How To Use Your Hands in the Middle East
July 28th, 2009 by Kay Dover
It’s a fact: offbeat travelers are good with their hands! You pitch tents, tie Sailor’s knots, sport henna tattoos and heft suitcases. And if you’re planning a trip to the Middle East, where many common Western gestures have very different meanings, your manual dexterity is one asset you’ll want to keep handy. Here’s a list of some of the most important signage to understand on Arabian nights.
Shake n’ Bake
Gently handling etiquette in the Middle East can win you many friends
A warm handshake is a sign of respect and goodwill and is a pretty standard greeting in the Middle East. However, female travelers should be cautious, because contact between men and women is forbidden in the more religious communities. Men should always wait for a local woman to offer her hand, as women should wait for local men to offer theirs. If a Muslim man is more conservative or has just washed for prayer, he may offer a woman an elbow, which she should shake like a hand.
Right is Right
In many Muslim countries, the left hand is reserved for bodily hygiene. Lefties should be careful to always shake hands or take food with their right hand, as using the left can be seen as impolite or disrespectful.
Thumbs Down
In many countries in the region, including Iran, a “thumbs up” gesture is a bigtime insult, and doing it with both hands is double trouble.
Off-center Salute
As in most places, you’ll want to keep your middle finger in check. But be careful with your index finger too, because in some Arab countries, that one’s just as bad.
A Pointer About Pointing
Pointing or beckoning with your finger (or a pen or other object) at a person is considered a threat. If you want to direct attention to someone, extend your (right) hand towards them with your palm facing the sky like you’re holding a tray. If you want them to approach you, extend your hand that way and curl your fingers in toward you several times.
Not OK
The Western “OK” sign (touching the thumb and index finger to make a circle, with the rest of the fingers extended) may be a-okay in the U.S.A., but in the Arab world it’s the sign of the evil eye.
Be a Copycat
In the end, you’ll be judged way more on your good intentions than on your perfect grasp of etiquette. When in doubt, follow the lead of your hosts, or even ask someone about what’s appropriate in a certain situation. Women will want to pay especially close attention to what local women do. Everyone will appreciate your efforts and your respect for their customs… just don’t thank them for their help with a “thumbs up” sign!
[photo by DavidDennisPhotos.com via Flickr]
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