middle eastern culture and languages: implcations for assessment and treatment

MIDDLE EASTERN

CULTURE AND LANGUAGES: IMPLCATIONS

FOR ASSESSMENT

AND TREATMENT

Arab CountriesArab Countries

Some information taken from:**

• Sharifzadeh, V-S. Families with Middle Eastern roots. In Lynch & Hanson, Developing cross-cultural competence: A guide to working with young children and their families (4th ed.). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.

*Middle East is approximately the size of the U.S.

*Largest population group is the Arabs

*Majority of Middle Easterners are Muslim

I. INTRODUCTION**

Temple in IraqTemple in Iraq

Temple in Turkey

Temple in Turkey

Statistics show…**

• In 2010, the median household income for all of the U.S. was $51,914; for Arab households, the median was $56,433.

• In 2006-2010 (in the U.S.), 49.6% of households had married couples; 55.7% of Arab households

II. MIDDLE EAST LANGUAGE

CONSIDERATIONS**• Arabic is the world’s sixth most common

language

• Other common languages: Kurdish, Farsi, Turkish, Urdu

• Arabic has many spoken dialects

• Written or classical Arabic is the language of the Koran**

• The Koran is considered the ultimate book of style and grammar for Arabs

• All Muslims must use Arabic in their daily prayers

• 29 letters in the Arabic alphabet

• Arabic and Farsi are written from right to left

Remember…**

• Page 207 Arab info is not on the exam

III. HEALTH AND DISABILITIES**

Family intermarriage is linked to a large number of childhood disorders found in Arab countries

•Disabled child: mother feels shame and guilt; father views as defeat, blemish on family’s pride

•Reactions: abandonment, overprotection, denial, isolation

•Women may not be seen by male doctors

• In some countries such as Afghanistan, disabled *** considered “helpless.”

• Some may not go to school or obtain jobs (even men).

• Families stay home and take care of their disabled family members, and rarely let them make decisions.

• Disabled--limited rights.

Sharifzadeh:

Middle East Mainstream U.S.

Ch brought up Ch raised

to live interdependently to be independent

Identity defined by Identity defined

family achievement by indiv. achvt.

IV. MIDDLE EASTERN FAMIY LIFE:**

Constrasting Values and Practices

Ch not permitted Ch make**

to make independent more independent

decisions decisions; choices

Respect: old age, Respect:

wisdom, spiritual youth, physical

maturityfitness,intelligence

B. Other Facts**• Family is primary focus of loyalty

• Arranged marriages are common

• May be intermarriage in some areas

• Polygamy in some countries like Iran

• Patriarchal; father is head of household

• Women submit to and serve husbands

• Male children preferred over female children**

• Boys encouraged to think of themselves as superior to girls

• Girls may stop education after elementary; boys are expected to excel

Sharifzadeh:**• Fathers--very little responsibility

for infants and young Ch

• “Men view themselves as responsible for providing the material necessities and for making major arrangements but do not engage in day-to-day caregiving…” (p. 412-413)

V. CULTURAL CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES**

• Conservative countries: Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia

• Liberal countries: Turkey, Lebanon, Pakistan

• Sheriat--legal system based on Koran

• Hospitality very high priority

Sharing a meal in Saudi ArabiaSharing a meal in Saudi Arabia

•Left hand considered unclean**

•In some areas, women must be covered from head to toe in public

•In some areas, women cannot leave home or speak with strangers without their husband’s permission

Women in AfghanistanWomen in Afghanistan

Afghan women begging for food

Afghan women begging for food

Wedding Pictures

VI. COMMUNICATION STYLES**

• Men and women may not make eye contact or even socialize together in public

• Speaking loudly is acceptable

• Arabs try to speak eloquently and creatively; a communication disorder has very negative consequences

• Poets held in very high esteem in Arab societies**

• People stand close during conversations

• It’s acceptable to tune out during conversations

VII. EDUCATION AND LITERACY***• Many U.S. Arabs are highly educated

• More than 40% have a Bachelor’s degree or higher compared with 24% of the general population

• Literacy rates vary widely among Arab nations

Literacy may not be as high a priority…** • For women and girls

• And co-ed schools are very uncommon in many middle Eastern countries

• In the U.S., parents may be uncomfortable with the freedom allowed to girls

VIII. IMPLICATIONS FOR SLPs**• There are approximately 100 Arab SLPs

worldwide

• Families may be uncomfortable receiving outside assistance

• In therapy, it’s appropriate and positive to use stories or conversations that report the sayings or actions of Mohammed

• Show respect; dress formally, sit w/ good posture**

• Children may develop self-help skills later

• Female professionals should not shake hands w/ male family members

• Arabs have great respect for education; try to let them know your credentials

• Arabs may be late for or not keep appointments

• Speak to father first**

• Case history--fathers might not tolerate being questioned by a female interviewer

• Male family member may make tx decisions, but mother will be responsible for carrying them out

• Shame, denial about children’s disabilities are common

• Follow up with families--they may outwardly agree to carry out recommendations, but not do it--they believe disagreeing is rude**

• Remember that the term “Middle East” may be viewed as ethnocentric. Try to refer to families according to their countries of origin.

A former student shared that…**

• She taught gymnastics locally; a Middle Eastern mom would drop off her autistic child for lessons

• The mom so embarrassed to be associated w/ son that she waited in car

Former student Amber A:**

• senior in this class

• Her father, a doctor, said “Why do you need to get educated? You’re a woman! You are just going to get married and have babies.”

Former student Nunira Wadiwala (from Pakistan)

Nunira shared that…**

• Acceptable for parents to slap, spank their children

• Dress modestly

• Address father first in meetings

Afeefa Mikbel; former student; Palestinian Muslim/Arab American

• Afeefa (continued)