Arab Customs

Abstract

In cultures with highly formalized social behavior there may be an elaborate system of “etiquette.” Mrs. Van Ess here describes some of the elements of Arab etiquette which are difficult or particularly likely to be overlooked by Western missionaries. Perhaps most societies in the world do not make as much of the importance of polite behavior as the Arabs. Most peoples are more forgiving of foreigners and strangers. In most folk and primitive societies etiquette is not as formalized. But among all peoples there are nice ways of social behavior and crude ones, polite acts and impolite ones. Mrs. Van Ess reminds us to find out what they are and behave accordingly.