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Arabic
Arabic Situations
The simulated scenarios presented in the Arabic content area of SitchLab offer an opportunity to experience different elements of Arabic-speaking cultures in interactive and thought-provoking ways. The scenarios do not offer “right” vs. “wrong” responses to particular cultural situations. Instead, they invite you to consider several possible interpretations, whose “cultural appropriateness” can vary significantly based on several factors, such as regional customs, differences in social status, age, and other factors.
The judgement tasks in each scenario were rated by a panel of scholars from different parts of the Arab world living in the United States The panelists represent different regional and regional and cultural backgrounds within the Arabic-speaking world, while they are also very familiar with American cultures and cultural attitudes. The actual rating that corresponds to each judgment task is represented as a range that is based on all feedback received. A small range indicates greater agreement among the panelists, while a wider range indicates expanded perspectives.
Modules
Holidays, Celebrations and Events
Religious Holidays, Customs and Celebrations
- To eat or not to eat!
- Social Ramadan
- You are cruel people!
- I want to go where I want to go!
- “Moroccan Halloween”
- Eid al-Fitr faux pas
- Hajj – what changed?
- Ashura in the village of Nabatiye
Weddings, Births and Birthdays
- The Evil Eye
- Should I be seeing this?
Family and Home Life
Family Relationships
- What is wrong with lounging around the house?
- Why is the grandmother upset?
- You do you!
- Where’s the cat?
- The kids are alright!
- Thanks, but no thanks
Family Time and Family Spaces
- I am not getting along with my host family and I don’t know why!
- “Do not enter!”
- Who is the American in question?
Family and Food Culture
- “Those who eat alone will choke!”
- Where are your manners?!
- Please help yourself!
- Not in my place!
Social Norms, the Body, and Roles in Arab Societies
Private and Public Behaviors in Social Contexts
- Hammam Bildi: What do you mean I have to take off all my clothes?!
- But she was taking pictures too!
Social Relationships
- To date or not to date?
- A tale of two weddings
- Using Discretion
- You are doing WHAT tomorrow?!
- Let’s not talk about this ever again
Social Life
Social Norms and Public Expectations
- A taxi to Jubail
- Merry Christmas to all
- This place is pretty gross!
Friendships and Social Interactions
- Why aren’t you calling back?!
- Would you like to join us?
- Are you okay?!
- What is your name again?
Public Transportation, Taxis, Cars
- This is my seat!
- Who is that person near my car?!
- Taxi or Uber?
- This is not cheap!
Shopping, Markets and Other Public Spaces
- Do you take me for a fool?
- Please help me get home!
- This is ridiculous, leave me alone!!!
- What’s a “receipt”?
- Are we really in Egypt?!
- Street beggars
Death and Illness
Death
- What do I do now?
- Everyone is staring at me!
- Life goes on?
Illness
- Why is she so cold to me all of a sudden?
Acknowledgements
The materials developed for this project were originally created with federal funding during the period 2017 through 2020. These materials remain available to the public thanks to the support from the Center for Language & Technology at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. The names and affiliations listed below correspond to the grant period.
Principal Investigator and Arabic Project Lead
Valerie Anishchenkova, University of Maryland
Arabic Project Affiliate
Ahmed Hanafy, University of Maryland
Scenario Authors
Olla Al-Shalchi, University of Texas at Austin
Valerie Anishchenkova, University of Maryland
Zein El-Amine, American University
Radwa El Barouni, Williams College
Ahmed Hanafy, University of Maryland
Mike Turner, University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Content Reviewers
Valerie Anishchenkova, University of Maryland
Joseph Bass, University of Maryland
Dina El-Hefnawy, George Washington University
Ahmed Hanafy, University of Maryland
Translations into Arabic
Ahmed Hanafy, University of Maryland
Ratings Panelists
Iman Alramadan, Indiana University
Mokhtar Bouba, Dartmouth College
Jamila Chahboun, Dartmouth College
Zein El-Amine, American University
Dina El-Hefnawy, George Washington University
Ahmed Hanafy, University of Maryland
Ahmad Jeddeeni, Indiana University
Kenza Lkheir, Independent Researcher
Nader Morkus, Indiana University
Data Analysts
Valerie Anishchenkova, University of Maryland
Joseph Bass, University of Maryland
Adonis de Carvalho Borges, University of Maryland
Ahmed Hanafy, University of Maryland
Data and Content Entry
Joseph Bass, University of Maryland
Dmitrii Egorov, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Ahmed Hanafy, University of Maryland
Denis Melik Tangiyev, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Maya Montgomery, University of Maryland
Stephen L. Tschudi, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Tian Wang, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Images and Graphic Design
Julio C. Rodriguez, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
This website and the SitchLab application were developed and are maintained by the Center for Language & Technology at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. The views, interpretations, and other content presented on this website or through the SitchLab application are solely those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position, policy, or views of the U.S. Government. Reference to, or support for, this project by any U.S. Government agency does not constitute or imply official endorsement of the content, products, services, or viewpoints presented herein.
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