Quick Cultural Guide: Iraq
Where is Iraq?
Iraq is a triangular shaped country in the heart of the Middle East, approximately twice the size of Idaho. Its neighbors include Iran on the east, Turkey to the north, Syria and Jordan on the east, and Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to the south. Its ancient name, Mesopotamia, literally translated means, land between two rivers—the Tigris and the Euphrates.
The EuphratesRiver cuts across the center of Iraq in a southeastern direction. The stretch of land to the west of the Euphrates is desert. The land to the east, between the Euphrates and the Tigris is described as a fertile alluvial plain, or a large flat area composed of layered river sediment. To the northeast, the landscape gradually climbs from foothills to mountains reaching elevations of 10,000 feet in some places. In the southern region, near the Persian Gulf, the landscape is primarily marshland.
The climate in Iraq has been compared to that of the extreme southwestern U.S. In summer, it is very hot and dry with temperature climbing as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are very cold, with temperatures dropping below zero. Spring and fall tend to be mild and pleasant in Iraq.
What was their journey?
Life in Iraq
Life in Iraq cannot be discussed without mentioning the effect three decades of war have had on its people, and consequently its cultural development. In spite of turbulent circumstances, many foundational aspects of Iraqi culture have persisted, such as: religious tradition, language, and many familial conventions. However, the present culture also reflects the constant chaos and extreme economic hardship brought about by Hussein’s dictatorial leadership and war. The following facts remain central to Iraqi culture:
- 97% of Iraqis are Muslim (Shiite 60-65%, Sunni 32-37%)
- Islam is the official state religion
- Arabic is the official language of Iraq
- Ethnicity: 75-80% Arab; 15-20% Kurdish
- 74% of the population is literate
- Extended family groups are the fundamental social units in Iraq and extended families often live together under one roof.
- Loyalty to family is an essential Iraqi quality.
- Marriage and children are expected of everyone.
- Marriages are often arranged. (
While these aspects of Iraqi culture have stayed consistent, certain roles within families and society have changed to accommodate the extreme conditions of war. For instance, due to the absence of many men in service to the Iraqi military, women who once met all domestic and child-care responsibilities within the family have assumed additional roles of leadership within the home. Many women also work outside the home and are the sole financial providers for their family.
Even as women have moved into positions of power within the family and on economic and political fronts during wartime, they are generally disallowed from holding any positions of leadership within the Islamic social order. It is largely a result of this religious influence that social rights and privileges for Iraqi women remain unequal to those of men. (
Prior to the current conflict in Iraq, Saddam Hussein’s power reached all aspects of economic, political and family life. Iraqis lived under the direct oversight of the government and according to Hussein’s edicts. Professionals (doctors, lawyers, professors) were barely able to eke out a living and Iraqis existed in perpetual fear of upsetting Hussein’s despotic political system. One journalist describes Iraq this way:
When I first arrived in Baghdad before the war, Iraq seemed lifeless. Baghdad felt like a city without oxygen, where those with big dreams couldn’t breathe or imagine a better life. Now, the country is very changed—in some ways better—but it has become equally menacing, terrifying and sinister. (NBC, Engel)[KB1]
Iraqis have scarcely known peace in their country and have yet to experience true political freedom; they are a nation in the midst of a violent upheaval. Under Hussein’s rule, culture existed, but was not allowed to flourish. The following section details the current conflict and its impact on the Iraqi refugee situation.
Conflict
Iraq has a long history of political instability and violent regime change. After Saddam Hussein came to power in 1979, three wars have ravaged Iraq and its people: the war with Iran in 1980; the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) in 1991; and finally, the current conflict with the United States (Operation Iraqi Freedom).
After the terrorist attacks on September 11,2001, in New York City, the Bush Administration identified Hussein in connection with Al-Quaeda, the terrorists responsible for the attack on American soil. [KB2]Based on this connection, the President pushed strongly for a regime change in Iraq. Further fueling the movement toward war were claims that Iraq was housing weapons of mass destruction.
On March 20, 2003, Operation Iraqi Freedom officially began when U.S. forces took control of Baghdad, the capital city of Iraq. While this takeover marked the end of Hussein’s regime, Iraq was without self-rule and fell into a state of violence and chaos. As the U.S. attempted to work out an interim government in Iraq, warring factions within the country in longstanding discord, formed militias and began occupying areas lacking formal rule. Sunni Muslims clashed with Shiite Muslims and Kurds resulting in many Iraqi casualties and fatalities, along with the death of U.S. soldiers.
