Assalamualaikum. :)
Let us ponder on how we could help those Myanmar refugees children in school, especially as counselors.
First and foremost, the most important thing that we need to gather from them is their needs assessment. From there we can know how we could help them having better life. Counselors competencies are importants in dealing with multicultural people. They need to:
-ability to recognize direct and indirect communication style
- linguistic differences
-concern with the welfare of person from another culture
- awareness of the relationship
- Learning the language of another culture is an effective way – to increase one’s information
As counselors also, we need to have knowledge on the client, especially from another culture.
Criteria of knowledge:
- Specific knowledge about the culture
- know the history, values, attitudes
- has information about the resources
- know about her/ his own culture in relation to others culture
We also need to acquire specific sets of skills in dealing with multicultural client.The skills should has an appropriate teaching style, has appropriate training technique, has ability to built rapport with person from other culture and has creativity.
Dealing with those minority groups of people in school, we should not touch on their sensitivity issues as it will hurt them and made them not comfortable to share their problems with counselors. We should also know how to buil rapport with them, and use language that they understand which make us need to learn their language, in order to make use easy to deal with them.
There are many things that we need to take care on when counseling with people from other culture. We think that's all for now. We'll update more in the next entry. Adios people. :)
Friday, April 29, 2016
Thursday, April 28, 2016
The Culture of Saudi Arabia
The culture of Saudi Arabia is a rich one that has been shaped by its Islamic heritage, its historical role as an ancient trade center, and its Bedouin traditions. Saudi society has experienced tremendous development over the past several decades, and the Saudi people have taken their values and traditions and adapted them to the modern world. The Crossroads of the World Located at the center of important ancient trade routes, the Arab people were enriched by many different civilizations. As early as 3000 BC, Arab merchants were part of a far-reaching trade network that extended to south Asia, the Mediterranean and Egypt. They served as a vital link between India and the Far East on one side, and Byzantium and the Mediterranean lands on the other.
The introduction of Islam in the 7th century AD further defined the region’s culture. Within a century of its birth in the Arabian Peninsula, Islam had spread west to the Atlantic Ocean and east to India and China. It fostered a dynamic period of great learning in culture, science, philosophy and the arts known as the Islamic ‘‘Golden Age.’’ Every year for the past 14 centuries, Muslim pilgrims from around the world have traveled to holy sites in Makkah and Madinah, further enriching the region’s culture. The pilgrims brought ivory from Africa and carpets from the East, and took local goods back to their homelands.
When the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was formed in 1932, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud dedicated himself to preserving Arab and Islamic traditions and culture, and his sons and successors have done the same. Arab and Islamic Traditions Saudi traditions are rooted in Islamic teachings and Arab customs, which Saudis learn about at an early age from their families and in schools. The highlights of the year are the holy month of Ramadan and the Hajj (pilgrimage) season, and the holidays that follow them. The holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslim fast from dawn to dusk, culminates with teh Eid-Al-Fitr, in which it is customary to buy presents and clothes for children and visit friends and relatives.
Cultural Do’s and Don’ts:
• It is insulting to ask about a Muslim’s wife or another female family member.
• Don’t stare at women on the street or initiate conversation with them.
• If meeting a female, do not attempt to shake her hand unless she extends it. In addition, never greet a woman with an embrace or kiss.
• Avoid pointing a finger at an Arab or beckoning with a finger.
• Use the right hand to eat, touch, and present gifts; the left is generally regarded as unclean.
• Avoid putting feet on tables or furniture.
• Refrain from leaning against walls, slouching in chairs, and keeping hands in pockets.
• Do not show the soles of the feet, as they are the lowest and dirtiest part of the body.
(credits to https://lostinriyadh.wordpress.com/)
The introduction of Islam in the 7th century AD further defined the region’s culture. Within a century of its birth in the Arabian Peninsula, Islam had spread west to the Atlantic Ocean and east to India and China. It fostered a dynamic period of great learning in culture, science, philosophy and the arts known as the Islamic ‘‘Golden Age.’’ Every year for the past 14 centuries, Muslim pilgrims from around the world have traveled to holy sites in Makkah and Madinah, further enriching the region’s culture. The pilgrims brought ivory from Africa and carpets from the East, and took local goods back to their homelands.
When the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was formed in 1932, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud dedicated himself to preserving Arab and Islamic traditions and culture, and his sons and successors have done the same. Arab and Islamic Traditions Saudi traditions are rooted in Islamic teachings and Arab customs, which Saudis learn about at an early age from their families and in schools. The highlights of the year are the holy month of Ramadan and the Hajj (pilgrimage) season, and the holidays that follow them. The holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslim fast from dawn to dusk, culminates with teh Eid-Al-Fitr, in which it is customary to buy presents and clothes for children and visit friends and relatives.
Cultural Do’s and Don’ts:
• It is insulting to ask about a Muslim’s wife or another female family member.
• Don’t stare at women on the street or initiate conversation with them.
• If meeting a female, do not attempt to shake her hand unless she extends it. In addition, never greet a woman with an embrace or kiss.
• Avoid pointing a finger at an Arab or beckoning with a finger.
• Use the right hand to eat, touch, and present gifts; the left is generally regarded as unclean.
• Avoid putting feet on tables or furniture.
• Refrain from leaning against walls, slouching in chairs, and keeping hands in pockets.
• Do not show the soles of the feet, as they are the lowest and dirtiest part of the body.
