Table of Contents
Heritage of Egyptian culture
Egyptian culture is an ancient one that is connected with the Pyramids and the pharaohs in the common conscience. Egypt is located in Northern Africa, the eastern part of the continent. The harsh climate led to the migration of Egyptians to settle in the river Nile valley. This place enabled living in a lush area. Also, it was comparably safe. Major occupations are connected with tourism. The development of the other areas in the business sector is not high. Even those who do not work in the tourism sector benefit from it. 11% of GDP is generated from the tourism sector (Coben, 2011).
Communication of Egyptian Culture
The official language is Standard Arabic. However, there are many dialects of Arabic. Lingua franca, or Egyptian Arabic, is the most famous as it is mainly native to the local people. There is also Sa’idi Arabic for the southern part. Bedouins speak Berber (“Languages in Egypt – Gap Year”, 2016).
Respect is a critical aspect of interpersonal connections which shapes the overall context of communication. All the family is to be respected. The open expression of bliss or appreciation is certainly accepted; it is even valued. Displaying affection between the sexes is unacceptable in public. Egyptians are extremely emotional; if a friend or family member dies, they would cry and shout to express their distress. The distance is shorter than in other countries and men are used to eye contact and touch. Nevertheless, the opposite is true when communicating with women is considered.
Family roles and organization of Egyptian culture
The Head of the family is a man. Gender roles are traditional: a man provides the family with all the necessary, while a woman mainly manages the household. Nevertheless, women may also work since 1952 to enhance the workforce (“Family Structure”). Girls are taught to cook and help their mothers with the household, while boys learn to trade. Wealthy children devote all their time to their education. The family is a focal point of Egyptian culture. All the people are to create a family to extend the lineage. Single parenting takes place but is rarer compared in European countries. Homosexual orientation may be referred to be a ‘moral crime.’ Childless marriages contradict Egyptian core values. Divorce rates grow rapidly – by 83% over the past 20 years (“Divorce Rate in Egypt Increases by 83% in the Past 20 Years”, 2016).
Workforce issues of Egyptian culture
Women are allowed to study and work which enables their autonomy. There are more women in the labor sector, services, and tourism compared to the past. People from other countries assimilate and work in Egypt. The Ministry of Health and populations (MOHP) is the biggest supplier of health care administrations. Governorate -levels health directorates are obliged to report to MOHP.
Conclusion
Egypt is a country of unique cultural values. Egyptians are sincere people with their valued heritage and customs. Some of the rules remain the same from the past, while the others have changed through time. The family is the center of the worldview of the Egyptians. Even though the women may work and divorce, still the views on gender roles and labor distribution remains quite traditional.
- Coben, L. (2011). Why Egyptians Preserve Their Cultural Heritage. The Huffington Post. Retrieved 27 November 2016, from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/larry-coben/egypt-cultural-heritage_b_827872.html.
- Divorce Rate in Egypt Increases by 83% in the Past 20 Years, (2016). Cairo Scene. Retrieved 27 November 2016, from: http://www.cairoscene.com/Buzz/Divorce-Rate-in-Egypt-Increases-by-83-in-the-Past-20-Years.
- Family Structure. Modern Egyptian Culture. Retrieved 27 November 2016, from: http://tceygpt.weebly.com/family-structure.html.
- Languages in Egypt – Gap Year, (2016). com. Retrieved 27 November 2016, from: https://www.gapyear.com/countries/egypt/languages.