As a result of the constant violence, many Iraqis were forced to flee their homes. According to Jennifer Utz, a video journalist who has been covering the Iraqi refugee crisis since the fall of 2006, an estimated 2 million Iraqis have fled the country since 2003, seeking refuge in the neighboring countries of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Another 2.5 million Iraqis are displaced within Iraq, unable to return to their homes because of sectarian violence and occupation. An estimated 14,000 Iraqis have resettled in the United States. Of Iraq’s total population (28,221,181), one in five Iraqis is without a permanent home. [KB3](
Life in refugee camps
Only a very small percentage of fleeing Iraqis find refuge in camps: the largest camp of the three has a population of 1,750 Iraqis. The vast majority of refugees move to neighboring countries to live and work in relative safety. Life in these countries is difficult and many Iraqis are unable to obtain the necessary work permits to make a living.
Many Iraqis become destitute in these countries after their personal savings have been depleted and they are unable to find work to support themselves and their families. According to after exhausting their resources living abroad, many Iraqis are willing to move back to Iraq and risk death if it means they will be with their families and die in their homeland.
Of the refugees resettling in the U.S., one or more of the following characteristics apply:
- They have family already residing in the U.S.
- They willingly assisted U.S. forces in Iraq (as translators, interpreters or contractors) and fear retaliation.
- They are part of women-headed households where fathers have been kidnapped or killed.
Of the refugees settling in America, most, if not all, have suffered tragic losses. Homes have been destroyed or occupied by militias, family members and friends have been injured, kidnapped or killed, and the Iraqi way of life has been radically altered. Although resettling in America is a safe alternative to life in Iraq, refugees live in constant memory of their homeland and the people they love who are fighting for survival. [KB4]
It is also important to understand that many Iraqi refugees are well-educated and may have held professional jobs in Iraq. Because their English language skills are not developed to American standards, their professional abilities go unnoticed and are undervalued by potential employers. As a result, many Iraqis cannot obtain jobs. If they are able, the wage is not livable, making providing for their families nearly impossible.
Only a small portion (roughly 50,000) of Iraqis have returned to Iraq. Many return to find their homes occupied by members of sectarian militias and are unable to resettle safely.
Why Boise?
Boise has become a popular relocation destination for refugees due to its size and access to refugee resources. Boise is small enough that refugees can walk or ride bikes to get around town and it has a public transportation system. Also, Boise’s size doesn’t overwhelm refugees as a larger city might.
Boise has a strong network of non-profit agencies set up to accommodate refugees. These agencies provide refugees with English language tutoring, job placement assistance, and health and social services. On the other hand, Boise has its challenges. There are few speakers of refugees’ native languages. Refugees’ low English levels typically limit their employment options to the service industry. The time restrictions caused by bus schedules can also be a problem for refugees.
How can I help?
As a student volunteer, you will be playing many roles during your interaction with your refugee family. You will serve as their guide in a place where everything is new and different. One of the biggest obstacles for the refugee family will be honing their English language skills and adapting to American culture.
Help refugees learn English
According the Agency for New Americans (ANA) Volunteer Packet, many refugees arrive in America with little to no English skills. While ANA provides English classes five days per week to their clients, it is recommended that clients meet with tutors in addition to the class time in order to receive as much education in the English language as possible.
It is important to know the specific English goals of the individuals you are helping. For example, is the goal to improve their English skills in order to help them with job applications and interviews, or is the goal to learn American slang and idioms in order to help with social interactions? Even though it is not your responsibility to refugees to speak English fluently, a simple over view of our sentence structure and some basic phrases would help them improve their English skills.
There are many resources devoted to English tutoring, but the resources listed below are specific to English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Another great resource is the ESL teacher who is teaching the refugees English, as the teacher will have many resources to share with you.
Real English - Interactive Video Online
This site provides video lessons for interacting with others in English. It covers useful English phrases such as “hello,” “What is your name?” “My name is…” etc.
Thinkfinity Literacy Network
This site contains training for teachers and tutors, lesson plans, and interactive activities for English language learners.
ABC's for Tutors: 26 Teaching Tips
By Shirley Brod
Technical Assistance for English Language Training Projects 1997-1998
Meet refugees for community activities
According to past volunteers, every activity is a learning opportunity for refugees. A good first step may be sharing a meal in the refugee’s home to get acquainted with the family and help them practice speaking English. Once refugees feel comfortable, outings in town provide first-hand experiences with American culture.
