What are some "taboo" questions in Saudi?
For example, in US, you never ask anyone about how much money they make... it is considered rude and intrusive, but you could ask someone how is their husband or wife no problem (which I think may be taboo in Saudi Arabia). arachdog, I kind of meant more like what Saudis don't ask each other. By the way, there is nothing wrong with steak. Just pork.
Saudi Arabia - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
the Saudi culture is diverse. I asked a friend of mine who is Saudi and a physician about this- if a non relative asks one for dinner it is taboo to ask if the mrs is joining him. It is very intrusive to ask about relationship- how they met etc .however she said it all depends on the level of "tribal pride" and their traditional upbringing. She comes from a more modernized family that some females don't even wear veilsexcept in the required public area.
2 :
Religion, Sex & Politics.
3 :
You as a women wont ask the hostess or another saudi lady about her husband... You can ask "how is the family" in general terms.. but never call him by his name.. NEVER say something like "How is Ahmed today"... just not done... And also if the husband just happens to walk through the room.. you can just quickly say Salaam alaykum and always refer to him as Abu______.. never say his given name.. Erm.. I also learned quick never to compliment someones jewelry, wardrobe, or knickknacks around their house.. you end up leaving with a little gift.. Something about you giving them the eye or something.. they feel they have to gift you that item.. so its really rude to do this... You can just generally again compliment things on a whole.. like"OH.. nice room or nice decorations.. or Nice outfit... but never be specific.. unless she asks you first... .. Oh and this is a little off subject.. but since (Im assuming you are coming from USA).. you will get tons of nosy women asking YOU the personall questions.. They want to secretly trap you into finding out if you had sex before marriage to a muslim,, or if you converted just cause you wanted him, or just cause you wanted to come to saudi... Just politely avoid these questions.. Or if they get too nosy.. I ask them the exact same thing back..and that surely shuts them up quick.... But the polite hostess would never ask you.. she's just be happy you are there... but these women get bored and they are gossip queens.. they will ask some of the most outrageous questions.. you'd be surprised... looooooooool.. but anyways.. you'll enjoy it. just keep an open mind and a light heart and laugh through it all... Welcome!....
4 :
If you're with a group of people, dont bring up tribal topics or topics of roots origins, because they'd like to aviod such topics given their different backgrounds. Unless if you are really close friends then its ok. More in Riyadh than Jeddah but still good to know. Generally speaking though, Saudis are laid back and can laugh at anything really. Some women might be... Mintee explained it well I think and didnt leave much to say. Oh and personal stuff sometimes can be said but not in front of others. For example if you meet a girl that you know and want to ask her details about her marriage or wedding, specific questions. Or about how her parents liked the husband in the beginning etc.... some might find no problem talking about it, but not in front of others. So no personal questions in front of others, unless if she brings up the topic then its considered to be fine. Sometimes vague answers are meant to be so to aviod answering your question, at other times, its simply because the person isnt that precise. Its one of those things that you can just feel when you get used to it. Nothing is REALLY taboo I think, let alone the fact that knowing you're American people would be much more understanding if you say something thats kinda rude, they'd know you didnt mean it :)
