Memo
To: Pam O’Brien
From: Raechelle Landers
Date: March 24, 2014
Subject: Assignment 6
For my final project, I chose to work for the foreign news bureau established in Cairo, Egypt by
the Associated Press (AP). This memo details why I chose to work for the AP in Egypt and how
I formatted my report for employees working in Egypt.
I chose to work for the AP’s bureau in Egypt because I enjoy journalism and I would like to
work internationally in my professional career. I adopted a position as Assistant News Editor for
this project. As Assistant News Editor at the bureau in Cairo, my job includes training the new
staff members. New staff members include newly hired interns, writers, reporters, fact-checkers,
photographers, and administrative personnel.
This report acts as an introduction for these new staff members by providing background on
Egypt and writing samples to demonstrate the best ways to communicate with non-native
English speakers. The background section of my report includes sections on demographics,
government, history, business practices, culture, etiquette, and the use of English in Egypt. The
example documents consist of a press release in international English, a business card, an
interview request, and a mobile application.
My report will provide new employees with an improved understanding on how to conduct
business in Egypt. It will also give writers a better idea of their topics and the people their
writing will impact.
I hope you find my report useful.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Reporting in Egypt
Guidelines for new staff members of the AP bureau in Cairo, Egypt
Presented by: Raechelle Landers, Assistant News Editor
24 March 2014
Overview
Welcome to the AP news bureau in Cairo, Egypt! This report provides useful information for
new bureau staffers to ensure their safe and successful acclimation and business practice in
Egypt. This report acts as a set of basic instructions for new members of the Cairo bureau with
writing samples included as guidelines.
This report will discuss:




Egypt’s background
Egyptian Culture
Egyptian Business Practices
The use of English in Egypt with four sample documents in international English
Egypt’s Background
Egypt’s long and rich history begins with the fertile lands and delta of the Nile River. While
Ancient Egypt is fascinating, this report begins with the formation of modern Egypt.
Britain controlled Egypt from 1822 until 1922 when Egypt gained independence and Fu’ad I
became the King of Egypt. Fu’ad’s son and grandson succeeded him on the thrown until the Free
Officer’s Movement overthrew the monarchy in the July 23 Revolution of 1952. In June 1953,
newly elected president and prime minister of Egypt, Muhammad Najib, declares Egypt a
Republic. Egypt’s new constitution was initiated in 1971 and the country is renamed the Arab
Republic of Egypt. The flag of Egypt is red, white, and black with a golden emblem in the
center, see Figure 1.
Demographics
In Egypt, 99 percent of the population consists of
Eastern Hamitic stock or Egyptians, Bedouins, and
Berbers. The remaining 1 percent includes Greek,
Nubian, Armenian, Italian, and French.
Islam remains the most commonly practiced
religion in Egypt with 94 percent of the population
being Muslim. The remaining 6 percent consists
mainly of Coptic Christians.
Figure 1 shows the flag of Egypt
Arabic remains the primary written and spoken
language in Egypt after almost 13 centuries.
Government
The five-term rule of Husni Mubarak began in 1981 when Jihad members assassinated the
previous president, Anwar al-Sadat. Under the repressive rule of Mubarak corruption was
widespread and political opposition silenced. Anti-government demonstrations in January 2011
resulted in the end of Mubarak’s presidency. He was arrested and sentenced to life in prison. In
2012, Muhammad Marsi, Islamist Brotherhood candidate, was elected president. After only one
year in power, however, the military aided anti-Morsi protesters ousting the president. Chief
justice Adly Mahmud Mansour serves as the interim president until the next election.
The most powerful man in Egypt at the moment, Egypt’s army chief Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, will
likely dominate the next elections, see Figure 2.
Egyptian Culture and Etiquette
Family Values
Egyptians place significant importance on the family
unit. The needs of the family, tribe, or group are
superior to those of the individual. Egyptians view
nepotism positively because of how much they value
family.
