Verbal and Nonverbal Communication in Arabic Culture

Communication is more than just words — especially in Arabic culture, where both verbal and nonverbal cues are used to show respect, warmth, and connection. Learning how people talk and interact in different parts of the world can be fun and surprising, especially for kids!

How Arabs Greet Each Other

One of the most common greetings in the Arab world is:
“As-Salaam Alaikum”, which means “Peace be upon you.”
The reply is: “Wa Alaikum Salaam” (And peace be upon you, too!).

This verbal exchange is heard in homes, schools, shops — everywhere! It’s not just a hello; it’s a wish for peace and goodness.

Friendly Kisses and Warm Gestures

In many Arab countries, friends and family members of the same gender greet each other with cheek-to-cheek kisses or hugs. This is completely normal and shows closeness and affection. But don’t worry — not everyone does it, and it depends on the country and family traditions.Holding hands between male friends is also a common sign of friendship and respect. It might look surprising to people from other cultures, but it’s totally normal in many Arab countries.

Respectful Distance Between Men and Women

In Arabic culture, public displays of affection between men and women (like hugging or holding hands) are usually avoided — even if they are married. It’s a way to show modesty and respect in public spaces.

Also, sometimes boys and girls don’t sit or play together in the same way as in other cultures. But this varies a lot between different Arab countries and families.

Eye Contact and Body Language

• Eye contact is important when listening and speaking. It shows respect, but staring too much can be seen as rude.
• Using polite hand gestures is common — for example, placing your hand on your chest when saying thank you or nice to meet you.
• Tone of voice can be louder than in other cultures — but that doesn’t mean people are angry. Arabs often speak with strong emotion and expression!

Different Countries, Different Customs

Not all Arab countries are exactly the same! For example:

• In Saudi Arabia, greetings are often more formal.
• In Lebanon, cheek kisses are very common.
• In Morocco, shaking hands is more typical than hugging.

This variety makes the Arab world rich and exciting to learn about!

Learn Arabic Communication with Dinolingo

Understanding Arabic greetings and cultural expressions becomes even more fun when kids learn the Arabic language. With Dinolingo, children can explore Arabic through songs, stories, games, and cartoons — all designed for ages 2 to 14. They’ll not only learn how to say things like “hello” and “thank you,” but also understand when and how to use them in real life!

Dinolingo offers online access, mobile apps, and printable resources, making it easy for children to practice and explore communication the Arabic way — anytime, anywhere.