Cultural Geography: Exploring Group Dynamics in a Geographic Location - Essay Sample

Introduction

Also called cultural geography, geographic culture represents one of the major branches of geography. Some refer to it as human geography. It constitutes the study of different cultural aspects and how they relate both internally and externally in their interaction with the rest of the world at large. It is merely the way of life of a defined group in a particular geographic location. It entails that group's mode of dressing, language, religion, government, and economic structures, their music and art, not to mention other aspects of culture that indicate how and why people function in the areas they live in. Globalization plays an integral part in the spread of culture. Besides, cultural landscapes significantly influence cultural geography due to their roles in either its development or limitation since they provide a physical link to environments in which people dwell. Both culture and landscapes, which are defining units of geographic study, aid in each other's development.

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Over the years, cultural geography has evolved to include fields that resonate with the current era. This includes children's geography, political geography, and the geography of sexuality and space, and tourism studies (Pizzo, 2015). Egypt represents one of the countries to experience civilization and development in Africa and the Middle East whose culture documents thousands of rears or recorded history. It has been able to maintain a complex, unique, and stable culture that is reported to have impacted on the later cultures of places like Europe. Any other place does not match the sophistication of the culture found in Egypt in the world. From her language, literature, economic and government structures, religion, and visual arts all hold a record of their own. The culture of Egypt is differentiated from the rest of the world from its core, which accords it a global reputation.

Egypt's heritage has continued to be a constant source of immense pride. However, its contemporary culture continues to undergo development through the globalization and further developments in the world. The countries boast a significant population, ranked the 15th most populous country in the world. A considerable portion of this population resides along the fertile areas of the Nile River, which is reported to comprise only 5% of Egypt's land area. Its culture is hugely defined by traditional values, including loyalty, pride, and modesty, which undergone considerable enforcement by the addition of modern values and trends. Since Egypt is the link point between the Middle East and Africa, its culture is also significantly impacted by these interactions with international countries. Moreover, these interactions promote the spread of Egyptian culture.

Honor and dignity are among the core defining values in this culture. They are highly upheld across all class and geographic distinctions in Egypt. Honor is a central concept that postulates what an individual's behavior should be, and most importantly, it guides the cultural interactions. Additionally, honor is correlated with what people perceive to be personal dignity. The concept of honor is linked to patriarchal responsibility prevails significantly in rural Egypt. In modern-day Egypt, an individual's esteem is measured by their degree of respect and exhibition of core cultural values such as modesty, hospitality, loyalty, and honesty. Status and pride are accorded to those who are charitable, generous, and helpful. The collective nature of Egypt as a community mandates its occupants to allow the needs of others and those of the community to take precedence over their own. As a result, core values are enforced as a collective responsibility in which the shortcomings of an individual have a widespread impact on the family and community in addition to the victim.

Religion plays a focal role in Egyptian society. Her laws and political structures and interactions are significantly influenced by Islamic politics, principles, and social customs. This is despite Egypt's formal status as a secular state. A vast population in this country identifies with the Islamic religion while the remaining portion is divided among Coptic Orthodox Christians, atheists, and other denominations of Christianity. Additionally, a small part identifies with Islam only by birth but not by devotion. This religious diversity may sometimes result in social tension. The minority religions may be subjected to discrimination. Besides, the majority of Muslim continuously engage in conflict with the minority Coptic Orthodox Christians (Pizzo, 2015). Furthermore, intermarriages between different religious affiliations are prohibited, but some individuals regard them as insignificant in their interactions and connections with others, which fosters respect and unity. Despite their differences in ever day exhibition of reverence to their respective faith, values such as compassion, respect, and caring for others are shared across all religious affiliations, which impacts their daily interactions and reactions.

Different communication styles are used in Egypt; both verbal and non-verbal comprising of various aspects. A significant part of communication in Egypt consists of non-verbal communication. Many elements are incorporated into communication but are differently interpreted. For instance, eye contact is acceptable in some cases and unacceptable in others. For example, holding someone's stare and maintaining eye contact is seen as a sign of respect for the speaker, honesty, and sincerity. However, it is not acceptable for male and female to hold each other's gazes as a sign of observance of gender partitions. Proximity is usually maintained at an arm's length but may vary depending on the gender. When it comes to physical contact, its appropriateness is determined by the relationship between the people involved. Expectations and norms dictate different requirements when it comes to physical contact guided by gender and the involvement of people concerned. Public display of affection is prohibited except for married couples.

Different languages and dialects are spoken in Egypt. A vast portion of the population speaks Arabic, which is also the official language. Others such as French and English are also applicable but not a vast a scale as Arabic. It is noted that different dialects existed in Egypt with some being so varied in aspects such as grammar and pronunciation that communication was difficult. Concerning gender roles and social responsibilities, Egypt is driven by Islamic laws. These laws mandate that the husband provides for his family while the wife is obligated to be submissive to her husband. However, with the rapid changes occurring throughout the world, Egypt included, social norms, roles, positions, and guidelines are shifting. Women are taking up leadership roles and providing for their families while men demand more time with their children.

The family is an important of this society with kinship and collectivism guiding the nature of social relations. Authority and most responsibilities rest on the elders in the family regardless of gender. Regardless, the primary family structure is patriarchal with women expected to fulfill traditional duties that include household chores and nurturing children (El-Safty, 2004). In Egyptian culture, dating and romantic relationships are not widespread. Arranged marriages are prevalent involving negotiations between heads of the intermarrying families (El-Safty, 2004).

Business etiquette and culture in Egypt is very different from the one observed in other countries (Transparency International, 2018). A vast network of connections is preferred over expertise. Rules and guidelines are overlooked continuously by attaching different interpretations, and leadership positions are filled by older people regardless of competency or skills (Transparency International, 2018). Information regarding the dos and don'ts of business practices in Egypt prepare one for the experience. This also applies to those desiring to study in Egypt. It is, however, not difficult to adjust to the culture in Egypt due to its diverse nature. One would find an aspect that identifies with them.

The history of the culture of Egypt is so vast that it has not been entirely analyzed. Studies continue to be undertaken to understand the different t aspects of this culture. Its complexity and sophistication have garnered global recognition and pride. Both its government influence and history has promoted relations between Egypt and other nations. For the longest time, a common stereotype towards the Egyptians is that they are all Muslim. Although a significant population of Egyptians is Muslim, this is not true. Additionally, a belief that Egyptians use camels as their primary mode of transport is not correct. The education system in Egypt is pervasive but similar to others in the world comprising of nine years compulsory education completed in three levels; kindergarten, primary school, and preparatory school, which precedes higher education.

Conclusion

Conclusively, Egypt is a unique and vibrant country in terms of cultural heritage. It compares to none other in the Middle East, Africa, or even around the world. Additionally, its culture is so vast and complex that it has garnered worldwide recognition according to more pride to Egypt for its heritage.

References

El-Safty, M. (2004). Women in Egypt: Islamic Rights versus Cultural Practice. Sex Roles, 51(5/6), 273-28.

Pizzo, P. (2015). The 'Coptic question' in post-revolutionary Egypt: citizenship, democracy, religion. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 38(14), 2598-2613.

Transparency International. (2018). Corruption Perceptions Index 2017