Meeting Etiquette
Greetings in Egypt depend on the class and religion
of the individual. You should follow the lead of the
Figure 2 shows Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Minister of Defense
individual you greet. Usually, Egyptians will shake
and Egypt's military chief.
hands when meeting someone of the same-sex. When
in Egypt, keep your handshake light and prolonged, smile and make direct eye contact. Once you
have developed a relationship, greetings include kissing on both cheeks while shaking hands.
When greeting a woman, she must extend her hand first or a man should bow his head instead of
offering his hand.
When invited into an Egyptian’s home remove your shoes before entering. You should
compliment the host’s house. Also, you should remember that Egyptians care about appearances
so dress well and conservatively.
Dining Etiquette
In Egypt, when invited for a meal wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit. Eat only
with your right hand. Egyptians consider it a sincere compliment to take second helpings. Do not
use salt and always show appreciation for the meal. When finished eating, leave a small amount
of food on your plate so that they know not to fill your plate again.
Egyptian Business Practices
In Egypt, business relationships require time and cultivation because they prefer conducting
business with people they know and respect. Networking leads to important opportunities in
Egyptian business. When meeting someone new in the business world, always accept a beverage
if offered. They believe that direct eye contact proves your sincerity and honesty so maintain eye
contact. Hierarchy and rank have a significant influence in business so demonstrate deference to
the most senior person in the group.
Egyptians judge based on appearances so always dress well and conservatively. Men should
wear dark colored, lightweight business suits and avoid jewelry. Women should wear
conservative dresses that cover the knee and sleeves that cover most of the arm.
Egyptians consider appointments necessary so make them in advance and confirm the meeting
one week in advance by writing or telephone and again a day or two before meeting. Before
beginning the business part of the meeting, ask about the health and family of the individual.
During your meeting expect interruptions because Egyptians usually have open meetings. If
interrupted wait patiently until the new person concludes their discussion. Prior to the meeting
send any necessary documents in both English and Arabic to the attendees.
Business moves slowly in Egypt requiring long-term personal relationships and lengthy
deliberations over decisions. Negotiations take a long time because Egyptians don’t like saying
‘no’ but also rarely consider an offer as final. You should always conduct extensive research to
support your views but avoid high-pressure tactics.
Print business cards in both English and Arabic and present them so that the recipient can read
them. Giving a business card does not require formal ritual. When receiving a business card,
study it before placing it in your business card case.
English in Egypt
According to Mark Schaub, author of “English in the Arab Republic of Egypt” published in
World Englishes, English plays a major role in Egypt’s universities today. Egyptians associate
the English language with better jobs and higher pay because many employers tend to value
English skills more than other qualifications. Some employers even require that their employees
graduated from the American University in Cairo (AUC).
Tourism, according to Schaub, provides another cause for the growing importance of English in
Egypt. Because tourism consists of most of Egypt’s hard-currency revenue, merchants and
sellers can increase their profits by communicating with visitors in English. You will find that in
locations frequented by tourists English menus are available in addition to Arabic ones.
Schaub also writes that contemporary Egyptian public schools introduce English as a mandatory
subject in the seventh through ninth grades. The students may choose whether to learn English as
their first or second foreign language. Private schools introduce English much earlier, sometimes
during preschool.
While English grows in academia, Arabic remains the most common language spoken daily in
Egypt. AP staff members working at the Egypt news bureau will usually use international
English to communicate with Egyptians.
The news and media in Egypt flourishes today with almost 30 major newspapers but journalists
must remain cautious. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Egypt was the third
deadliest country in the world for the press. Six journalists were killed in 2013 in Egypt.
The next section of this report includes writing samples in international English.
International English
The next section includes four documents that demonstrate how you will use international
English while at the bureau in Cairo.
