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Bar~ainin~

     Thearn to bargain for almost everything in the Middle East.
Bargaining is a respected part of the business procedure, and
shopkeepers expect you to take the time to participate in the
ceremony and social exchange associated with buying.   Before you
actually start to bargain, shop around or ask friends about how
much something should cost.   If possible, get to know the
shopkeeper and his reputation.   Learn to tell the difference
between the many asking prices, such as the "insult price," the
"Go away price," the "I don't want to sell price," and prices
which suggest,  "I'm willing to sell but not enthusiastic," "I
would like to sell," "I'm anxious to sell," and `1You're a close
friend."   Arab shopkeepers tend to cater more to the first
customers of the day in anticipation of making the first sale of
the day.   It's best to bargain in Arabic but ask the seller to
write the asking price down if you have any doubt about it.
NEVER ARGUE.   Never demean the object.  The shopkeepers respect
knowledge, skill and wit.  Generally, the more often you use the
item or the less expensive it is, the less time you should spend
bargaining for it.   Once you accept a price, you are obligated to
buy at the agreed price.

Arab Svmbolism

     The color BLUE is associated with magical powers and is
thought to have the power to ward off the evil eye.   Persons with
blue eyes, however, are also believed to have the power to employ
the evil eye.

     GREEN is the holy color of Islam.   The Prophet's cloak had
supposedly the saine shade of green as the Saudi flag.

     Moslems attach special significance to the number FIVE.   It
is used to represnt the five pillars of Islam, the five members
of Mohammed's family, the five daily prayers or the five fingers
of Mohammed's daughter, Fatima.

     The LEFT lIAND is also considered evil or at least an
instrument of evil.

     The raised, OPEN HAND (like the number five)  is a powerful
sign of good luck and able to overcome the evil eye.

     The BEARD symbolized a man's integrity.

     The MOUSTACHE is a symbol of an Arab man's virility,
masculinity, dignity and strength.   When a Arab strokes his
moustache in connection with an oath or promise,  it is a sign of
sincerity.   It is an insult to touch or verbally denigrate a
Moslem's moustache.


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