(credits to https://lostinriyadh.wordpress.com/)
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Saudi Arabia part 3
Assalamualaikum guys. Welcome back. :)
So what are we going to write in this entry? Have any ideas? Nope? heee
We are going to write on the clothing of Saudis people.
CLOTHING
Headwear: Arab men often wear a three-piece head cover. The bottom piece of this head covering is a white cap that is sometimes filled with holes. This cap, called keffiya, is used to hold the hair in place. On top of it is a square cloth called a ghutra. On top of it is the agal, which is a thick, black cord woven into two rings that surrounds the top of the head and holds everything else in place. For male children, wearing the head covering is a sign of entering manhood. Inside the house, the head covering is not needed, although when a man has guests in his house he often wears it as a sign of respect. A checked ghutra is a symbol of a region. The agal cord is a holdover from the days when nomadic Saudis used the cords to tether their camels, and then wrapped the cord around their heads when riding to keep their ghutra in place. When this headwear is forcibly removed, one’s honor is tainted and blood has to be shed to remove the shame. But if the agal is removed voluntarily, the wearer is signifying allegiance. Arab women typically wear a scarf-like cover called Hejab that covers the hair but not the face.
Garments: Traditional Saudi male attire consists of a long-sleeved, one piece dress—called a dishdashah—that covers the whole body. This garment allows the air to circulate, which helps cool the body. During summer, it is usually made of white cotton; in winter, it is made from heavier fabric such as wool, and comes in darker colors. Dress is a major mark of identity in Saudi Arabia. Saudis (and other Gulf Arabs) wear a distinctive dishdashah or abaya. Foreign workers wear either their native clothing or westernstyle dress. Among male foreigners, the use of non-European style clothes is associated with low-paid, unskilled labor. South Asian women wear brightly colored saris or Western-style clothes. Saudi women in public in Saudi Arabia must be covered from head to toe in a black, anklelength, undecorated abaya and head scarf (hejab). The mutawwa, or religious police, will chase and beat women with camel whips if they spot a woman’s bare skin—occasionally an ankle or a wrist—in public. Unlike Arab women, however, South Asian women tend not to wear an abaya or hejab. Many Indian women wear a pin on their nose studded with semi-precious stones. Once a symbol of purity and marriage, the nose pin is today worn by many unmarried girls as well.
Done reading on their clothings? Don't worry, we have one more to share with you in this entry.
Lifestyle
Role of Family: A Saudi sees himself in the context of his family and, to a lesser degree, the tribe. His duty is never to himself but to the group. Within the family there is a strong sense of patrilineal descent, because a man is considered to be a descendant only of his father and paternal grandfather, never of his mother and or maternal grandfather. He belongs only to his father’s group, which claims his undivided loyalty. The most sought after marriages are first cousin marriages between children of brothers because by sharing the same grandfather, group solidarity is ensured. Saudis live in large extended families, a legacy of the nomadic lifestyle of their predecessors who travelled around the desert in family and tribal groups. The extended family functions as an economic unit. There is a distinct hierarchy in the Saudi family, made up of the male members of the family in descending order of age. The oldest male member decides what is in the best interests of the family, and the other family members are expected to agree and obey. The concept and practice of the intense individualism of the West is foreign to the Saudis. The lack of independent choice, even in matters of higher education, marriage and occupation, is accepted because the family is seen as a refuge that must remain unified to defend itself against the outside world. Similar to the tribal nomadic way of life that relied on the family for defense, modern Saudi families are a support system and safety net for the individual.
(credits to https://lostinriyadh.wordpress.com/ )
Thanks for reading guys. We'll update you guys more on the next entry. Thank you. :)XOXO
So what are we going to write in this entry? Have any ideas? Nope? heee
We are going to write on the clothing of Saudis people.
CLOTHING
Headwear: Arab men often wear a three-piece head cover. The bottom piece of this head covering is a white cap that is sometimes filled with holes. This cap, called keffiya, is used to hold the hair in place. On top of it is a square cloth called a ghutra. On top of it is the agal, which is a thick, black cord woven into two rings that surrounds the top of the head and holds everything else in place. For male children, wearing the head covering is a sign of entering manhood. Inside the house, the head covering is not needed, although when a man has guests in his house he often wears it as a sign of respect. A checked ghutra is a symbol of a region. The agal cord is a holdover from the days when nomadic Saudis used the cords to tether their camels, and then wrapped the cord around their heads when riding to keep their ghutra in place. When this headwear is forcibly removed, one’s honor is tainted and blood has to be shed to remove the shame. But if the agal is removed voluntarily, the wearer is signifying allegiance. Arab women typically wear a scarf-like cover called Hejab that covers the hair but not the face.
Garments: Traditional Saudi male attire consists of a long-sleeved, one piece dress—called a dishdashah—that covers the whole body. This garment allows the air to circulate, which helps cool the body. During summer, it is usually made of white cotton; in winter, it is made from heavier fabric such as wool, and comes in darker colors. Dress is a major mark of identity in Saudi Arabia. Saudis (and other Gulf Arabs) wear a distinctive dishdashah or abaya. Foreign workers wear either their native clothing or westernstyle dress. Among male foreigners, the use of non-European style clothes is associated with low-paid, unskilled labor. South Asian women wear brightly colored saris or Western-style clothes. Saudi women in public in Saudi Arabia must be covered from head to toe in a black, anklelength, undecorated abaya and head scarf (hejab). The mutawwa, or religious police, will chase and beat women with camel whips if they spot a woman’s bare skin—occasionally an ankle or a wrist—in public. Unlike Arab women, however, South Asian women tend not to wear an abaya or hejab. Many Indian women wear a pin on their nose studded with semi-precious stones. Once a symbol of purity and marriage, the nose pin is today worn by many unmarried girls as well.