Document One: Letter Requesting an Interview
This letter requests an interview with the most powerful man in Egypt. It demonstrates how to
use international English in Egypt. In the letter you notice that the writer inquires after the health
and welfare of the recipient. You will also notice the Arabic writing at the introduction and
conclusion of the letter. It begins with: “Greetings Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. How are you? I hope you
and your family are well.” The letter closes with: “Thank you Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. I look
forward to meeting you. Sincerely, Raechelle Landers.”
Document Two: Business Card
This business card has two sides, one side for English speakers and one side for Arabic speakers.
When presenting your card to Egyptians, present it with their language facing so that they can
read it upon receiving it.
Document Three: Press Release
This press release demonstrates how to rewrite an article for an Egyptian audience. The original
press release included in this report contains several ambiguous words. For example, the first
word of the press release, “toppling,” may present problems for non-native English speakers. As
part of the training program, you will take articles and press releases that you have previously
published originally for an American audience and rewrite them for an Egyptian readership.
Document Four: AP Mobile Application
This document includes sample screenshots of a mobile application designed for Egyptians.
These screenshots demonstrate a revision of the current AP mobile application. I based my
changes on other Egyptian newspapers and their mobile applications such as Daily News Egypt,
Egypt News, Egyptians News, and Egypt Radio and Newspaper. These are all news applications
designed for mobile phones. These applications differ from the AP’s current application for two
reasons. First, the Egyptian mobile apps feature less photography and second, most of them refer
to other Egyptian news sources. Both the AP’s application and the Egyptian applications use the
phrase “Top Stories” to indicate breaking news.
Raechelle Landers
+20 2 2728 3671
raechellelanders@gmail.com
1 Aisha Altaimoria Street
Cairo, Egypt
7 April 2014
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Minister of Defense
Egyptian Armed Forces
3 Salah Salem Street, Cairo 11763
،‫تحيات عبد الفتاح السيسي‬
.‫كيف حالك؟ أتمنى لك ولعائلتك جيدا‬
I hope that you are well and in good fortune. My news organization, the Associated Press,
requests a meeting with you to discuss the campaigns to elect you as president of Egypt. Our
news organization will publish an article about the support for you and your reluctance to accept
the role.
Some questions that I will ask you include:
Why are you reluctant to become president of Egypt? Have your thoughts on the presidency
changed after the initiation of campaigns such as “Kamel Gemilak,” “A nation’s demand,” and
“El-Sisi for president”?
Can you respond to the rumors that Hamdeen Sabahi, will oppose you in a future presidential
race? He expressed doubt about your commitment to democracy. Do you respond to him?
In an interview with Lally Weymouth of The Washington Post, you stated that the United States,
under the Obama administration, is negligent in Egyptian politics and the will of the people. Do
you continue to believe this?
Please contact me by email if and when you are available to meet. Thank you for your time.
.‫ وإنني أتطلع إلى لقائكم‬.‫شكرا لك عبد الفتاح السيسي‬
،‫مع خالص التقدير‬
Raechelle Landers
Assistant News Editor
Example Business Card
First side of business card
Raechelle Landers
Assistant News Editor
The Associated Press
264 Melwood Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
USA
Tel: +18146023619
Email: info@ap.org
Second side of business card
Raechelle Landers
‫مساعد محرر األخبار‬
18146023619+ :‫الهاتف‬
:‫البريد اإللكتروني‬info@ap.org
‫وكالة اسوشيتد برس‬
‫ ميلوود الجادة‬264
،‫بيتسبرغ‬PA 15213
‫الواليات المتحدة األمريكية‬
Press Release
A new survey reveals that Americans learn news from multiple sources based on the topic and
speed of the story. This contradicts the previous belief that Americans learn news from a few
sources determined by their age and beliefs.
The Media Insight project released the survey, titled “The Personal News Cycle,” on 17 March,
2014. The Media Insight Project is an initiative of the American Press Institute and the
Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
“People across generations are interested in all kinds of news, and they use a mix of media to
learn about them,” said Tom Rosenstiel, executive director of the American Press Institute.
