Middle Eastern Culture

James J. Coyle, Ph.D.

Intercultural Communication

Kipling said East is East and West is West, and ne'er the twain shall meet. Explore how the thought processes of the two cultures have different starting points--that lead to amazingly different conclusions!.

Inductive V. Deductive Reasoning

Why thinking people arrive at radically different conclusions. Learn why most Iranians believe Ayatollah Khomeini was an American agent, and that Yassir Arafat took orders from Tel Aviv.

Can mutual understanding lead to peace?

Shame V. Guilt

Everyone is motivated by these emotions, but peoples differ as to what guides them more.

Learn how to maximize your negotiating position!

WASTA NETWORK

In the Middle East, the currency of influence is not cash--its contacts. Hear how networking is raised to a new level, and how an American businessman or official can fit into this all-important informal network.

Typical mistakes a Westerner should avoid!

MISCOMMUNICATION AND HOSTILITY

Failure to communicate means failure to reach agreement. In the international arena, this can mean a failed business deal or a war.

Words and gestures mean different things to different people, depending on where they come from, how they were raised, and with whom they identify.

Examine archetypes of Eastern and Western communicators, and see where communication breaks down.

Competing symbols lead to misunderstanding. In America, the "Taliban Barbie" is considered a joke. In parts of the Middle East, children play with this doll all the time! Who is right? Who is wrong?

Layers of Identity

Everyone values family...but how much? What is the role of nationalism? Is religion really that important?

How we are the same--and how we differ!!

Learn negotiating techniques, or just how to truly understand your neighbor, in an exciting two hour talk from Dr. Coyle. Contact him today.

James J. Coyle

Director, Center for Global Education

One University Drive

Orange, California 92688

jimcoyle@verizon.net