Done reading on their clothings? Don't worry, we have one more to share with you in this entry.
Lifestyle
Role of Family: A Saudi sees himself in the context of his family and, to a lesser degree, the tribe. His duty is never to himself but to the group. Within the family there is a strong sense of patrilineal descent, because a man is considered to be a descendant only of his father and paternal grandfather, never of his mother and or maternal grandfather. He belongs only to his father’s group, which claims his undivided loyalty. The most sought after marriages are first cousin marriages between children of brothers because by sharing the same grandfather, group solidarity is ensured. Saudis live in large extended families, a legacy of the nomadic lifestyle of their predecessors who travelled around the desert in family and tribal groups. The extended family functions as an economic unit. There is a distinct hierarchy in the Saudi family, made up of the male members of the family in descending order of age. The oldest male member decides what is in the best interests of the family, and the other family members are expected to agree and obey. The concept and practice of the intense individualism of the West is foreign to the Saudis. The lack of independent choice, even in matters of higher education, marriage and occupation, is accepted because the family is seen as a refuge that must remain unified to defend itself against the outside world. Similar to the tribal nomadic way of life that relied on the family for defense, modern Saudi families are a support system and safety net for the individual.
(credits to https://lostinriyadh.wordpress.com/ )
Thanks for reading guys. We'll update you guys more on the next entry. Thank you. :)
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Wedding of the Peranakans
Assalamualaikum and welcome back awesome people ;)
We are going to share on the wedding of the Peranakans. Read up guys.
It was not uncommon for early Chinese traders to take Malay women of Peninsular Malay or Sumatera as wives or concubines. Consequently the Baba Nyonya possessed a synergistic mix of Sino-Malay cultural traits. Written records from the 19th and early 20th centuries show that Peranakan men usually took brides from within the local Peranakan community. Peranakan families occasionally imported brides from China and sent their daughters to China to find husbands.
Marriages within the community and of similar stature were the norm. Wealthy men prefigured to marry a chin choay: or matrilocal marriage where husband moved in with wife's family.
Proposals of marriage were made by a gift of a pinangan, a 2-tiered lacquered basket, to the intended bride's parents brought by a go-between who speaks on behalf of the suitor. Most Peranakans are not Muslim, and have retained the traditions of ancestor worship of the Chinese, though some converted to Christianity.
The wedding ceremony of the Peranakan is largely based on Chinese tradition, and is one of the most colorful wedding ceremonies in Malaysia and Singapore. At weddings, theDondang Sayang, a form of extempore rhyming song in Malay sung and danced by guests at the wedding party, was a highlight. Someone would begin a romantic theme which was carried on by others, each taking the floor in turn, dancing in slow gyrations as they sang. It required quick wit and repartee and often gave rise to laughter and applause when a particularly clever phrase was sung. The melodic accents of the Baba-Nonya and their particular turns of phrase lend to the charm of this performance.
(credits to http://nyonyaandbaba.blogspot.my/2009/07/marriage-of-baba-and-nyonya.html)
That's all guys. XOXO
We are going to share on the wedding of the Peranakans. Read up guys.
It was not uncommon for early Chinese traders to take Malay women of Peninsular Malay or Sumatera as wives or concubines. Consequently the Baba Nyonya possessed a synergistic mix of Sino-Malay cultural traits. Written records from the 19th and early 20th centuries show that Peranakan men usually took brides from within the local Peranakan community. Peranakan families occasionally imported brides from China and sent their daughters to China to find husbands.
Marriages within the community and of similar stature were the norm. Wealthy men prefigured to marry a chin choay: or matrilocal marriage where husband moved in with wife's family.
Proposals of marriage were made by a gift of a pinangan, a 2-tiered lacquered basket, to the intended bride's parents brought by a go-between who speaks on behalf of the suitor. Most Peranakans are not Muslim, and have retained the traditions of ancestor worship of the Chinese, though some converted to Christianity.
The wedding ceremony of the Peranakan is largely based on Chinese tradition, and is one of the most colorful wedding ceremonies in Malaysia and Singapore. At weddings, theDondang Sayang, a form of extempore rhyming song in Malay sung and danced by guests at the wedding party, was a highlight. Someone would begin a romantic theme which was carried on by others, each taking the floor in turn, dancing in slow gyrations as they sang. It required quick wit and repartee and often gave rise to laughter and applause when a particularly clever phrase was sung. The melodic accents of the Baba-Nonya and their particular turns of phrase lend to the charm of this performance.
(credits to http://nyonyaandbaba.blogspot.my/2009/07/marriage-of-baba-and-nyonya.html)
That's all guys. XOXO
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Taboo's of the Peranakans family
Assalamualaikum :)
As what the topic of this entry, we will share with you on the taboos within the family of Baba Nyonya.
Mysterious Peranakan Taboos
Taboo is a prohibition resulting from social custom. It is also called “pantang-larang” in Baba Malay. We got the information of Peranakan taboos from a Baba at a restaurant in Malacca when he was having his lunch with his family, but he refused to take a picture with us. From him, we got to know that Peranakan taboos are almost the same as Chinese taboos. Here are some taboos that he mentioned:
Marriage taboos
1.Pregnant women are not allowed to attend any weddings and get involve in the preparations for the wedding ceremony.
