5.9: Culture (2)
- Page ID
- 347724
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)In this section, you will be able to:
- Learn about the habits of Arab families during weekends.
Habits of Arab Families During Weekends
The weekend in most Arab countries falls on Fridays and Saturdays, while some have it on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekend activities for Arab families may differ based on cultural traditions, personal preferences, and access to leisure opportunities. However, there are some activities that Arab families typically partake in during the weekend:
1. Family Gatherings: Spending time together as a family is very important for many Arab families on the weekend. This often involves visiting relatives or hosting gatherings at home, where traditional dishes are served and enjoyed. It’s also common for neighbors or extended family to drop by without a formal invitation, enjoying spontaneous visits over tea or coffee.
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2. Outdoor Activities:
Depending on the location and climate, Arab families may engage in a wide range of outdoor activities on the weekend. These might include picnics in local parks, trips to beaches, rivers, or green countryside areas, visits to scenic desert landscapes, or simply taking a مشوار (short outing or drive) to explore nearby places. In many Arab cultures, a سيران (family picnic or day trip) is a cherished tradition where relatives gather outdoors to share meals, tea, and conversation.
In Gulf countries, families often set up tents in the desert, known as "kashtas," where they barbecue, drink tea or Arabic coffee, and enjoy storytelling late into the night. In the Levant, it is common to see families gathering under olive trees or near mountain springs, bringing along traditional dishes and enjoying the fresh air.
Sports are also popular outdoor pastimes. Many families play football (soccer), volleyball, or go for walks and jogs along neighborhood tracks or seaside corniches الكورنيش. Children might ride bikes or fly kites, while teenagers often meet up to play pickup matches in open lots. In coastal cities, water activities such as swimming or fishing are also favorite weekend options.
3. Cultural Events: Arab countries have a rich cultural heritage, and families may use the weekend to attend cultural events such as festivals, concerts, or theater performances. These events provide opportunities for families to enjoy entertainment together and connect with their cultural roots.
4. Shopping: Like many people around the world, Arab families may use the weekend for shopping and running errands. Shopping malls and markets are popular destinations where families can purchase groceries, clothing, household items, and more.
5. Religious Activities: For observant Muslim families, the weekend provides additional time for religious activities and community involvement. This could include attending Friday prayers at the mosque, participating in religious study groups, or volunteering for charitable causes. For observant Christian families, they visit the church on Sunday mornings for religious and community activities.
6. Relaxation: Weekends provide a chance for Arab families to relax after a busy week. This might include staying at home to watch movies, read, or enjoy hobbies and leisure activities. Teenagers and young adults often spend part of their weekends meeting friends at cafés, shopping centers, or community hangouts, and social media plays a big role in how they connect.
7. Travel and Excursions: Some Arab families may use the weekend to travel and explore new destinations. This could range from short day trips to nearby attractions to longer vacations within their own country or abroad.
8. Educational and Enrichment Activities: Parents may use the weekend to engage their children in educational or enrichment activities, such as visiting museums, attending workshops, or participating in cultural or sports clubs.
Overall, weekend activities for Arab families are diverse and can vary based on individual preferences, family dynamics, and cultural influences. The emphasis is often on spending quality time together, whether through socializing, leisure activities, or cultural experiences.
Check Your Understanding
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How does the weekend routine in Arab families compare to weekends in your family or culture? What are some activities that are similar or different?
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What would you enjoy most about spending a weekend with an Arab family, based on what you read? Why?
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Why do you think meals are such an important part of family gatherings in Arab cultures? Is it the same in your family?
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The text mentions activities like سيران (picnics) and مشوار (short outings). Describe a similar outing you’ve taken with your family or friends. Where did you go and what did you do?
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In many Arab countries, families may stay up late socializing on weekends. Is staying up late with family or friends common in your culture? Why or why not?
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If you could attend a weekend cultural festival in an Arab country, what would you hope to see or experience there?
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Why do you think family gatherings without formal invitations are common in Arab culture? Would this feel comfortable or unusual for you? Explain.
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Many Arab families balance traditional activities with modern life. How do you see that happening in your own family or community?