Rosenstiel also said that Americans of all ages prefer to learn of world events directly from the
source than from an indirect source.
The survey also says that where Americans get their news depends on the topic and type of story.
For example, they do not depend on one news organization for everything. Instead, Americans
get their sports news from one organization and their politics and world news from a different
news source. This means that Americans seek specialization of topics in their news sources.
“This survey provides information that goes well beyond the media platform a person uses,”
said Trevor Tompson, director of the AP-NORC Center.
Trevor Tompson discussed the design of the survey. The survey provides more detailed data
about how people get their news. For example, the survey tells how Americans follow news
differently based on the timing of the story. Americans use a different source for breaking news
than for slow paced stories. The survey also tells what Americans do if they want to learn more
about the topic.
Other findings of the survey include:

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Most Americans use multiple sources and technologies to get their news each week. The
news topic determines the type of technology that Americans use to get their news.
The devices used by Americans listed below also rank their use in percentage:
o Television, 87 percent
o Computer, 69 percent
o Radio, 65 percent
o Print, 61 percent
o Mobile telephone, 56 percent
o Tablet, 29 percent
Data contrasts the common belief that news habits are ingrained and limited to a few
devices.
The survey shows that more than six in ten American adults learn news stories from
television, radio, computers, or mobile telephones each week.
Mobile Application Example Screenshot
The Associated Press
The Associated Press
‫وكالة اسوشيتد برس‬
‫وكالة اسوشيتد برس‬
Top Stories
Economy
Science and Technology
Sports
World
Egypt Newspapers
Egypt’s army chief Abdel
Fattah al-Sisi arrives in
UAE
Staff Writer, Al Arabiya News
Tuesday, 11 March 2014
Egypt’s army chief Field
Marsha Abdel-Fattah
al-Sisi arrived in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi
on Tuesday.
Sisi is scheduled to attend the conclusion of a
joint military exercise (Zayed-1) held by the
UAE and Egyptian Armed Forces. After his
arrival in Abu Dhabi Sisi was met by UAE
deputy army chief Sheikh Mohamed bin
Zayed al-Nahyan.
The two men noted the “fraternal and solid
relations linking the two countries and their
peoples,” and their wish to “consolidate
bilateral cooperation,” the WAM news agency
reported, without giving details on Sisi’s plans
or the length of his stay.
Text Sources
Committee to Protect Journalists. (n.d.). Protecting Journalists Worldwide. Retrieved from
Committee to Protect Journalists: https://www.cpj.org/
Egypt Profile. (2014, February 26). Retrieved from BBC News Africa:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13313370
Egypt: Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. (2013). Retrieved from Kwintessential:
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/egypt-country-profile.html
Journalist Security Guide: Basic Preparedness. (n.d.). Retrieved from Committee to Protect
Journalists: http://cpj.org/reports/2012/04/basic-preparedness.php
National Survey: The Personal News Cycle: How Americans Get their News. (2014). The
Associated Press.
Schaub, M. (2000). English in the Arab Republic of Egypt. World Englishes, 225-238.
Timeline of Egyptian History and Culture. (2009). Retrieved from Cultural Property Training
Resource: Egypt (Bright Star): http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/cultural/09476/egypt0201enl.html
Weiss, E. H. (2005). The Elements of International English Style. Armonk, New York: M.E.
Sharpe.
Visual Sources
Egypt Flag. (n.d.). Retrieved from Maps of World: http://www.mapsofworld.com/flags/egyptflag.html
Egypt's army chief Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi arrives in UAE. (n.d.). Retrieved from Al Arabiya News:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/03/11/Egypt-s-army-chief-AbdelFattah-el-Sissi-arrives-in-UAE.html
OE Productions. (n.d.). Egyptian News. Retrieved from Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.makemedroid.egyptdailynews
The Associated Press. (n.d.). AP Mobile. Retrieved from iTunes Preview:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ap-mobile/id284901416?mt=8