Understanding Arabs: A Guide for Modern Times - Softcover

Nydell, Margaret K.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1931930252 ISBN 13: 9781931930253

Publisher: Intercultural Press, 2005

Synopsis

With the Arab Spring causing ripple effects throughout the world, a solid understanding of Arab history, culture and practices has never been more important. For over twenty years, top diplomats, scholars, and business people have relied on Dr. Maragret Nydell's seminal work Understanding Arabs as the essential guide to comprehending an immensely varied culture. Covering all aspects or Arab life-from religion and society to social norms and communication styles-this all-encompassing guide reveals what the often misunderstood culture is really like. With updated polls and statistics throughout the book, this highly anticipated fifth edition of Understanding Arabs expands upon: Islamic Fundamentalism, Anti-Americanism, Arabs and Muslims in the West, The similarities and differences between Arab countries, the Arab Spring of Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Libya, Syria, and more.

About this title

Product Description

Introducing the elements of Arab culture and Islam in an evenhanded, and unbiased style, this fourth edition covers topics such as: beliefs and values; religion and society; the role of the family, friends and strangers; men and women; social formalities and etiquette; and communication styles.

Review

This book is a must-read for anyone wanting to comprehend the Middle East. The writing is fluid, full of examples, and updated to include the Arab Spring. Dr. Nydell, a world-renowned linguist with decades of practical experience in the field, is an authoritative voice. She provides profound insights into Arabs' perceptions underlying political events, and our interactions with each other. (Elizabeth McKune, Executive Director, Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center, and Former US Ambassador to the State of Qatar)

Margaret Nydell blends her informed understanding of Arab history and contemporary politics with deep and thoughtful insight into Arab culture and psychology. Many authors know much about the former, and a few know much about the latter, but only Understanding Arabs conveys a deep understanding of the synergies of both. This is essential reading for those working in - or with - Arab countries, or seeking to understand Arab society. (Lawrence R Velte Associate Professor of Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies, National Defense University, and Associate, Washington Center for Protocol, Inc.)

For her understanding of the Arab mind, her expertise in teaching, and her skill in crafting this book, Dr. Nydell is truly a national treasure. Understanding Arabs should be required reading for any professional or policy maker who is involved in any way with working with Arabs or on matters impacting the Middle East. (F.L. Rusty Capps, former FBI Supervisory Special Agent, and President of Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence Training Partners, LLC.)

Edition details

• Publisher: Intercultural Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1931930252
• ISBN 13: 9781931930253
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 320