Cultural Awareness on Iran - Research Paper Example

Task: Cultural awareness Cultural awareness pertains to the extra conscience of looking, out of ourselves, and being aware of the values and orientation of other people. This also relates to the customs, of culture, of other groups. Certain things may seem normal to a particular culture. On the other hand, they could be strange to other cultures. As the world integrates into a global village, it is vital to be aware of various cultures. In this case, Iran is examined in terms of its distinct culture. This relates to how Iranians perceive things in their own way. It also relates to their perception, of the world, and reaction. Iran possesses a unique culture that traverses across several elements. Culture is an aspect that achieves definition from different entities. Iranian culture belongs to the larger Persian identity that defines most countries in the same region. Persian culture forms one of the richest compositions in the world. This relates to literature, architecture and live customs that date back to three thousand years ago in the Zoroastrian age. Throughout civilization, this culture transferred to the eastern and western nations. It is notable that many western celebrations achieve their articulation from Persian culture. Art is an imminent feature of Persian culture. Art and culture interweave to form a prominent civilization. This reveals in the form of exquisite carpets, distinct architecture, subtle soulful music, blue mosques and brilliant literary work. Notably, Farsi forms one of the richest languages in the world. The contemporary culture of Iran reveals in a slightly different form. However, it still possesses classical elements of the Old Persian culture. In terms of languages, Iran has a heterogeneous composition of Semitic, Turkic and Indo-Iranian languages. In 1986, speakers, of Indo-Iranian languages formed 70 percent of the whole population. This means that it is the largest language group. Speakers, of Indo-Iranian languages are a heterogeneous language. This entails Persian speakers and its various dialects. Persian is the official language of the country (Daniel and Mahdi 10). Kirmanji refers to the related dialects that the Kurds speak. They speak the same language regardless of whether they are in villages, of western Iran, or towns. Bakhtiaris and Lurs speak the Luri dialect. There are semi nomadic people who speak the Baluchi language. They live in the adjacent areas, of Pakistan and Afghanistan, in the southeastern Iran. Twenty eight percent, of the Iranians, speak various Turkish dialects. Arabs and Assyrians mostly speak Semitic languages. Islam defines the core of Iranian culture and life. Islam forms the religion that governs political economic, legal and personal lives of Iran. In this aspect, Prophet Muhammad is the last God emissary that brought revelation to mankind. Islam provides that this message belongs to the whole of mankind. As in the example, of the Bible, Quran is the basic guidance of their religious life. Unlike the provision of the Bible, Quran strongly dictates many aspects of Iranian lives. Muslims have notable obligations such as praying five times a day. Friday forms a holy day in the Muslim worship calendar. Islam is an influential religion that dictates closure of companies on Thursdays. In the holy month, of Ramadan, all Muslims are mandated to fast. Notably, Iran forms the only Shi’ite state of all the Muslim countries. Sunnis believe that the successive leadership of the Muslims did not have to come from the Prophet Muhammad family. The Shi’ite believes that the Islam leadership should have been monarchial. Iran and Iraq possess the highest population of Shi’ites. In terms of family values, the family forms the core social unit. In an Iranian setting, a family forms a very private unit. This is a distinct aspect whereby female relatives face protection from outside influences. A clear manifestation, of this cultural aspect, pertains to the taboo of asking a question about female relatives and someone’s life. Iranians significantly regard the family as an indispensable part of their lives. In this sense, they seriously handle family responsibilities. In addition, they tend to have small families of mostly either one or two children. Notably, Iranians form a structure of a close-knit extended family. This creates a social network whereby an individual can attain assistance, from his family, in case of need. In close relation to this, family relationships supersede other social links such as businesses. This makes nepotism a favorable idea since it pertains to helping relatives. Besides, families protect elderly individuals at home rather than in nursing units. Iranians conceive themselves as possessing two identities. Zaher pertains to the public life while Batin refers to private life. In public, Iranians conform to certain modes of behavior. Within their homes, individuals are free to be themselves. This is because family members form the inner unit to an individual’s life. This inner circle describes the basis of a person’s business and social network. In addition, friendship is essential thereby extending into business. The people that exist in the inner circle can help an individual in terms of finding a job, offer of advice and penetration of bureaucracies. Iranian culture has a system of politeness that includes non-verbal and verbal communication. The Persian language refers to this system as Taarof. Iranians are wary of compliments and they feel vulnerable in the streets. In this sense, an Iranian would water down one’s accomplishments in order to appear humble. This is usually an act of courtesy that one should not take at face value. In the taarof system, an Iranian would first decline something on offer. This makes insistence an appealing virtue in cases of any offer. In meeting etiquette, individuals