Need help

[Nessalco]

I need input from someone who can help me understand proper etiquette and expectation in a Muslim household. I will be visiting during an upcoming holiday, and do not wish to offend.

 

PM me if you can offer some suggestions.

 

Thank you!

Kevin O

[NeighborJ]

I'm ignorant to Muslim customs but to put this into context, is this perhaps a girlfriends family? Or just a friend? I'd imagine since they are human they should just want to know you and not just who you think they want you to be. If it was me I'd be myself and follow standard courtesy, you know eat their food don't cuss, show respect. I'm sure they would be understanding of cultural differences as long as no bad intentions are shown.

[Nessalco]

Neighbor, were that it were so simple. I'm an uninvited 'guest', charged by the legal system with specific duties, and in a very uncomfortable situation. I cannot make a good impression, no matter how I try - and I will. But I am truly hoping to avoid offense. I'm an ignorant country boy from New England. I expect to spend most of the time with my back to the wall and my mouth shut. My wife will accompany me. If there are ways we can improve our presentation to them, it's important that we do so.

 

A family from Myanmar (Burma) will be our hosts. I've had the privilege of learning a bit about their culture and language, but I'm no expert.

 

Thanks,

Kevin

Edited September 9, 2016 by Nessalco

[NeighborJ]

You will make it thru, 90% of the things we all worry about never do end up quite as bad as we imagine them to be. Just learn what you can and know that whatever happens was beyond your control. Ignorance should not be used as an excuse but it is excusable. I can't understand the cryptic nature of your circumstances but life is not a popularity contest and I can't see any circumstances which truly depends on any one person liking you, and it being the one factor which changes the coarse of your life. That is unless you allow it to.

"Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr Seuss.

[OldMarine]

If you'll be visiting Burma, study their culture.*

If visiting in your country? Act as you always do.

Their problem for not assimilating.

 

 

*They'll imprison you or kill you for offence.

[dagabu]

Neighbor, were that it were so simple. I'm an uninvited 'guest', charged by the legal system with specific duties, and in a very uncomfortable situation. I cannot make a good impression, no matter how I try - and I will. But I am truly hoping to avoid offense. I'm an ignorant country boy from New England. I expect to spend most of the time with my back to the wall and my mouth shut. My wife will accompany me. If there are ways we can improve our presentation to them, it's important that we do so.

 

A family from Myanmar (Burma) will be our hosts. I've had the privilege of learning a bit about their culture and language, but I'm no expert.

 

Thanks,

Kevin

 

Wow! Without context, this makes no sense at all. OK, I have many Mohammedan families I deal with and I simple tell them of my faith (if you have/dont have, tell them that too) and my unfamiliarity with theirs and ask for forgiveness up front and guidance through their customs.

 

I very much doubt that their religion is going to have a bearing on their love/hate of you.

[Boophoenix]

Ness, I'm a bit confused too, but it none of my business to ask, lol. I do applaud your curiousity and willingness to put effort into trying to make a decent impression.

 

Someone at Ned's and I can't recall who it was off the top of my head had a daughter that just came back from an extended visit in Turkey I believe it was in a Muslim inviornment. You might inquire there.

[OldMarine]

Boo, that was Oldspark's daughter and I think he'd rather hug his daughter after her return than tout outreach right now. The "peaceful" muslims got un-peaceful right before she vamoosed.

[AzoMittle]

Take this with a grain of salt but here is a tourist's etiquette guide put together by the Burmese government that is on the US Embassy website: http://www.dosanddontsfortourists.com/index.html

Found at: https://burma.usembassy.gov/information_for_travelers.html

 

Here is the Government of Canada's guide to Burmese travel: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/burma-myanmar

 

The CIA's World Fact Book is always interesting too, it notes that 87.9% of the population is Budhist, and only 4.3% is Muslim: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bm.html

 

Lonely Planet is a website for international travelers, they mention that women should avoid skirts above the knees and spaghetti strap tops: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/myanmar-burma/essential-information

[Nessalco]

Thanks, folks. Yeah, I truly cannot say much about the situation, and sorry to offer so little.

 

Az, thanks. Very helpful.

 

Kevin

[Bangkokpyro]

_{Muslims are a very small minority in Buddhist Myanmar. They suffer a lot of persecution since most are Rohinga; considered to be of Bangladeshi extraction and in the country illegally.}

_{Myanmar customs and norms would have little to do with their culture and beliefs and their religion is not well tolerated there either.}

[MadMat]

Some years ago, I was doing handyman repairs at a townhouse complex. I was replacing the bathroom sink/vanity in the home of a Muslim family from India. They were very nice people and I had no problems with the culture clash. The only request they made of me was to take off my shoes before entering the house. Learning the cultural differences actually turned into a game between us. My advice to you is be polite and honest in your lack of knowledge of their culture. If they are anything like the family I met, they will be happy to inform you about their customs.

[Bangkokpyro]

Shoes off going into a house is standard standard practice in most Asian countries, Thailand too. Makes sense.

Why would anyone want to track dirt, mud and dog shit into their house

Edited September 15, 2016 by Bangkokpyro

[memo]

latin america also, shoes off. north americans are the worst at taking there shoes off. in costa rica people ask permission to come on your porch.

[dagabu]

I swap shoes for slippers but never go stocking or bare footed. Never had a problem with tracking doggy stuff in the house.

[Arthur]

If you are there to perform an official duty, then do that duty perfectly, exactly as it should be done.