7. Language
“I do believe that the tunisian people is well cultivated ...
the mother tangue in Tunisia is Arabic ( in fact it's more
like a dialect for tunisian people ... amix of Arabic with a lot
of other languages especially : French, Italian, English,
Turkich, German ....) besides Arabic alsmot everybody
speaks French as it's the second language in Tunisia ... as
a thrid language ... it depends on the person ... some they
speak english .. other italian and other german ... but i do
believe that a "stranger" in tunisia won't have any
communications issues ... there has to be always a
language that they can use to communicate good :)” Mak
8. Dress
Dress Etiquette
- Business attire is formal and conservative.
- Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits to the initial
meeting.
- In the heat of the summer, it is often possible to dispense with the suit jacket,
although it is best to err on the side of formality.
- Women should wear business suits or dresses.
- Women must be careful to cover themselves appropriately. Skirts and
dresses should cover the knee and sleeves should cover most of the arm.
10. Cultural Do’s and
Don’ts
Islam:
Pray 5 times a day (Check the newspaper)
Ramadan 2014 is 28JUN till 27JUL
Don’t eat, drink, or chew gum in public
Family Values:
Family 1st
Meeting Etiquette:
Initial Greetings
Handshakes
How Men Greet Women
How the Host Introduces
Individual Greetings and Goodbyes
11. Cultural Do’s and
Don’ts
Gift Giving Etiquette:
What to Bring
Don’t Open Any Gifts
Dining Etiquette:
You may be asked to remove your shoes.
Dress well.
Conservative Tunisians
Complement the house.
12. Cultural Do’s and
Don’ts
Table Manners:
The guest of honour
Washing basin
Dry your hands on the towel provided.
Males and females
Host blesses the food
communal bowl.
Eat from the section of the bowl that is in front of you.
Food is eaten by hand but many now use knives and
forks. You will be given a spoon to eat couscous.
If using your hands scoop the food with the first two
fingers of the right hand.
Eat only with the right hand.
It is considered good manners to try a bit of everything.
washing basin
Expect to be urged to take more food from the communal
plate.
13. Cultural Do’s and
Don’ts
Business Relationship/Communication Etiquette:
Business Based on Personal Relationships
Business Often Discussed in Cafe and Restaurants
Tunisians Judge Based on Appearances
Tunisians Respect Education and Awards
Business Meeting Etiquette:
Expect Frequent Interruptions
Expect Prolonged Small Talk
Know Your French!
14. Cultural Do’s and
Don’ts
Business Negotiations:
The highest-ranking person makes decisions, after
obtaining group consensus.
Tunisians look for long-term business relationships.
Never criticize publicly.
Tunisians are non- confrontational. They may agree in
meetings rather than cause you to lose face. They
do not like to say 'no' overtly.
Deadlines are seen as fluid rather than cast in stone.
Decisions are made slowly. Do not try to rush the process
as it would be interpreted as an insult.
It generally takes several visits to accomplish simple
tasks. Be patient.
Do not use high-pressure tactics.
Do not rush or show impatience with the time taken to
accomplish something.
15. Religion
•Islam is the official religion, with a minority Jewish and Christian
•98% of population is Sunni Muslims
•Estimated 500 to 2,000 genuine believers in all of Tunisia
•Christians keep a low-profile and worship in secret underground
gatherings
•Evangelism is outlawed and known pastors are closely
monitored by state police.
•In 2012 Tunisain Islamists began to push for a law that would
send people to prison who “insult” Mohammad
•Christian Church vandalized
•2012.06.06 – Convert to Christianity slaughtered and filmed on
YouTube
16. Now It’s Ur Turn!
1)Okay, so what are some obstacles that
might face us in Tunis?
2)Nice, but what specifically are we
gonna do there? (i.e start a church, do
a VBS, pass out tracks, etc.)
17. Now It’s Ur Turn!
3) How are we going to address our
obstacles?
4) What about Finances? How are we
going to afford all of this? How much
do we think it might cost, just to get us
in country and doing ministry?
18. Now It’s Ur Turn!
3) How are we going to address our
obstacles?
4) What about Finances? How are we
going to afford all of this? How much
do we think it might cost, just to get us
in country and doing ministry?