encounter one another in terms of sex. This is because women and men socialize separately (Ansari 10). Greetings are mostly affectionate in the form of kisses as pertains to each sex. In streets, individuals mostly greet in the form of handshakes. Conversations, which occur after greetings, entail discussion of general things. Culturally, Iranians give gifts in social occasions. This may pertain to return from a trip or an individual’s achievement in life. Besides, businesspeople accord gifts, such as cakes and sweets, in the office. On a visit to an Iranian’s house, it is courteous to bring pastry or flowers to the hosts. In a disciplined scenario, an individual would pretend to inflate the value of a gift. In turn, the giver would apologize for its inadequacy in satisfying the receiver. Gifts should receive an elegant wrapping by shops. Moreover, they are not usually opened on reception. On a visit to an Iranian’s house, it is vital to note whether the host has shoes. In case a host is not wearing shoes, an individual should remove one’s foot wearing at the door. Besides, a visit should entail punctuality. It is vital to dress conservatively in the presence of Iranians. Elders should receive polite greetings. Notably, individuals should scrutinize invitations, for inclusion of spouses, since conservative Iranians are wary of mixed sex groups. Iranian meals may entail partaking on the floor or tables. Most modern houses possess exquisite European furniture and western dining manners such as use of table during meal times. Iranian hospitality entails service, of foods, that are more than the deserved quantity. In their subsequent servings, it is courteous to decline. Iranian relationships herald personal links as grounds for conducting business with other individuals. Personal relationships are vital in the Iranian culture. It is crucial that a person develop a personal relationship before conducting a business venture with Iranian. This is because an Iranian would usually deal with those that they trust. In business, it is vital to create social networks and have contacts with other individuals as that is responsible for a business success. Iranians tend to judge individuals by their appearances thereby necessitating appropriate dressing. In business meetings, appointments are a necessity and one should make the same one month in advance. This should accompany a confirmation of the scheduled meeting one week in advance. It is a vital idea that a visitor should not schedule a meeting during the period of Ramadan (Richter 12). The initial stages of a meeting usually take a personal orientation before discussion of real business matters. Iranians value time in terms of punctuality. However, they do not prefer the idea of rushing meetings. Acts, such as constantly checking the watch, is a sign that warrants mistrust from Iranians. In such meetings, individuals would usually partake of tea as a sign of Iranian hospitality. Additionally, Iranian culture is rich on other elements too. To begin with, Iran possesses prehistoric symbols that perpetuate to strongly define its culture. Iran remains the only Middle East country that utilizes the solar calendar. In this sense, it marks the beginning of the New Year at the spring equinox. It is relevant to highlight of the symbol of a lion that holds a scimitar against a rising sun. This was the national symbol in the ancient times. Iran thrives under the theocratic symbolism of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. This is the religious leader of the Iranian entity. He is a symbol of the Iranian revolution. Until recently, Iran primarily possessed a rural culture. This is evident in their love for nature. In this sense, they strive to spend time in the open air. Since Iran is predominantly a desert, Iranians culturally construct spaces in the form of gardens. This pertains to the concept of juxtaposing outdoor features with internal aspects in design and construction of houses. Additionally, the Iranians hold every room, except kitchens, as a place for social functions and businesses. This is different from the American design whereby every room serves a distinct purpose. This concept of design entails that an Iranian can serve many guests at any time. Women’s space is respected in terms of establishing their private rooms in houses. Conservative Iranians do not recommend of seating in a warm seat that a woman might have just left. Additionally, Iranian food strikes an integrated feel of Indian and Greek cuisine. It entails substantial use of fresh ingredients such fruits. Iranian meals center on vegetables, fruits and greens. Rice and unleavened bread form the primary staple food. In this sense, meat is viewable as a complimentary rather than necessary food. It is vital to note of Iranian’s taboo on pork meat. It is discernible that Iranian culture is a rich composition that dates back to ancient terms. Iranian culture falls under the Persian orientation. This is an ancient culture that attracts attention from different entities. The Iranian culture strongly relies on Islam teaching. In this sense, the Islam religion defines their economic, political, legal and personal life. This defines holy days such as Ramadan and general worship. The Iranians are a group that respects aspect of personal relationships. This expresses in their value for nuclear and extended family. It also expresses in their way of business. Works cited Ansari, S. Women, religion and culture in Iran. New York, NY: Routledge, 2001. Print. Daniel, E, and Mahdi, A. Culture and customs of Iran. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006. Print. Keddie, N, and Matthee, R. Iran and the surrounding world: interactions in culture and cultural politics. Seattle, WA: University of Washington Press, 2002. Print. Richter, J. Iran: the culture. New York, NY: Crabtree Publishing Company, 2005. Print. Read More