Saudi Arabia Cultural Life - Case Study Example

 Saudi Arabia Cultural Life Saudi Arabia is a prehistoric nation with a rich culture and history. Saudi culture arose from the relationship the Arabian natives had with unkind dessert surroundings. Whereas a dessert environment is not exceptional to Saudi Arabian people, the special blending of Islamic ideals is what makes the culture authentic. Saudi Arabia is the origin of the Islamic religion and the essential Islamic principles have stood the test of time till today. However, despite its history, Saudi Arabia has experienced a lot of economic, social and cultural changes over the many years. The abnormal oil profits facilitated the economic and social. Not to mention the advancement in infrastructure, such as the transport industry and high technology, have made way for the country in the outside world. ‘Defining an Arab is no easy task’ according to (David, p.4). During these developing times, the term has come to refer to ‘a citizen of an Arab state’ (p.4). All in all, during the ancient times, bloodlines were highly vital and so was the Islamic faith. The Saudi scholars have used the Saudi way of life and the success of the Arabic language to tell the world about its cultural features. The culture is very traditional, original and conservative. It’s demanded by law that Saudi women should leave their homes totally dressed in black (abaya) from head to toe, including the face area. However, this culture is slowly being changed by modernization and influence from the western countries. Islamic law is very strict ‘Saudi is presented as a land of dictatorial oppression overseen by a powerful monarchy’ (p.24). The Islamic religion is received by a vast majority of the Saudi citizens. They have often been branded as ‘The dictates of God’ (p 25). As a result, the Saudi leaders are bound by Islam and rendered powerless to make any laws that go against it. The Islamic law monitors the citizen’s rights and privileges which can neither be bent nor retracted by the monarchy. The leaders are therefore well aware that any retraction, addition or omission of the Islamic ideals would be met with extreme violence or total ignorance. Saudi scholars are faced with a huge problem known as language barrier. Therefore, they have set out to adopt different languages that are common and worldly understood by people around the globe. They have set out to find ways that would influence people into appreciating the Arabic culture. That is how they came up with the idea of cross-communication. For example, through the use of high and low contexts. ‘High context cultures are not spelled out nor defined in details’ but ‘(low context cultures assume that people we speak to understand the context of our message and the implied ideas of our message are not spelled out nor defined in detail’ (Hall 36). The scholar the scholars use their words to initiate wider meanings and their messages are more defined .Messages have no hidden meanings and are easily encoded. There are several occasions where formally structured dialect is practiced. When referring to elders, it is mandatory to address them by their proper titles, such as, Mrs., Mr., Tr., e.t.c. This portrays a sign of respect. Greetings go hand in hand with kisses on the cheeks, accompanied by “as saalamu alaykum” On the contrary; Saudi also has a very high context culture. The use of body language plays a vital role in the communication process. The culture emphasizes mostly on the dress code, paralanguage and hap tics. A person’s opinion is not only spoken but also non verbally implied through eye contact. The citizens in Saudi Arabia are not at all equal. This aspect brings forth the issue of power distance. It defines the outlook of culture towards the inequalities among the Arabians. Power distance can be classified into two. Low power distance means to ‘accept equality in power; how much people accept equality in power’ (Richard, p 340). In his book (The Leadership Experience), Richard further explains that high power distance ‘reflects on power inequality among institutions, organizations and individuals’ (p 340). Saudi Arabia is viewed as a collective community. Relationships are extended not only to the extended families, but also to the work places. This kind of relationship is characterized by taking responsibility for fellow member’s actions and suffering or losing face for an offence committed by a single member. The Arabians live for the sole purpose of work. The y is termed as a masculine community. The leaders are supposed to be strict in decision making, laying emphasis on competition, equal treatment and fair conflict resolutions. Workers have a strong desire to work harder because ‘they believe that it would not be possible to comprehend the vastness of life’ (communication between cultures p189). The test is not to accept the truth but to lead a holy and morally acceptable life. In the Saudi communities, People portray a strong admiration for traditions, an Saudi Arabia is a unique state; however, comparing it to a first world like the United States of America, one is able to identify vast differences. The US is an individualized society. The citizens take care of themselves and their nuclear families. ‘The Arabian people live collectively’ (p 190). They are a communal society. Whatever befalls one member befalls all. The United state of America is a masculine nation. It is driven by ambition, personal achievements and lots of success. On the other hand,’ Saudi Arabia is a feminine society’ (p192). The good quality of life is upheld and admired more than ambition and wealth. They concentrate on preserving their moral values rather than seek wealth. Americans are pragmatic in nature. They dwell on an unknown future. They believe in the uncertainty of tomorrow, they don’t try to influence the future. The Arabians are a bit more cautious. They are’ normative in nature’(p.193),[Edw03] they don’t believe in unpredictable futures. The Americans are governed by a constitution that is not bound by religion. There is freedom of worship and people can choose a religion of their choice freely. It is quite the opposite with the Arabian society. They are ruled and governed by the Islamic law. Non Muslims are discriminated and humiliated. Because Saudi Arabia has a collectivist culture, personal relations messages to should be more appealing to families rather than concentrate on individual returns. Its feminine nature should be a fundamental aspect and so personal relations should try and assist the Arabians to enjoy what they do in their extended families. Personal relations should focus on upholding the truth about their culture, religion and enhance respect. In this way, their normative culture will be sustained. Saudi Arabia is a country rich in culture. It is ‘culture smart’ according to (Nicholas, p 2). Traditional moral values are assimilating into the daily lives of people, even for the non Muslims. Saudi Arabia is well known for its unique way of living. It has for centuries conserved its cultural heritage for both the living and the unborn. Resource readings Edw03: , (Hall, high and low context), Edw03: , (Hall, high and low context), Edw03: , (Hall, high and low context), Read More