Unwritten Rules In Saudi Arabia

762 Words4 Pages
Nour 1 Mostafa Nour Reading and Writing 502 Instructor: Kevin 09/24/2010 Unwritten Rules in Saudi Arabia At first, I singed a contract to use a cell phone for two years, but I never singed a contract to switch it off in reading and writing class. I am not rebellious! Yet I start to think about rules that people firmly obey when they do not have to. For centuries, human beings have created cultural rules to organize their lives. Although many people think that these rules control their feelings and thoughts should not exist, most of them think that they manage their lives. However, these rules differ from one country to another. Some countries are strict about following these rules, others are permissive. There are different unwritten rules for various situation and people follow them unconsciously. Even though the unwritten rules change from one place to another, the point that is people still obey them. In Saudi Arabia, there are many unwritten rules associated with: dealing with elderly people, going to places of worship, hosting guests and dealing with parents. Initially, elderly people in Saudi Arabia get the most respect and care from others. There are several unwritten rules control the treatment of elderly people. For example, it is common at homes as well as in public places that older people have a seat first. It is normal to see a younger person stand up from his seat waiting for the older one to have a seat. Moreover, although standing in line is a strict rule everywhere; elderly people are an exception in Saudi Arabia. They don't stand in lines at ATM machines or in restaurants. Also, people accept older people's short temper such as in traffic or at governmental offices and try to help them. Followed by, showing the respect for places of worship is an extremely important unwritten rule in Saudi Arabian culture. It is totally
Open Document