2.A new born baby and the mother are also strictly prohibited to attend any weddings unless the baby’s “Full Moon” celebration is celebrated. Even the family members of the baby are not welcomed during the wedding as the groom and bride might think that they would bring bad luck to them.
3.Guests are not allowed to wear black or white attire while attending the weddings as these attires are meant for “sorrow occasion.”
Chinese New Year taboos
a. Sweeping is forbidden during the first three days of Chinese New Year as they believe that good luck would be swept away. They also believe that it is considered “suay” which is known as “unlucky” when the broom touches their feet during the floor sweeping.
b. Children are encouraged to stay up late during Chinese New Year eve as they believe this will help to prolong the life of their parents.
Funeral taboo
1.When one has just passed away, her/his family members are encouraged to cover their mirrors and reflecting surfaces as they believe that the death person would catch their soul to accompany it to the underworld.
Dining taboo
1.Sitting at the corner of the dining table is a big “no-no” as they believe that the table corner is like a sharp knife pointing at the person who is sitting there.
Picture Taking taboo
1.It is strictly forbidden for three person to take a photo together as they believe that the one who is standing in the middle would be the first to die.
Other taboos
1.Children are strictly not to be allowed to point at the full moon as they believe that the God of the moon would cut around the children’s ear.
It seems that they practice few taboos just like how the Chinese did.oopss! OF course they do, as they are a mix of Chinese family too.
(taken from http://9peranakanlayers.blogspot.my/2011/03/taboo-is-prohibition-resulting-from.html)
Alright, that's all for today guys. We'll update more in the next entry. Adios people.
As what the topic of this entry, we will share with you on the taboos within the family of Baba Nyonya.
Mysterious Peranakan Taboos
Taboo is a prohibition resulting from social custom. It is also called “pantang-larang” in Baba Malay. We got the information of Peranakan taboos from a Baba at a restaurant in Malacca when he was having his lunch with his family, but he refused to take a picture with us. From him, we got to know that Peranakan taboos are almost the same as Chinese taboos. Here are some taboos that he mentioned:
Marriage taboos
1.Pregnant women are not allowed to attend any weddings and get involve in the preparations for the wedding ceremony.
2.A new born baby and the mother are also strictly prohibited to attend any weddings unless the baby’s “Full Moon” celebration is celebrated. Even the family members of the baby are not welcomed during the wedding as the groom and bride might think that they would bring bad luck to them.
3.Guests are not allowed to wear black or white attire while attending the weddings as these attires are meant for “sorrow occasion.”
Chinese New Year taboos
a. Sweeping is forbidden during the first three days of Chinese New Year as they believe that good luck would be swept away. They also believe that it is considered “suay” which is known as “unlucky” when the broom touches their feet during the floor sweeping.
b. Children are encouraged to stay up late during Chinese New Year eve as they believe this will help to prolong the life of their parents.
Funeral taboo
1.When one has just passed away, her/his family members are encouraged to cover their mirrors and reflecting surfaces as they believe that the death person would catch their soul to accompany it to the underworld.
Dining taboo
1.Sitting at the corner of the dining table is a big “no-no” as they believe that the table corner is like a sharp knife pointing at the person who is sitting there.
Picture Taking taboo
1.It is strictly forbidden for three person to take a photo together as they believe that the one who is standing in the middle would be the first to die.
Other taboos
1.Children are strictly not to be allowed to point at the full moon as they believe that the God of the moon would cut around the children’s ear.
It seems that they practice few taboos just like how the Chinese did.
(taken from http://9peranakanlayers.blogspot.my/2011/03/taboo-is-prohibition-resulting-from.html)
Alright, that's all for today guys. We'll update more in the next entry. Adios people.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Peranakan @ Baba Nyonya: 3
Assalamualaikum. Hi awesome people ;) we meet again in this entry on the Peranakans.
So today we gonna learn some of their language, okay? :)
The language of the Peranakans, Baba Malay (Bahasa Melayu Baba), is a creole dialect of the Malay Language (Bahasa Melayu), which contains many of the words from the Chinese Hokkien dialect. It is a dying language, and its contemporary use is mainly limited to members of the older generation. English has now replaced this as the main language spoken amongst the younger generation. Young Peranakans have lost many of their language, so there is normally a difference in vocabulary between the older and younger generations.
A glossary of some of the popular Baba Nyonya words:
Amek =Take
Apa khabair =How are you?
Apasair = Why?
