- Paperback: 288 pages
- Publisher: Intercultural Press Inc; 4th Revised edition edition (24 Nov 2005)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1931930252
- ISBN-13: 978-1931930253
- Product Dimensions: 22.8 x 15.4 x 2.1 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 450,084 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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"Understanding Arabs offers both an analysis and a perspective that are in great demand. This book covers what the media typically overlooks and what is necessary to make some sense of what is going on. We have relled on this source of cultural information for many years. I have found no other book in English to be so useful." Colonel Terrence M. Potter, U.S. Military Academy "In this practical guide, [Dr. Nydell] shares her wealth of scholarly and real-world experience, and she does so without the psycho-babble that too often dominates other surveys of the subject" Ambassador David L. Mack, Vice President Middle East Institute, Washington D.C."
Product Description
The perfect introduction to contemporary Arab culture for those who want to understand today's headlines and the complex events playing out on the world stage. From the rise of fundamentalism to the historically uneasy relationship between the Arab World and the West, Margaret Nydell has expanded her highly respected book to bring today's complex issues into clearer focus. This fourth edition of "Understanding Arabs" introduces the elements of Arab culture and Islam in an evenhanded, unbiased style. The book covers such topics 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.
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21 reviews
47 of 51 people found the following review helpful
A Good Starting Point
7 Nov 2005
Format:Paperback
If you are interested in a primer on Arab culture, then this book is a great starting point. The author is a scholar, but she does not clutter up her pages with the usual scholarly citations and endless equivocations. Instead, she presents a practical, understandable, readable guide to Arab culture.
Obviously, no one can cover all aspects of Arab culture in such a small book. That is okay. I needed a shorter book for my class on Middle East culture, and this book fit the bill almost perfectly. Students can gain a broad understanding of culture and then pursue other texts with more detailed explanations.
I have only a few small quibbles that prevent me from giving the full five stars. The author is a bit harsh on other authors of Arab culture. I prefer to see the good things in the works of other scholars and build upon their successes. For example, one of her criticisms is that another popular text overemphasizes the Bedouin traditions. Yet, I can see those idealized traditions still coming through in her summaries. Also, the book could benefit from more maps (my students are surprisingly ignorant of basic geography even after the US troop presence of recent years).
Overall, a very good book at a good price. It is an important part of my Middle East Cultures class, which is aimed at the general student rather than a full time Middle East scholar.
Obviously, no one can cover all aspects of Arab culture in such a small book. That is okay. I needed a shorter book for my class on Middle East culture, and this book fit the bill almost perfectly. Students can gain a broad understanding of culture and then pursue other texts with more detailed explanations.
I have only a few small quibbles that prevent me from giving the full five stars. The author is a bit harsh on other authors of Arab culture. I prefer to see the good things in the works of other scholars and build upon their successes. For example, one of her criticisms is that another popular text overemphasizes the Bedouin traditions. Yet, I can see those idealized traditions still coming through in her summaries. Also, the book could benefit from more maps (my students are surprisingly ignorant of basic geography even after the US troop presence of recent years).
Overall, a very good book at a good price. It is an important part of my Middle East Cultures class, which is aimed at the general student rather than a full time Middle East scholar.
25 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Helped an American wife of an Arab
14 Jan 2007
Format:Paperback
I'm an American Christian woman, and I've been married to an Arab Muslim man for the last four years. This book caused some light bulbs to go off for me. It clarified past events that were puzzling to me.
It's a well written book that clearly hopes to offset the bad press that Arabs have been getting these past few years. However, the author is fair in her assessments of those areas in which the West and the Arab world need to make changes to improve relations and, perhaps, prevent another 9/11. It's an even-tempered discussion.
It includes wonderful summaries of Arab countries, including economic, political, and religious information about each country. A great resource!
It's a well written book that clearly hopes to offset the bad press that Arabs have been getting these past few years. However, the author is fair in her assessments of those areas in which the West and the Arab world need to make changes to improve relations and, perhaps, prevent another 9/11. It's an even-tempered discussion.
It includes wonderful summaries of Arab countries, including economic, political, and religious information about each country. A great resource!
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Great overview of the Arab culture/mindset
14 Aug 2006
Format:Paperback
Having been to the Middle East twice, I found this book to be a very good general overview of how to try to "understand Arabs." Nydell keeps things pretty basic and hits all of the important points. Also, this book is very up to date with some data coming within the last year. The commentary towards the end paints a rosy picture of Arabic view of America/the West that I am not sure I completely agree with, but in contrast to some other books, at least Nydell has some facts to back up her statements. I highly recommend this book for anyone travelling to the Middle East for the first time or anyone looking to gain some cultural insight into the Arab mindset.
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