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<a href="http://answers.encyclopedia.com/question/differences-arab-cultures-952899.html" >What are the differences in the Arab cultures?</a>

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Comparing the Arab culture

There are approximately 300 million people who define themselves as Arab. This demographic shares Arabic as their primary language, as well as usually identifying with Islam as their spiritual heritage. Arabs therefore tie their identity to their culture and history, rather than particular appearances. Most Arabs live according to the Muslim faith, yet a great number of Jewish and Christian people of Arab decent make their home in one of the 22 Arab countries of the Middle East and North Africa. To appreciate the Arab culture that exists and flourishes today, and how their culture differs from previous generations, there are a number of aspects to explore.

Today’s Arabs live in a world vastly different than the nomadic people of generations ago, and even of their parents’ generation. While some countries, such as Iran, are reluctant to re-shape the country in the areas of governance and culture there are other Arabic nations that have grown and adapted to the changing world culture. For example, The United Arab Emirates have embraced international business and tourism, while maintaining the moral code of the religious majority. Leaders of Arab countries face much responsibility in deciding how to meet the changing needs of their citizens.

Firstly, Arabic countries vary in the number of ethnic groups represented in the populations. The United Arab Emirates is a cosmopolitan mix, while Egypt, with the official language still Arabic, is largely made up of just three people groups: Egyptian, Bedouin Arab and Nubian. Besides differences in demographic groupings, Arab homelands vary in the level of conflict that citizens face. For instance, people living in Iraq have lived through a number of wars, while those living in the United Arab Emirates have barely experienced that kind of destruction. Today’s generation is under pressure to resolve the conflicts of the Middle East and to find ways to interact with other cultures, while still cherishing their own individual culture and heritage. Arab women often continue to face discrimination, although some regions allow modern women more cultural freedoms than their elders would have imagined. Many Arabic groups have been responsible for advances in exploration, architecture, science, engineering, mathematics and medicine. For instance, the discovery of latitude and longitude belongs to the Arabs. As well, the first emphasis on group research came from Islamic observatories.

The foundation of Arab literature is the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book. Historically, much writing was influenced by The Qur’an. Influences from Western journalism have played a part in modifying the form of Arabic literature, as has Western fiction and non-fiction. Political and human rights themes are woven into traditional non-figurative styles of art. Music continues to play a major part in culture, often passionate and lively.

Visit some of the following sites to broaden your appreciation for this rich people group.

• American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee

• Arabic virtual foreign language classroom

• Arab Charter on Human Rights

• Arabic Resources

• US Department of State country notes

• Arab-American Historical Foundation

• Poetry, prose and visual arts

• The Arab Culture

• Understanding Diversity

• Women's Rights in Arab Nations

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