Arimo = Tiger
Bak wan = Pork meatball
Bakol Sia = A red and black lacquered bamboo basket with cover
Besair = Big
Bibik = Form of address for an elderly lady
Bikin = Make
Bini = Wife
Brani = Brave
Bukan = No
Cha Kiak = Wooden Clogs
Changkir = Cup
Chap chai = Mixed vegetable stew
Chebok = To clean oneself up after defecating
Cherki = A traditional Nyonya card game
Chi wan = Bathroom
Gua = I/Me
Ia = Yes
Jantan = Man/male
Kachuak = Cockroach
Kalu = If
Kam Cheng = Porcelain jar with cover
Kam Siah = Thank you
Kasair = Rough
Kek khi = Annoyed/frustrated
Kek sim = Unhappy/heartbroken
Kepiting = Crab
Kopiah = Hat
Kui = Kneel
Kuping = Ear
Kus Semangat = An expression of surprise/mild shock
Laki = Husband
Lapair = Hungry
Lau Nuah = Drooling
Lawa = Stylish/good looking
Lecheh = Troublesome
Lemo = Lime
Lu = You
Loteng = Upstairs
Mo = Want
Ohng = Good luck
Omor = Age
Pasair = Market
Perot = Stomach
Pi = Go
Prompuan = Woman/female
Ramay = Well-attended/crowded (indicating many people)
Suay = Bad luck
Sumpet = Chopsticks
Temberang = Bluff
Tim = Double-boil
Tok Panjang = Long (dining) table
Tu = Cupboard
Ujan = Rain
Ulair = Snake
So now you can speak just like how the Peranakans speak too. happy learning new language ;)
So today we gonna learn some of their language, okay? :)
The language of the Peranakans, Baba Malay (Bahasa Melayu Baba), is a creole dialect of the Malay Language (Bahasa Melayu), which contains many of the words from the Chinese Hokkien dialect. It is a dying language, and its contemporary use is mainly limited to members of the older generation. English has now replaced this as the main language spoken amongst the younger generation. Young Peranakans have lost many of their language, so there is normally a difference in vocabulary between the older and younger generations.
A glossary of some of the popular Baba Nyonya words:
Amek =Take
Apa khabair =How are you?
Apasair = Why?
Arimo = Tiger
Bak wan = Pork meatball
Bakol Sia = A red and black lacquered bamboo basket with cover
Besair = Big
Bibik = Form of address for an elderly lady
Bikin = Make
Bini = Wife
Brani = Brave
Bukan = No
Cha Kiak = Wooden Clogs
Changkir = Cup
Chap chai = Mixed vegetable stew
Chebok = To clean oneself up after defecating
Cherki = A traditional Nyonya card game
Chi wan = Bathroom
Gua = I/Me
Ia = Yes
Jantan = Man/male
Kachuak = Cockroach
Kalu = If
Kam Cheng = Porcelain jar with cover
Kam Siah = Thank you
Kasair = Rough
Kek khi = Annoyed/frustrated
Kek sim = Unhappy/heartbroken
Kepiting = Crab
Kopiah = Hat
Kui = Kneel
Kuping = Ear
Kus Semangat = An expression of surprise/mild shock
Laki = Husband
Lapair = Hungry
Lau Nuah = Drooling
Lawa = Stylish/good looking
Lecheh = Troublesome
Lemo = Lime
Lu = You
Loteng = Upstairs
Mo = Want
Ohng = Good luck
Omor = Age
Pasair = Market
Perot = Stomach
Pi = Go
Prompuan = Woman/female
Ramay = Well-attended/crowded (indicating many people)
Suay = Bad luck
Sumpet = Chopsticks
Temberang = Bluff
Tim = Double-boil
Tok Panjang = Long (dining) table
Tu = Cupboard
Ujan = Rain
Ulair = Snake
So now you can speak just like how the Peranakans speak too. happy learning new language ;)
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Saudi Arabia part 2
Assalamualaikum and have a nice day guys. :)
Let's continue with the next entry on Saudi Arabia.
Diet
The Saudi diet varies by lifestyle. A farmer consumes different foods than a nomad, and a city dweller may eat traditional Saudi cuisine as well as Western food. A staple of the Saudi diet, regardless of lifestyle, is dates. They are eaten either raw or cooked, and come in red and black varieties. The diet of a farmer is based on grains, such as millet, rice, barley and wheat. Fruit and dates are eaten regularly. Lamb is the most commonly consumed meat, occasionally supplemented by goat and camel meat. The nomadic diet depends on milk products from goats, sheep or camels. Milk is consumed fresh or made into yogurt and cheese. Meat is only eaten on special occasions or when wild game is available. When nomads visit a town they purchase fruits and vegetables to eat. The main meal for nomads is at the end of the day, accompanied by coffee and tea. Saudis who live in towns and cities have a variety of foods available to them. A typical Saudi meal consists of rice with spiced chicken or lamb, or kebabs, with dates, and dairy products. The meal is accompanied by flatbread. Commonly prepared dishes are tabbouleh, a salad made with bulgar (cracked) wheat and mint; hummus, a dip made from chick peas; mutabak, pastry turnovers stuffed with cheese, banana or meat; salig, lamb cooked in a mild spiced sauce and served with rice; mihammar, stuffed lamb in a yogurt sauce; kabbza, lamb or chicken with onion, tomato, cucumber and grated carrot; thurid, chicken in a cream sauce served on leaves of dough; sambustik, triangles of dough filled with spicy meat and onion and then fried in oil.
Coffee is offered at every social gathering, business meeting and meal. To accept less than three cups of coffee is considered impolite. To indicate that one is done, wobble the cup before giving it back to the host. Food and beverages cannot be consumed in public during the holy month of Ramadan, even by non-Muslims.
The South Asian diet includes biryanis (rice with saffron, meat, fish, or chicken), dhal (a lentilbased soup), and several types of bread. Cows are sacred to Hindus; chicken and lamb are the most commonly consumed meats. The Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan diets contain more rice and fish than the Indian and Pakistani diets.
Etiquette and Customs in Saudi
Meeting Etiquette
- Men shake hands. Good friends may greet each other with a handshake and a kiss on each cheek.
