Egypt
Anything having to do with the position of Jews in the world; you may hear conspiracy theories.
The lack of democracy in the country; the prevalence of corruption; and the threat of religious resistance.
Suggesting peace with Israel as a way to build bridges might lead to a backlash; the truce is much less popular with the populace than it is with the government.
Terrorism and its impact on stability and tourism.
It's best to avoid bringing up the Coptic Christians-an underclass here-even in terms of trying to find common ground.
Diversionary Topics - The country's cultural relics and historical importance-or simply steer the conversation back to business.
At a meeting A long-sleeved button-down with slacks is acceptable for all but the most for¬mal meetings. You might spot an older lawyer or professor wear¬ing a tie, but ties and sport coats are almost obsolete. Women, on the other hand, always wear jackets over high-necked shells and loose pants.
On the street Shorts are a faux pas unless you’re hitting the greens or playing squash at a sports club, and even then they’re wrong for women, who are better off in pants or long skirts (ankle-length jeans and khaki car¬go styles are popular). Men always layer undershirts beneath polos, even on warm desert days.
At a party It would be hard to underdress. Men are never turned away for wearing a smart shirt and slacks, even if others are wearing full suits. For women, a shoulder-covering black sheath is safe and sophisticated.
P.S. About 90 percent of Egyptian women cover their heads, but tourists aren’t expected to.
Hello
Assalaamu alaykum; for extra credit, change the suffix to ka for one man, ki for one woman); salaam in more everyday situations; or marhaba, especially if you don’t know the other person’s religion (Coptic Christians generally prefer it). Within genders, close physical contact is the norm, so don’t be shocked by a kiss on the cheek, a hand tapping the shoulder, or even a hug. Handshakes are standard but tend to be much gentler than the American variety. Across genders they’re inadvisable, and the more veiled the woman, the less likely she’ll want to shake a man’s hand. Just nod and smile. (And never offer your left hand, which is considered unclean.) Keep others from seeing the palm of your hand when hailing someone, or the soles of your feet when seated at a meeting—both could be insults.
Good-bye
Ma’assalaamah, or just salaam.
Thank You
Shukran (add jazilan for “very much”); less formally, mishakeer if you’re male or mishakeera if you’re female. Or on very special occasions, baraka allahu feek (“God bless you”).
Excuse Me
Asef as a light apology (with the prefix al-, it means “you’re welcome” as a simple response to shukran). To politely get someone’s attention, low samaht to a man, samahti to a woman, samahtu to a group. Lamuakhza or baad eznak just to pass by someone.
Help Me
Tesa’idni is simplest, but the full phrase would be: low samaht, mumkin it-sa’idni to a man (idini to a woman); el ha’uni for emergencies.
Please
Min fadlek (to men), min fadlik (to women), min fadloku (to a group).
