INTERCULTURAL MODES OF COMMUNICATION IN
EGYPT
Members / Roles:
• 1. Narrator
• 2. Cultural Expert
• 3. Egyptian Local 1
• 4. Egyptian Local 2
• 5. Tourist 1
• 6. Tourist 2
• 7. Tourist 3
• 8. Tourist 4
• 9. Tourist 5
• 10. Tourist 6
Scene 1 – Introduction
Position: Narrator front-center, tourists behind, locals at side.
Props: Pyramids in background.
Narrator:
Hello everyone! Today, we will explore how people communicate in Egypt. Communication is not
just about words. Gestures, body language, and respect play a big role.
Tourist 1:
Wow… this place is amazing! Look at the pyramids. Are we really here?
Tourist 2:
I’ve only seen this on TV… it’s even hotter and bigger in real life!
Tourist 3:
Do you think we should ask someone how to behave properly here?
Tourist 4:
Yeah… we don’t want to offend anyone by accident.
Tourist 6:
I read that culture here is very traditional. Maybe we should observe first before acting.
It feels different… like we really need to be mindful of everything we say and do.
Narrator:
Here in Egypt, understanding gestures and traditional behaviors is essential to show respect and
avoid misunderstandings.
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Scene 2 – Greetings
Camera: Medium-close on tourists and Local 1.
Position: Tourists left, Egyptian Local 1 right.
Props: Arabic placard.
Tourist 5:
Hi there! We’re visitors from another country. It’s great to meet you!
Egyptian Local 1:
Welcome to Egypt. Greetings are very important here. We usually say ‘As-salamu alaykum,’ which
means ‘Peace be upon you.’
Tourist 1:
Did he just say we have to greet them in Arabic?
Tourist 2:
Yes, and I think we should respond correctly. Otherwise, it could be seen as disrespectful.
Cultural Expert:
In Egyptian culture, greetings are more than a formality. They show respect and build trust. The
proper response is ‘Wa alaykum as-salam.’ Always greet elders first.
Tourists 1–5:
Wa alaykum as-salam!
Tourist 6:
Wa… alaykum… as-salam?
I need more practice. I don’t want to get it wrong when greeting elders.
Egyptian Local 1:
(Places hand on chest while smiling)
Tourist 4:
Why do you put your hand on your chest when greeting?
Narrator:
This gesture expresses sincerity and respect. It shows that your greeting comes from the heart.
Tourist 3:
Wow… that’s really thoughtful. We don’t do that back home.
Tourist 5:
Yeah, it makes the greeting feel more personal.
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Scene 3 – Handshake Rule
Tourist 1:
Hello! Nice to meet you!
Egyptian Local 2:
In Egypt, physical contact between men and women is more reserved. It is best to wait for a woman
to initiate a handshake.
Tourist 1:
Oh, I see… thank you for letting me know. I’ll wait.
Tourist 2:
So we have to be careful with our gestures.
Tourist 3:
Yes, small actions can mean a lot here.
Egyptian Local 2:
(Extends hand lightly)
Tourist 1:
Thank you… I understand now.
Tourist 4:
It’s really interesting how different cultures have different rules for greetings.
Tourist 6:
Back home we just shake hands automatically. Here we need to pause and wait.
It teaches us to be more observant and respectful.
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Scene 4 – Right Hand Rule
Props: Tray with cup/biscuit.
Egyptian Local 1:
When offering food or drink, we always use the right hand. It shows respect and etiquette.
Tourist 5:
Oh… should I switch?
Cultural Expert:
Yes. Using your right hand is considered proper. The left hand is generally reserved and not used
for eating or giving.
Tourist 5:
Ah, I understand now. Thank you.
Tourist 3:
It’s amazing how even small things like hand use carry meaning.
Tourist 6:
I didn’t realize something so simple could be considered disrespectful.
I’ll remember — always use the right hand.
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Scene 5 – Feet Posture
Props: Chair, visible shoes.
Tourist 2:
Is it okay if my foot is like this while sitting?
Narrator:
Showing the bottom of your shoes is considered disrespectful in Egypt. Adjusting your posture
shows awareness and respect.
Tourist 2:
Oh, thank you for explaining! I’ll sit properly.
Tourist 6:
I didn’t notice my shoes earlier either. Good thing we learned this.
It shows how body language can speak louder than words.
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Scene 6 – Eye Contact
Tourist 3:
Am I looking too much?
Egyptian Local 2:
Moderate eye contact is enough. Too much staring can feel aggressive.
Cultural Expert:
Maintaining respectful eye contact communicates sincerity. Avoid prolonged staring, but do not
avoid looking at the person either.
Tourist 3:
Ah… so balance is important.
Tourist 4:
Yes, it shows respect while being engaged in the conversation.
Tourist 6:
So too much eye contact can seem aggressive, but too little can seem rude?
Now I see why balance is important.
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Scene 7 – Personal Space
Narrator:
Personal space is respected, especially between opposite genders. Standing too close can make
someone uncomfortable. Adjust your distance to show respect.
Tourist 4:
Oh, thank you! I’ll stand back.
Tourist 6:
I noticed that personal space here is more formal, especially between men and women.
It’s different from what we’re used to, but it makes sense in this culture.
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Scene 8 – Final Message
Formation: All 10 in semicircle facing camera.
Props: Pyramids background, optional Arabic placards.
Tourist 1:
We learned that communication is more than words.
Tourist 2:
It includes gestures, actions, and awareness of cultural norms.
Tourist 3:
Even small behaviors, like hand use or eye contact, are important.
Tourist 4:
Respecting personal space makes interactions more comfortable.
Tourist 5:
Right-hand etiquette shows thoughtfulness and respect.
Tourist 6:
Understanding these cultural differences helps us become more responsible global citizens.
Egyptian Local 1:
When you respect our culture, you honor our traditions.
Egyptian Local 2:
Small gestures can create a big understanding.
Narrator:
Understanding intercultural communication prevents misunderstandings and promotes connection
between people.
All Together:
Respect culture. Communicate wisely!