- Women generally hug and kiss close friends.
- Men and women would not greet each other in public I from outside the family.
- When Saudis greet each other they take their time and converse about general things.
Gift Giving Etiquette
- Gifts are not the norm as in many other countries.
- If you are invited to a Saudi's house bring something small as a thank you.
- Flowers do not make good gifts from a man, although a woman could give them to her hostess.
- Never give alcohol unless you are positive they partake.
- Gifts are not opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
- Saudis socialize primarily in restaurants and international hotels when entertaining expatriates whom they do not know well. After some time you will be invited to the home.
- Entertainment will generally be same-sex only. If both sexes are included, they will be in separate rooms.
- If you are invited to a Saudi's house, you would usually remove your shoes.
- Dress conservatively.
- Try to arrive at the invited time. Punctuality is appreciated but not crucial.
- Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
- Accept the offer of Arabian coffee and dates even if you do not normally drink coffee.
- If you are invited for a meal, understand that there will be a great deal of socializing and small talk before the meal is served.
Table manner
- If the meal is on the floor, sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee.
- Eat only with the right hand as the left is considered unclean.
- Try a bit of everything that is served.
- Meals are generally served family-style.
- Honoured guests are often offered the most prized pieces such as a sheep's head so be prepared!
- There is often more food than you can eat. Part of Saudi hospitality and generosity is to shower guests with abundance.
- There is little conversation during meals so that diners may relish the food.
(credits to https://lostinriyadh.wordpress.com/ )
Let's continue with the next entry on Saudi Arabia.
Diet
The Saudi diet varies by lifestyle. A farmer consumes different foods than a nomad, and a city dweller may eat traditional Saudi cuisine as well as Western food. A staple of the Saudi diet, regardless of lifestyle, is dates. They are eaten either raw or cooked, and come in red and black varieties. The diet of a farmer is based on grains, such as millet, rice, barley and wheat. Fruit and dates are eaten regularly. Lamb is the most commonly consumed meat, occasionally supplemented by goat and camel meat. The nomadic diet depends on milk products from goats, sheep or camels. Milk is consumed fresh or made into yogurt and cheese. Meat is only eaten on special occasions or when wild game is available. When nomads visit a town they purchase fruits and vegetables to eat. The main meal for nomads is at the end of the day, accompanied by coffee and tea. Saudis who live in towns and cities have a variety of foods available to them. A typical Saudi meal consists of rice with spiced chicken or lamb, or kebabs, with dates, and dairy products. The meal is accompanied by flatbread. Commonly prepared dishes are tabbouleh, a salad made with bulgar (cracked) wheat and mint; hummus, a dip made from chick peas; mutabak, pastry turnovers stuffed with cheese, banana or meat; salig, lamb cooked in a mild spiced sauce and served with rice; mihammar, stuffed lamb in a yogurt sauce; kabbza, lamb or chicken with onion, tomato, cucumber and grated carrot; thurid, chicken in a cream sauce served on leaves of dough; sambustik, triangles of dough filled with spicy meat and onion and then fried in oil.
Coffee is offered at every social gathering, business meeting and meal. To accept less than three cups of coffee is considered impolite. To indicate that one is done, wobble the cup before giving it back to the host. Food and beverages cannot be consumed in public during the holy month of Ramadan, even by non-Muslims.
The South Asian diet includes biryanis (rice with saffron, meat, fish, or chicken), dhal (a lentilbased soup), and several types of bread. Cows are sacred to Hindus; chicken and lamb are the most commonly consumed meats. The Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan diets contain more rice and fish than the Indian and Pakistani diets.
Etiquette and Customs in Saudi
Meeting Etiquette
- Men shake hands. Good friends may greet each other with a handshake and a kiss on each cheek.
- Women generally hug and kiss close friends.
- Men and women would not greet each other in public I from outside the family.
- When Saudis greet each other they take their time and converse about general things.
Gift Giving Etiquette
- Gifts are not the norm as in many other countries.
- If you are invited to a Saudi's house bring something small as a thank you.
- Flowers do not make good gifts from a man, although a woman could give them to her hostess.
- Never give alcohol unless you are positive they partake.
- Gifts are not opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
- Saudis socialize primarily in restaurants and international hotels when entertaining expatriates whom they do not know well. After some time you will be invited to the home.
- Entertainment will generally be same-sex only. If both sexes are included, they will be in separate rooms.
- If you are invited to a Saudi's house, you would usually remove your shoes.
- Dress conservatively.
- Try to arrive at the invited time. Punctuality is appreciated but not crucial.
- Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
- Accept the offer of Arabian coffee and dates even if you do not normally drink coffee.
- If you are invited for a meal, understand that there will be a great deal of socializing and small talk before the meal is served.
Table manner
- If the meal is on the floor, sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee.
- Eat only with the right hand as the left is considered unclean.
- Try a bit of everything that is served.
- Meals are generally served family-style.
- Honoured guests are often offered the most prized pieces such as a sheep's head so be prepared!
- There is often more food than you can eat. Part of Saudi hospitality and generosity is to shower guests with abundance.
- There is little conversation during meals so that diners may relish the food.
(credits to https://lostinriyadh.wordpress.com/ )
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Multicultural Counseling Competencies
Assalamualaikum everyone. :)
In this entry we are going to share on multicultural counseling competencies, an information that is inportant for future counselors (that's us *wink*) and for you guys too.
