Morocco - Customs and Courtesies
Although Arabic countries are geographically, politically, and economically diverse, Arabs are more culturally homogeneous than Westerners. Most Arabs share basic values, regardless of nationality or social status. Social attitudes have remained constant because Arab society is conservative and demands conformity from its members. Even the beliefs of non-Muslim Arabs are greatly influenced by Islam.
Moroccans take social protocol very seriously. Greetings include a gentle handshake and, often, a kiss near the cheek. Urban people use this greeting with both genders, while those in more rural areas reserve the custom for members of the same sex. They may also hold hands when walking. If an Arab does not touch those he is near, he either does not like them or perceives it would make them uncomfortable. After shaking hands, the gesture of placing the right hand on the heart is a greeting of respect or sincerity. Women may do this after serving food as a sign sincerity. To kiss the forehead, nose, or right hand of a person denotes extreme respect. Liberal use of appropriate titles such as "Doctor" or "Professor" along with an individual's first name is common.
Americans try to maintain 70 to 90 inches of space between themselves and others. Arabs are more comfortable with 12 inches or less. Americans will back away from Arabs who crowd them, and Arabs step forward to maintain closeness. The Arab may believe he has offended if the American continues to retreat.
There are gestures commonly used in the Arab world that differ from those used in America. The Moroccans signify "yes" with one downward nod. "No" can be signified in many ways: tilting one's head slightly back and raising the eyebrows; moving one's head back and chin upwards; moving one's head back and making a clicking sound with the tongue; or using the open palm moved from right to left toward the person. "That's enough, thank you," may be indicated by patting the heart a few times. "Excellent" is expressed with open palms toward the person. "OK" may be shown by touching the outer edge of one's eyes with the fingertips. The Western "A-OK" and "thumbs-up" gestures have obscene connotations to Arabs. Arabs consider the left hand to be unclean, so the right hand should always be used when gesturing.
The bottoms of the feet are considered the dirtiest parts of the body. Pointing them at someone is a grievous error. Placing one's feet on a desk or another piece of furniture is considered extremely rude, and it is insulting if feet are pointed at an Arab. When sitting, both feet should remain on the floor. One ankle is never placed on the other leg's knee as it points the bottom pointing of the foot at others.
All fingers wave with the palm facing downward to beckon. Public displays of affection between the sexes are unacceptable, but it is common for good friends of the same sex to hold hands while walking.
Arabs like to discuss money and may ask prices of possessions or what others' salaries are. Arabs may ask why others are unmarried or why a married couple has no children; Arabs consider unmarried adults unusual and place significance on children. Male children enhance prestige and assure care of the parents in old age. Questions that Arabs consider too personal are those pertaining to women in the family, if asked by a man. It is best to ask about another's family, not specifically a wife, sister, or grown daughter.
Arabs favor conversation about religion and politics. Both topics can be can be risky for Westerners. Muslims enjoy discussing religion with non-Muslim Westerners because of their curiosity about Western religious beliefs and because they feel motivated to share information about Islam as a favor to the non-believer. They may ask Westerners to convert. The simplest, most gracious, and acceptable answer is a statement of appreciation of Islam but allowing that conversion cannot be considered due to family loyalty.
Arabs will also discuss controversial political issues like the Palestinian problem and the legacy of colonialism and imperialism. They are not usually prepared for frank statements of disagreement with their positions on these issues. The safest responses are confined to platitudes and expressions of concern for the victims of war and hopes for peace.
Public displays of intimacy between men and women is strictly forbidden by the Arab social code, including holding hands or linking arms, or any gesture of affection such as kissing or prolonged touching. Such actions, even between husband and wife, are highly embarrassing to Arab observers.
Public appearance is extremely important to Arabs and they dress and behave much more formally than do Americans. In the U.S., status is connected to social position, salary, or power. In the Middle East, one's status is revealed in public appearance, from attire to conduct. Many people dress formally to go to work, whether they are professionals or laborers. At work, the laborer may change clothes or he may work in his formal wear. Arabs believe Americans dress much too casually.
Western men and women should dress conservatively in social settings. For women, skirt hems should be below the knee, sleeves at least to the elbow, and necklines modest. Pants and pantsuits for women are not appropriate. In military settings, men and women should wear uniforms as required.
Middle Easterners gain status by birth right into an affluent family. Social mobility is a new concept. The American idea of working one's way from one class to another through skill and achievement is only slowly appearing in the traditional Middle Eastern societies.
Arabs function based on personal relations more than time constraints, mission requirements, or professional skills. In business, Arabs rarely commence work immediately. Instead, Arabs have a strong sense of formal social occasion and protocol. An initial business meeting is used to emphasize protocol through polite conversation and serving refreshments. Business discussions and transactions may occur at a later meeting or during a meal.
Americans live in a fast pace that is not accepted in the Arab world. Arabs are insulted by being rushed. Moroccan hospitality requires that refreshments always be offered to guests. When anything is offered, it is considered polite for the guest to decline at least twice before accepting, and for the host to offer at least three times before finally accepting a guest's negative response.
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