In addition to the activities suggested below, refugees might have specific errands in mind. Volunteers are encouraged to plan activities within walking distance or take public transportation instead of using their own vehicles.
- Meet refugees at The English Language Center (located at 1607 W. Jefferson Street) for tutoring resources. This is a familiar meeting spot for refugees.
- Show refugees the resources available close to their homes such as the bus stop, parks, houses of worship, post office, stores and health care clinics.
- Role-play daily-life scenarios such as, boarding a bus, going to a health clinic and purchasing something.
- Show them where to shop for food and introduce them to English names for common foods
- Take them to the bakery on campus at the Culinary Arts Institute.
- Show refugees specialty shops like thrift, consignment and outlet.
- Take them to see some of BoiseCity’s intramural sports games and show them how to sign up (
- Take refugees to ride a Valley Ride bus, teach them how to learn the routes and practice making change (
- Take them to the movies (non-violent ones).
- Meet children after school and walk to a park to practice English or play games
- Take them out for a hamburger, pizza, hot dog or ice cream.
- Go to the public library together and show them how to get a card, check out books and read the paper.
- Help them fill out forms such as job applications
- Invite refugees to cultural events at BSU and around Boise such as the International festival and concerts (
American Culture-
Dos and don’ts
Getting to Know Americans
America is a nation composed of many people with diverse cultural backgrounds. These groups have created a unique American culture. The following “tips and suggestions” highlight some aspects of American culture for new Americans.
Greeting and Interacting.
Americans shake hands and look each other in the eye when introduced. At later meetings, shaking hands is optional in informal situations but common in business.
Stand an arm’s length from the other person when talking and make eye contact often.
Refrain from kissing others and remember that American men do not hug each other.
Respond with, “Thank you,” when someone gives you a compliment.
Talking.
Americans love to talk about their lives, jobs, careers, and hobbies. They are comfortable talking about the number of children they have and will often discuss their future children before they have them.
Subjects to avoid include:
money
religion
politics
someone’s personal appearance (weight, height, skin color)
sex and sexual orientation
In order to avoid misunderstanding, try to speak English in most situations.
Arriving on time.
Promptness is important in the U.S.
Arrive on time when meeting friends
Arrive early for business appointments so that others do not have to wait.
Exception: when attending a group event at someone’s home, arrive 15-20 late so that the host can finish getting ready.
Meeting publicly and privately.
It is far more common in America to meet at a restaurant for a meal or at a coffee shop to talk than to meet for these occasions in someone’s home.
Expect to pay for yourself at a restaurant, even if someone invites you.
Before visiting others at home, wait for a specific invitation, including a day and time.
Extend a specific invitation (including day and time) for others to visit your home.
When invited to an event at someone’s home, it is completely appropriate to ask your host for a suggestion of what you could bring/contribute.
Understanding women’s roles.
Many women in the U.S. hold full-time or part-time jobs outside of the home. Others choose to work at home, raising children and managing the affairs of the household. Women do not always marry, and do not always have children.
Refrain from asking women about their marital status as it may cause them to feel uncomfortable.
Eating.
Americans rarely eat with their hands or lick their fingers. They use utensils to eat their food and use napkins to wipe their hands and faces during a meal. Belching is considered inappropriate during a meal.
Smoking.
Smokers are a minority in America and cigarette smoke is often considered offensive to non-smokers. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas and is often forbidden indoors or within a person’s home.
If in doubt as to whether smoking is permitted, ask specifically and be prepared to go outdoors or to another area to smoke.
Is It Something I Said?
Iraqi culture is tied inextricably to the tenets of Islam. The following information should serve to make your interaction with Iraqi people most harmonious:
Men and women should dress modestly; avoid tight clothing and shorts or skirts.
Greet the same gender with a handshake; a handshake between a female and male is not recommended.
Conversation: loud talking or laughing is not recommended for females or males.
Do not chew gum.
Do not order alcohol or go to a restaurant that serves alcohol.
Do not smoke.
Do not joke about God.
Pork/ham is forbidden.
Many movies may be considered offensive due to sexual content or foul language.
It is completely acceptable to bring a small gift if/when visiting Iraqis at home (e.g. a box of chocolates or cookies).
Where can I learn more?
The websites listed below provide more information on refugees and links to helpful resources.