DEFINING MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING
It may sound simplistic, but multicultural counseling is defined as what occurs when the professional counselor works with a client from a different cultural group and how that might affect interactions that take place within the counseling relationship. This definition is expanded to include dissimilarities in religion and spirituality, sexual orientation, gender, age and maturity, socioeconomic class, family history, and even geographic location. The first step in effective multicultural counseling is to identify and acknowledge these differences between the counselor and client.
IDENTIFYING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
One of the first steps in working with clients is to discuss what brings a person into counseling and to identify the presenting problem. The typical Western style of finding answers through a direct approach is not compatible with many cultures. This technique includes use of body language, eye contact, and using open-ended questions. Asian Americans, for instance, typically experience this method as impolite. Native Americans also feel this directness to be too invasive. Recognizing and being sensitive to cultural differences is essential for establishing the trust necessary to conduct effective counseling sessions.
UNDERSTANDING & ADDRESSING ISSUES IN MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING
One of the most effective tools counselors can utilize to engage clients from other cultures is to openly acknowledge any differences. The key is doing it in such a way that does not undermine the client’s belief that you will be able to offer professional help and potential solutions. Part of establishing rapport with multicultural clients is expressing a willingness to learn more about, and showing respect for, their worldview, belief systems, and means of problem-solving. Learning about and addressing the client’s realities will allow you to create culturally-sensitive interventions.
THE ROLE OF SELF IN MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING
Self-reflection is vital to becoming a culturally-competent counselor. Start by clearly identifying your own worldview and personal beliefs about those who are different from you. This exercise will assist you in uncovering your own prejudices, feelings, and stereotypical ideas about clients from other cultures. Being open-minded and willing to educate yourself about culturally different groups is a productive way of moving forward toward your goal of working effectively with them in counseling. Becoming self-aware is an ongoing practice, and allowing new information to play a part in shaping your professional identity is a valuable tool.
ONGOING EDUCATION REQUIRED IN MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING
It’s important to understand that professional counselors never master the ability to understand every unique cultural difference; this is a continual state of learning. Your knowledge base will grow as you work with a greater number of diverse clients, but the learning doesn’t stop there. Working in this area of professional counseling will continually provide you with opportunities to gain new insights and skills with each new client.
(credits to http://www.delval.edu/blog/five-important-aspects-of-multicultural-counseling-competencies)
Thanks for reading guys. See u in the next entry. :)
In this entry we are going to share on multicultural counseling competencies, an information that is inportant for future counselors (that's us *wink*) and for you guys too.
DEFINING MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING
It may sound simplistic, but multicultural counseling is defined as what occurs when the professional counselor works with a client from a different cultural group and how that might affect interactions that take place within the counseling relationship. This definition is expanded to include dissimilarities in religion and spirituality, sexual orientation, gender, age and maturity, socioeconomic class, family history, and even geographic location. The first step in effective multicultural counseling is to identify and acknowledge these differences between the counselor and client.
IDENTIFYING CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
One of the first steps in working with clients is to discuss what brings a person into counseling and to identify the presenting problem. The typical Western style of finding answers through a direct approach is not compatible with many cultures. This technique includes use of body language, eye contact, and using open-ended questions. Asian Americans, for instance, typically experience this method as impolite. Native Americans also feel this directness to be too invasive. Recognizing and being sensitive to cultural differences is essential for establishing the trust necessary to conduct effective counseling sessions.
UNDERSTANDING & ADDRESSING ISSUES IN MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING
One of the most effective tools counselors can utilize to engage clients from other cultures is to openly acknowledge any differences. The key is doing it in such a way that does not undermine the client’s belief that you will be able to offer professional help and potential solutions. Part of establishing rapport with multicultural clients is expressing a willingness to learn more about, and showing respect for, their worldview, belief systems, and means of problem-solving. Learning about and addressing the client’s realities will allow you to create culturally-sensitive interventions.
THE ROLE OF SELF IN MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING
Self-reflection is vital to becoming a culturally-competent counselor. Start by clearly identifying your own worldview and personal beliefs about those who are different from you. This exercise will assist you in uncovering your own prejudices, feelings, and stereotypical ideas about clients from other cultures. Being open-minded and willing to educate yourself about culturally different groups is a productive way of moving forward toward your goal of working effectively with them in counseling. Becoming self-aware is an ongoing practice, and allowing new information to play a part in shaping your professional identity is a valuable tool.
ONGOING EDUCATION REQUIRED IN MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING
It’s important to understand that professional counselors never master the ability to understand every unique cultural difference; this is a continual state of learning. Your knowledge base will grow as you work with a greater number of diverse clients, but the learning doesn’t stop there. Working in this area of professional counseling will continually provide you with opportunities to gain new insights and skills with each new client.
Thanks for reading guys. See u in the next entry. :)
Friday, April 1, 2016
Myanmar @ Burma part 1
Assalamualaikum and welcome back guys! :)
So hows your day awesome people? Hope all of you are having a good day and ready to read another entry from thisThree Musketeers' blog. ;)
Okay, today we are going to share on Myanmar's story. Want to know more? Keep on reading guys *wink*.
