Understanding Arabs: A Guide for Modern Times
by By Nydell, Margaret K.
Category: Social Science , Islamic Studies

Arabs, those who live in the Middle Eastern countries, rather than all Muslims, are the subject of this guide for readers, primarily Westerners, who plan to travel, work, or live among Arabs.  Nydell (Arabic, Georgetown U., Washington DC), who was a trainer with the Foreign Service Institute in Tunisia, provides helpful descriptions of the culture and mores of Arabic people, characterizing their attitudes and means of expression.  The book is full of tips and examples of what to expect in social situations, and it includes extensive appendices and a bibliography. The first edition, published in 1988, has been updated several times over the years; the fourth edition is indexed and includes more coverage of Islamic fundamentalism, anti-Americanism, and Arabs and Muslims in the West. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)