Some family relations in algeria

(by Abdelkader Rekab)

In Europe, in America, and maybe in Japan, a young person living with his family cannot do certain things in front of his father, but when he gets older, he is free to do what he wants.

In the Arab world, and especially in Algeria, a young person cannot do certain things as long as he is a teenager.

Smoking is thought to be a bad thing from the social point of view. A teenager is not allowed to smoke, but sometimes he can become a smoker while at the university. He can smoke when he likes, but not while he is with his father or any other males from his family such as uncles, grandfathers, and so on.

In many countries watching TV is something very normal, but this is not the case in Algeria. Family members can watch TV together, but not always. Films showing women swimming in a pool or lying on a beach cannot be seen by all the family members together, especially in the case of sons and the father.

Getting married in Algeria is not easy because there are many rules that have to be respected. As an example, the young man who will be married does not see his father during the week before the marriage party, at the party, and for a week after the party. After this, he will be able to see his father by bringing him a special meal prepared by his mother. If he does not have a father, he should act the same way with his uncle or grandfather or older brother.

The members of a family, in many societies, can sit and have a meal together without any problem at all, but not in Algeria. A man should not sit with his father while his mother or sisters are there. If a man is with his father, his wife or children should not join them. If a man is with his wife or with his children, his father cannot join them.

These family rules mean that the father (or the uncle, grandfather, or oldest brother) is the family chief. They honor him by showing respect and politeness.

___________________________HOME PROJECT

TASK 29. Prepare a power point presentation on the following topics.

1. Making business with Americans.

2. Making business with Arabs.

3. Making business with Chinese.

4. Making business with Germans.

5. Making business with Ukrainians and Russians.

TASK 30. Enact the following dialog. In written form translate the underlined phrases. Learn them by heart. Do the exercises that follow.

Meeting a business associate At the airport

– Excuse me… Are you Mr. Morgan?

– Yes.

– I’m Nikita Petrov from LG Electronics. How do you do?

– How do you do?

– How was your flight?

– I was a bit airsick, but now I’m fine. Thank you for coming to meet me.

– Not at all. Can I help you with your luggage?

– No need. It’s not heavy.

– My car is just outside. Shall we go?

– Yes, sure.

On the way to the car

– It’s warm today and sunny, isn’t it?

– The weather in Kyiv is very welcoming.

– What’s the weather like in London?

– It was raining when I was leaving.

In the car

– So, we’re going to our office in the center of the city. It’ll take us about half an hour to get there. Mr. Below is waiting for you.

– What is Mr. Below? Remind me, please.

– He is our CEO. He is going to discuss with you some details of our future agreement.

– I see. What hotel may I stay at?

– We reserved for you a single room in Premiere Palace. It’s one of the best hotels in Kyiv. And it’s not far from our office.

– That’s good. Thank you very much.