The Language of Musāyara∗ in Arab-Moslem Culture

Omar Mizel1,2

(1. Department of Education, BU University, Israel;

2. Al Qasemi College, Department of Education, Baqa al Gharbiya, Israel)

Abstract: This paper presents an analysis of how cultural impacts language and communication and the importance of understanding this connection in the context of cross-cultural communication with Arab-Moslem peoples. A brief overview of the Arab-Moslem worldview is described followed by a discussion of some of the key sociological analyses of cultural communication. Finally, the use of musāyara, the unique style of indirect communication that is ubiquitous in the Arab-Moslem world is introduced with the goal of awakening the readers' awareness to the importance of cultural familiarity and sensitivity in general, and specifically when interacting with Arab-Moslems. Through presentation of the origins, reasons and uses of musāyara the complexities and challenges in intercultural communication are elucidated.

Key words: Arab, Musayara, culture, Islam, communication