Intercultural Studies - LSS 2113
Students Name:



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Mariam Hassan - H00225958
Ayesha Salem – H00248081
Bayan Mohammed – H00257942
Ayesha Manea - H00229536
General information
Country Name: Republic of Yemen
Capital City: Sana'a
President: Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi
Official languages: Arabic
Religion: Islam
National plant: Arabian Coffee
Currency: Yemeni Rial (YER)
Area: 527,970 sq. km
Population: 26 million people
High Context Culture
 Reserved:
Women should cover their faces and their hair when entering the age of 10!!
 Gender roles clearly defined:
Yemen culture have strong Gender roles, girls can’t do whatever the boys can do
for example “Working, Traveling, Married decision”
 Very rare marriage with outsiders:
Most of Yemen parents they don’t allow their son to married from outsiders
because of “Customs and traditions difference” between them.
High Context Culture
 Strong sense of family:
The parents and family is very important in Yemen, you can see how the family
is important and very strong because you will see the whole family, starting
from Grandma and Grandpa, children and grandchildren living together in the
same house.
 No direct eye contact:
There are strict gender rules, whereby women should not make too much eye
contact with men as it could be misconstrued as disrespect or a romantic
interest. Similarly a daughter will point her eyes downwards when her father
is speaking to her, as a sign of politeness and respect.
Customs
Greetings
Customs
Food
Customs
DANCING
Customs
Dress code
Customs
Seating arrangement at meetings
Customs
Gift exchange
Body language
Proverbs
‫الطمع قل مامجع‬
•
Grasp all lose all
‫من يبا ادلحه اليقول احه‬
•
No pain, no gain
‫معياء ختضب جمنونه‬
•
If the blind lead blind both shall fall into the ditch
Landmarks in Yemen
The grand mosque in Sanaa
Old City of Sanaa
Socotra Island
Landmarks in Yemen
Dar Al Hajar Palace
Marib Dam
Doaan Vale
Landmarks in Yemen
Interesting facts!
•
In Yemen it is considered normal for some too yell someone name or
have a conversation from a far distance. So don’t be afraid.
•
In wedding, the groom has to trample on the braid feet, when they
are in front of their home in this way, she will be Dutiful to her
husband for ever.
•
In hospitality, the host must slaying a goat and give the main gust
the heart or the liver .
Also when the host offering the coffee the gust have to put his/her
hand above the cup that mean that he doesn't want more.
•
When your right hand scratching you, that means you will have money
soon.
•
When your right eye blinks, you will see a good thing
Classification of the culture
Honor vs. Shame
• Places higher value on the pursuit of group goal
Job satisfaction, money, good working conditions and opportunities for growth are the
main issues that motivate Yemeni colleagues to perform well on the job.
• Loyalty and commitment are based on long-term nurtured relationship
Developing a solid personal relationship with a colleague or client is key to any business
relationship within Yemen. It is important to maintain frequent contact via phone as a
sign of courtesy.
Classification of the culture
Power vs. Fear
• If possible don’t blame the individual in public even when it is his/her fault.
The best way to deal with a work-related problem with a colleague is to confront him or her
directly in private, as a public confrontation is considered insulting and offensive.
• Try to engage one-on-one before larger meeting take place
Engaging in casual conversations with people is a valuable source in obtaining more
information. Also, to understand the general mood .
Learn some new words
Yemeni’s word
Meaning
Hbaba
Grandmother
Maa akhalsh
I hate you
Sboh
Breakfast
Nokhra
Nose
Kannesh
What is happen?
Kortah
Dress
Lets play!
Sboh
Nokhra
Lets play!
Hbaba
Grandmother
Maa akhalsh
Lets play!
What is happen?
Dress
Kortah
Kannesh
References:
When the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into a ditch. (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2015,
from: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/when-the-blind-lead-the-blindboth-shall-fall-into-a-ditch
English Proverbs & Sayings. (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2015, from:
http://www.learn-english-today.com/proverbs/proverbs-G.html
English Proverbs & Sayings. (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2015, from:
http://www.learn-english-today.com/proverbs/proverbs-N.html
Syndiewinnie. (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2015, from:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/177681147770941929/
(Centre for Intercultural Learning, 2009)
Yemen. (2007, September 1). Retrieved April 12, 2015, from:
http://www.swyaa.org/resources/handbook/Yemen.htm
Battesti, V. (2001, January 1). An Outline of a Yemeni Body Language (Taiz and Sanaa).
Retrieved April 12, 2015, from: http://anthropoasis.free.fr/spip.php?article39
References:
Darem, F. (2011, September 7). Grand Mosque of Sana`a: Historical landmark and centre
for moderation. Retrieved April 11, 2015, from:
http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/75438/grand-mosque-of-sanaa-historicallandmark-and-centre-for-moderation
Old-city-sanaa. (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2015, from:
http://asiatourismportal.com/old-city-sanaa
Socotraisland. (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2015, from:
http://www.justmegawatt.com/images/socotraisland.html
Ronnyreportage. (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2015, from:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ronnyreportage/6336984466/
Marib_Dam. (n.d.). Retrieved April 11, 2015, from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marib_Dam
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