History of Myanmar
Myanmar has a long and complex history. Many peoples have lived in the region and the history began. The first identifiable civilization is that of the Mon. The Mon probably began migrating into the area in about 300 BC, and their first kingdom Suwarnabhumi, was founded around the port of Thaton in about 300 BC. The Pyu arrived in Myanmar in the 7th century and established city kingdoms at Binnaka, Mongamo, Sri Ksetra, and Halingyi. During this period, Myanmar was part of an overland trade route from China to India. By 849, the Burmans had founded a powerful kingdom centered on the city of Bagan and filled the void left by the Pyu. The kingdom grew in relative isolation until the reign of Anawrahta (1044 - 77) who successfully unified all of Myanmar by defeating the Mon city of Thaton in 1057.
After the collapse of Bagan authority, Myanmar was divided once again. The Burmans had re-established themselves at the city of Ava by 1364, where Bagan culture was revived and a great age of Burmese literature ensued. The kingdom lacked easily defendable borders, however, and was overrun by the Shan in 1527. Surviors of the destruction of Inwa eventually established a new kingdom centered on Taungoo in 1531 led by Tabinshwehti (reigned 1531-50), who once again unified most of Myanmar. A popular Burmese leader named Alaungpaya drove the Bago forces out of northern Myanmar by 1753, and by 1759 he had once again conquered Pegu and southern Myanmar while also regaining control of Manipur. He established his capital at Rangoon, now known as Yangon.
Myanmar was known to the West ever since western explorers had heard of it. Marko Polo was the earliest known westerner who discovered Myanmar and introduced to the West. (credits to http://www.myanmars.net/myanmar-history/)
Some facts on Myanmar
Official name: Pyihtaungsu Thamada Myanmar Naingngandaw (Republic of the Union of Myanmar)
Form of government: Constitutional republic with two legislative houses (House of Nationalities [2243]; House of Representatives [4403])
Head of state and government: President: Htin Kyaw, assisted by Vice Presidents: Myint Swe and Henry Van Thio
Capital: Nay Pyi Taw (Naypyidaw)
Official language: Myanmar (Burmese)
Official religion: None
Monetary unit: Myanmar kyat (K)
Population: (2015 est.) 52,280,000
Total area (sq mi): 261,228
Total area (sq km): 676,577
Urban-rural population Urban: (2011) 32.6%
Rural: (2011) 67.4%
Life expectancy at birth: Male: (2012) 62.9 years
Female: (2012) 67.7 years
Literacy: (percentage of population age 15 and over literate) Male: (2008) 94.7%
Female: (2008) 91.9%
GNI per capita (U.S.$): (2009) 380
(taken from http://global.britannica.com/place/Myanmar#toc52565)
The Map of Myanmar
That's all we have for this entry guys.. wait till our next update. XOXO :)
So hows your day awesome people? Hope all of you are having a good day and ready to read another entry from this
Okay, today we are going to share on Myanmar's story. Want to know more? Keep on reading guys *wink*.
History of Myanmar
Myanmar has a long and complex history. Many peoples have lived in the region and the history began. The first identifiable civilization is that of the Mon. The Mon probably began migrating into the area in about 300 BC, and their first kingdom Suwarnabhumi, was founded around the port of Thaton in about 300 BC. The Pyu arrived in Myanmar in the 7th century and established city kingdoms at Binnaka, Mongamo, Sri Ksetra, and Halingyi. During this period, Myanmar was part of an overland trade route from China to India. By 849, the Burmans had founded a powerful kingdom centered on the city of Bagan and filled the void left by the Pyu. The kingdom grew in relative isolation until the reign of Anawrahta (1044 - 77) who successfully unified all of Myanmar by defeating the Mon city of Thaton in 1057.
After the collapse of Bagan authority, Myanmar was divided once again. The Burmans had re-established themselves at the city of Ava by 1364, where Bagan culture was revived and a great age of Burmese literature ensued. The kingdom lacked easily defendable borders, however, and was overrun by the Shan in 1527. Surviors of the destruction of Inwa eventually established a new kingdom centered on Taungoo in 1531 led by Tabinshwehti (reigned 1531-50), who once again unified most of Myanmar. A popular Burmese leader named Alaungpaya drove the Bago forces out of northern Myanmar by 1753, and by 1759 he had once again conquered Pegu and southern Myanmar while also regaining control of Manipur. He established his capital at Rangoon, now known as Yangon.
Myanmar was known to the West ever since western explorers had heard of it. Marko Polo was the earliest known westerner who discovered Myanmar and introduced to the West. (credits to http://www.myanmars.net/myanmar-history/)
Some facts on Myanmar
Official name: Pyihtaungsu Thamada Myanmar Naingngandaw (Republic of the Union of Myanmar)
Form of government: Constitutional republic with two legislative houses (House of Nationalities [2243]; House of Representatives [4403])
Head of state and government: President: Htin Kyaw, assisted by Vice Presidents: Myint Swe and Henry Van Thio
Capital: Nay Pyi Taw (Naypyidaw)
Official language: Myanmar (Burmese)
Official religion: None
Monetary unit: Myanmar kyat (K)
Population: (2015 est.) 52,280,000
Total area (sq mi): 261,228
Total area (sq km): 676,577
Urban-rural population Urban: (2011) 32.6%
Rural: (2011) 67.4%
Life expectancy at birth: Male: (2012) 62.9 years
Female: (2012) 67.7 years
Literacy: (percentage of population age 15 and over literate) Male: (2008) 94.7%
Female: (2008) 91.9%
GNI per capita (U.S.$): (2009) 380
(taken from http://global.britannica.com/place/Myanmar#toc52565)
The Map of Myanmar
That's all we have for this entry guys.. wait till our next update. XOXO :)
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