as discussed

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Running head: CULTUREGRAM

Culturegram: The Determinants of Culture

Name of student

Institutional affiliation

1. Language, Communication and Social Values

Language:

Most Egyptian s are well-known for expressing themselves in a few languages commonly, Arabic, which is considered the official language in Egypt. As well, some populations have demonstrated knowledge of French and English languages in their speech. However, the different languages are spoken at different parts across Egypt, where the last languages are used by the learned Egyptian businesspersons.

Unspoken Language:

Some of the non-verbal cues utilized by the Egyptian are evident in the greetings, where handshake is commonly practiced by the people of same sex, while opposite sexes often bowing is practiced by men as women can give out a hand. As well, a kiss in the neck is evident for people who are relating, which often marked with frequent smiles and maintenance of eye contact.

Values and Attitudes

Egyptians are fond of soft speaking, though can always shout to emphasize on a given point on a round table, which does not depict anger. However, maintenance of a direct eye contact is a sign of sincerity or honesty.

Manners and Customs:

On special occasions like wedding or visiting the sick, the Egyptians do not give flowers. Based on their customs, Egyptians never gives a gift with the left hand. As well, they have to cover up their skins and enter the house with no shoes (Abdl-Hamid, 2003).

2. Religion

Majority of the Egyptians are Muslims, even though the constitution upholds the freedom of religion restricted to Islam, Christianity and Judaism that are referred as Abrahamic religions. However, Christianity is mostly practiced by the Orthodox Christian Church and the Coptic Catholic Church. As well, an unrecognized number of the population consider themselves as atheists. Nevertheless, Christians and Islamic believers co-exist as neighbors with a common history, ethnicity, race, identity language and culture (Haeri, 2003).

3. Education and Literacy

About a quarter of the Egyptian population is considered illiterate. However, the approximately 70 percent of the individual above 15 years can read and write in Arabic. Even though, English and French is taught, they are meant for the most learned in the population since most people are not interested. However, the literacy level of males is relatively higher than that of females. Besides, the literacy level amongst the adults is estimated at 21%, while the youth of age 15- 24years demonstrate high skills of solving mathematical problems.

4. Social Structure and Lifestyle

In the ancient Egypt, the social structural pyramid was composed of the pharaohs and the associated divinities were at the topmost, while servants and salves were at the bottom line, such a demonstration suggested the poser that the leaders had over their subjects since they were viewed as gods in human form. However, the class structure of the Egyptians was rigid since every individual accepted their fate and where they belonged. Such a consideration was later changer by education of more men that led to the development of the professional and learned class climbing up the ladder, which provided new opportunities for many individuals. As a result modern social classes were developed that constituted the upper, lower and middle. In such social stratification each level was dependent on the family rather than the amount of wealth an individual had.

5. Economic Profile and Financial Facts

Egypt is a middle income earning country, with about 28%of the total population lavishing in poverty, where high rate are encountered in the rural areas. However, there is a disparity in the health and education outcomes despite the progressive improvement in the human developments. The rate of unemployment seem to be slowing rising considering the increasing population. Such a move facilitates the establishment of new economic reforms so as to respond to people’s needs. Nevertheless, fiscal imbalances are encountered on the wage bills, taxation rates, and cash transfers that is acted upon by a consolidation program to reduce the economic challenges. Besides, the total population of Egypt is about 90 million people, with majority concentrated along the Nile River.

6. Political Philosophy

Egypt is headed by the president, who is the heads state and oversees the diplomatic policies enacted in the nation. Egypt is a republican country that has often encountered controversies over the democracy theory since people are trained to respect the law with more military influence. However, the parliamentary system is responsible for the legislative procedures in the country. As well, political parties are provided for in the constitution (Keita, 1990). Cairo is the largest town and the capital city of Egypt that houses the Cairo Opera House, a major artistic venue in the country.

7. Geography and Topographical Influences

Egypt is located in a hot and dry climate that makes it experience the harsh climatic condition in the desert, which has pushed most of the people towards the River Nile. Egypt is not a land-locked country since it extends to the Mediterranean Sea in the North, while bordering other countries, like Sudan, and Libya. River Nile is the major river in the country that helps in the irrigation and provision of arable land along its banks. The topography of Egypt is mainly composed of valleys, hills, mountains, plains and deserts. As well, the Egyptian pyramids, Nile River and deltas form part of the tourist attraction sites in the country

8. Business Culture and Etiquette

During business conventions, an individual is expected to appear in the standard Egyptian discretion. However, for purposes of communication Arabic is often preferred to enhance understanding among individuals. Although, during the negotiations voices are likely to be raised as an approach to tackling an issue of importance, not related to any expression of anger or conflict (Chandelor, 2013). As well, no business activities are conducted on Fridays being a holy day for the Muslims.

References

Abdl-Hamid Youssef, Ahmad (2003).  From Pharaoh’s Lips:Ancient Egyption Language in The Arabic of Today . Minneapolis, Minn.: American Univ in Cairo Press.ISBN 9789774247088

Chandelor, J. (2013). Business etiquette in Egypt. https://prezi.com/5ory3syrbatb/business-etiquette-in-egypt/

Haeri, N. (2003). Dilemma of culture and politics in Egypt.

Keita, S. (1990). Studies of ancient crania from northern Africa. Doi:10.10002/ajpa.1330830105

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