Arabic Culture Courses (1)

THE ROAD TO ARABIA

SOCIAL CULTURE COURSE


DOING BUSINESS AND LIVING
IN ARAB COUNTRY


الطريق إلى بلاد العرب

برنامج تعليمي في الثقافة الإجتماعية

العمل و المعيشة في بلد عربي


إعداد و تدريس
يسري السيد منصور

YOUSRY ELSAYED MANSOUR
yousrysing@yahoo.com.sg
Mobile: +65 92740273



An Educational Program by KALIMAH Singapore.
KALIMAH, for the support of Arab Culture in Singapore
برنامج تعليمي بواسطة كلمة سنغافورة
كلمة ، من أجل دعم الثقافة العربية في سنغافورة



COURSE OUTLINES
Setting out to live, work or study in Arab country may evoke images of continued conflicts, rich societies, smell of oil, horror and terrorism. For many, it appears that going to an Arab country is a suicidal mission, or at least it may not be the rosiest prospect at all.

Nevertheless, Arab societies are famous for attracting people of different origins to live, work and settle there for generations. For example, there are many Singaporean families living happily, in some Arab countries for the past 20 years.

Our aim is to provide an easy entry into Arab societies for those who are going to be stationed in an Arab country for short or long periods, or even for those who intend to do business with Arabs by traveling into Arab countries more frequently.

The course which focuses on how to do business with Arabs will also include Modern History of Arab countries, the different societies of Arabs, Secularism and Religions in Arab countries, learning Arabic language through readings of Arabic daily newspapers, Arabic poems, and Arabic literature. Appreciation of Arab music, films and drama and along the way learning about the Arab kitchen and have a taste of the different Arab cuisines.

Have in mind that most Arabs will be very pleased with your attempts to speak their language, and you will get a bit closer to them, perhaps more so than other foreigners who do not try to learn at least a few phrases.

It is of utmost importance to learn about the Arab people, culture and history. The more you get to know the culture, the more your interest will be aroused, and the more motivation you will have to proceed with your life in Arab society.

As the course aims to introduce the culture and social life in an Arab society, it will involve ‘non-language’ signs, which are equally important in communicating and building bridges between different cultures. This course covers the unspoken rules to follow, to help you avoid making culture and social mistakes when you are meeting people from Arab countries or when you speak to a native Arabic speaking person.


The course OUTLINES (in short):-

· A Brief History of Arab countries
· The different Arab Countries
· Secularism and Religions in Arab countries
· Learning simple phrases in Arabic language
· Learn some important Arabic Proverbs
· Appreciation of Arab music, films and drama
· Appreciation of Arab cuisines
· Introduce the cultural and social life in an Arab society
· Learn ‘non-language’ signs in an Arab society
· Learn the unspoken rules of BEHAVIOR in business and social life



COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of this Course, students will be able to:

1- Recognize Arabic alphabets and Arabic numbers
2- To say simple Arabic words and phrases
3- Appreciate Arab culture, music and arts
4- Know the History and Geography of Arab countries
5- Understand the rules of Personal Behaviour in Arab society
6- Understand the rules of Business Behaviour in Arab country


LESSON PLAN

I) ARAB CULTURE
Every lesson will include part on Arab culture, you will learn about the history of the Arabs, who are the Arabs?, from where they originated? How many Arab countries today? you learn about their songs, watch films about their society, personal etiquette in Arab country, how to dine with Arabs? You will have a taste of their food and learn about their traditions.

II) BUSINESS BEHAVIOUR
Every lesson will include demonstration on how to avoid making social mistakes in Arab society, and code of behaviour in office, in meetings, doing presentations and negotiations. Lastly, how to arrange for a visit of Arab delegation to Singapore; which hotel, old or new, what food to eat?; Indian, Chinese or Malay cuisine?


COURSE REQUIREMENT
(Who can attend this course?):
This course is designed for English-speaking adults who may wish to get familiar with Arab’s social and culture etiquette in order to do business and live in Arab country.


THE ROAD TO ARABIA (DOING BUSINESS & LIVING IN ARAB COUNTRY)

CONTENTS


Lesson 1 Arab Culture
Who are the Arabs?
A Brief History, and Geography
The Wrong Perceptions
Grouping Arabs
Map of Arab countries
The League of Arab States,
Naming ‘the Gulf’?
(Map of Gulf Countries)

Lesson 2 Arab Culture
Brief History of the Arabs
Knowing the Arab countries
Knowing the ruling families
Knowing important figures

Lesson 3 Arab Culture
You already know a little Arabic
Arabic origins of English words
Discovering Arabic Language
All about Consonants
Arabic Proverbs

Lesson 4 Arab culture
Islam: The Code of Behaviour
Ten ways to Pick up Arabic QUICKLY
Sing it in Arabic (Songs)

Lesson 5 Business Behaviour
The selection process
Qualities required
Differences
Employment of women
Preparing to move or visit an Arab Gulf country
Travel
Visas
Passport Validity
Driving licenses
Photos

Lesson 6 Business Behaviour
The Culture Shock
Confusion and Disorientation
The Arabs v. The Others
Driving habits
Acceptance of Gifts
Matters of `Face’
Personal Behavior
Body language
Shaking hands with Men and Women
Holding hands
Kissing: WHOM TO KISS?
Exposed flesh
The soles of feet
Beckoning with fingers
Crossed legs

Lesson 7 Business Behaviour
Don’t you know it’s Friday
Time and Timing
Time keeping
Centralism
VIP visits to Arab Gulf Country
Is it Time or Timing that matters?
Decision making: wait, wait, wait – Hurry, hurry, hurry
What happen to my Presentation?
The working hours
The working week
Don’t you know it’s a Friday?

Lesson 8 Business Behaviour
Language and Names
Need to study Arabic?
“Please” and “Thank you”
Names of the Arabs
Titles and salutation
Preparations
Business cards
Your translator not theirs
Be on Time
The dress code
Getting past the gate
Office Behavior
Entering and Exiting
When and How to talk Business
Presentational Techniques

Lesson 9 Business Behaviour
Business Behavior- the next steps
Business is a personal affair
Business and Pleasure
Access and Power
Agenda
“One-liners” Opportunity
Power of Silence

Lesson 10 Business Behaviour
Business Behavior-The Final steps
Bargaining
The meaning of “No”
Concluding the “Deal”
Contractual obligations v. Personal trust
Selection of an Agent or a Sponsor

Lesson 11 Business Behaviour
The Don’ts
Business Behaviour
Video: Dubai in the 90th
Arab cuisines
Dinning with Arabs



COURSE DURATION
60 Hours


COURSE FEES

I) Course Fees for individuals (1 - 4 persons):-
Fees are calculated at per hour per course, exclusive of all teaching materials (Printed Materials), teaching materials will be charged at $20 per person:

One person: S$ 150 per hour
Two persons to Three persons: S$ 130 per hour
Three persons to Four persons: S$ 110 per hour

II) Course Fees for Small Groups (5 - 10 persons):-
Fees are calculated at per hour per course, excluding teaching materials. Teaching Materials will be charged at $20 per person.

Five to Ten persons: S$ 100 per hour

III) Course Fees for Groups (11 - 20 persons):-
There will be an additional charge of $10 per person on top of the fees of small group (i.e. Course Fees for a Group of 15 persons = $100 + $50 per hour)
Excluding cost of teaching materials. Teaching Materials will be charged at $30 per person.

Additional charge per Person per Hour: S$ 10 (plus base fees of $100 per hour) (excluding teaching materials)




For Enquiries
YOUSRY ELSAYED MANSOUR
yousrysing@yahoo.com.sg
Mobile: +65 92740273