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Morrcan Culture

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Student Name: Ida N Johnson
Course Code and Description: GS210 W14 6WKB / Midstart Section 2
Term: 2014-03-03 Winter 6 Week B/ Midstart
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How has this course benefited me in my career?

The class benefited me in my career because it will help me predict the behavior of the masses. People behave a certain way and how the behavior is determined by science. Also by studying sociology, it provided me with the educational background needed for managers to understand their employees and customers.

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What specific skills have I learned in this class?

The specific skills that I have learned in this class is communication, interpersonal, leadership, analytical, statistics and research design, computer literacy, cross cultural understanding and business sense.

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Instructor Comments regarding my performance:

Excellent job Ida!

Terrific topic, Ida!

Well done Ida!

Good start to your paper, but no reference are listed. Be sure all information used from sources is paraphrased and given citation in text and on a reference page.

Nicely done Ida!

Well done Ida!

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Course Paper/Project:

Ida Nesbeth Johnson
GS210 Sociology
Course Project 6
April 9, 2014 11:55 pm
Miller-Motte College Online

Chapter 2 Culture

Moroccan Culture

The Moroccan culture is much different from the American culture. There are things that Americans do that would disrespect the culture of Moroccans. Moroccans are extremely hospitable and very tolerant people, Even though most of them are religious, they are generally easy-going. Nonetheless, you should try not to affront people’s religious beliefs, especially those who are older, more conservative people, by, for example, wearing skimpy clothes, kissing and cuddling in public, or eating or smoking in the street during Ramadan.

You have Muslims making up majority of the population in Morocco at 98.7%, and then you have the Christian population at 1.1% and Last but not least the Jewish population at 0.2%.

Languages in Morocco

The official language of Morocco is the Classical Arabic, but the country's distinctive Arabic dialect is the most widely spoken language in Morocco. In addition, about 10 million Moroccans, mostly in rural areas, speak Berber--which exists in Morocco in three different dialects (Tarifit, Tashelhit, and Tamazight)--either as a first language or bilingually with the spoken Arabic dialect. French, is Morocco's unofficial third language, and the language is taught universally and still serves as Morocco's primary language of commerce and economics; it also is widely used in education and government. Many Moroccans in the northern part of the country speak Spanish. English, while still far behind French and Spanish in terms of number of speakers, is rapidly becoming the foreign language of choice among educated youth. English is taught in all public schools from the fourth year on.

Moroccan Society & Culture
Islam
Islam is practised by the majority of Moroccans and governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives. Islam emanated from what is today Saudi Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad is seen as the last of God's emissaries (following in the footsteps of Jesus, Moses, Abraham, etc) to bring revelation to mankind. He was distinguished with bringing a message for the whole of mankind, rather than just to a certain peoples. As Moses brought the Torah and Jesus the Bible, Muhammad brought the last book, the Quran. The Quran and the actions of the Prophet (the Sunnah) are used as the basis for all guidance in the religion.
Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday.
During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing. Expatriates (outsiders) are not required to fast; however, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public. Each night at sunset, families and friends gather together to celebrate the breaking of the fast (iftar). The festivities often continue well into the night. In general, things happen more slowly during Ramadan. Many businesses operate on a reduced schedule. Shops may be open and closed at unusual times.

The Concept of Shame - Hshuma
Moroccans' most cherished possession is their honour and dignity, which reflects not only on themselves but on all members of their extended family.
Moroccans will go out of their way to preserve their personal honour.
Hshuma occurs when other people know that they have behaved inappropriately.
A Moroccan's sense of self-worth is externally focused, so the way others see them is of paramount importance. If someone is shamed, they may be ostracized by society, or even worse by their family.
To avoid hshuma, many Moroccans will say or do things publicly because it makes them look good or helps them avoid embarrassment or awkwardness.
In business it is extremely important to verify anything that has been agreed to in front of others as it may not have been a sincere agreement and the person may have no intention of following through.
Moroccan Family Values
The family is the most significant unit of Moroccan life and plays an important role in all social relations.
The individual is always subordinate to the family or group.
Nepotism is viewed positively, since it indicates patronage of one's family.
The family consists of both the nuclear and the extended family.
The elderly are revered and respected and often exert a great influence on the rest of the family.

Etiquette & Customs in Morocco
Meeting Etiquette
When Moroccans greet each other they take their time and converse about their families, friends, and other general topics.
Handshakes are the customary greeting between individuals of the same sex.
Handshakes may be somewhat weak according to western standards.
Once a relationship has developed, it is common to kiss on both cheeks, starting with the left cheek while shaking hands, men with men and women with women.
In any greeting that does take place between men and women, the woman must extend her hand first. If she does not, a man should bow his head in greeting.
When entering a social function, shake hands with the person to your right and then continue around the room going from right to left.

Say good-bye to each person individually when leaving.
Also when you go to a Moroccan’s home and the only people are there is just the wife, she is not permitted to let no other man in her house unless her husband is home.
Dining Etiquette
When you are invited to a Moroccan's house; you should always remove your shoes, dress comfortably. When you to this, it demonstrates respect towards them. Make sure that you check to see if your spouse is included in the invitation. Conservative Moroccans may not entertain mixed-sex groups.
Watch your table manners!
Food is generally served at a knee-high round table.
The guest of honour generally sits next to the host.
A washing basin will be brought to the table before the meal is served. Hold your hands over the basin while water is poured over them. Dry your hands on the towel provided.
Do not begin eating until the host blesses the food or begins to eat.
Food is served from a communal bowl.
Eat from the section of the bowl that is in front of you. Never reach across the bowl to get something from the other side. As an honoured guest, choice cuts will be put in front of you.
Scoop the food with a piece of bread or the thumb and first two fingers of the right hand.
Eat and drink only with the right hand.
Do not wipe your hands on your napkin.
Water is often served from a communal glass. If you want your own glass, ask for a soft drink.
The washing basin will be brought around the table again at the end of the meal.
Expect to be urged to take more food off the communal plate. Providing an abundance of food is a sign of hospitality.
Well in conclusion I have spoken about the Moroccan cultures and the things that you should do when visiting a Moroccan family in their home.

References http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/morocco-country-profile.html [pic]
Henna is uses for the females getting married, for a ceremony, a special occasion or just for the fun of it. They put these beautiful decorations on their feet and hands, it will last for about a week to three weeks. [pic]
Moroccans tea/coffee pot
[pic]
They use these funny looking clay pots to cook there off in. Cooks the food really good. [pic]

A Moroccan dish called tagine. Beef/chicken, potatoes, green beans, olives, cummin, oil.

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