showed me that culture shock is not just a long-term response, but one likely to clobber even those aware of the phenomenon and who are there for short periods. Their questions and observations reminded me of what Egypt looks like when you are new to its environs, no matter how cool you think you are. A special thanks to Violet Sparks and Michelle Robicheaux for their assistance and support throughout the field schools and subsequently. Also, a special thanks to Cynthia Talbot for suggesting that I write this book, and for her help.
I would also like to thank my Egyptian and Chinese students in Egypt at ESLSCA s (Ecole Sup rieure Libre Des Sciences Commerciales et Appliqu s), Advanced Management Institute in Mohandasin. It is entirely possible that I learned more from them about cross-cultural communication than they learned from me.
Over the nearly 20 years of my Egyptian experiences, two people have been there with moral support, understanding, humour and kindness: Ambassador Hussein El Kamel (International Co-operation Senior Advisor, Prime Minister s Cabinet Information and Decision Support Centre) and Mr Medhat A-Monem (Egypt s greatest tour guide. Cal