By Abdelrahman Mitib Altakhaineh
If you find yourself surrounded by different nationalities, languages, cultures, religions and customs in the Middle East, then it is a fact that you are in Jordan.
Being exposed to various cultures can have a great impact on our personalities and the way we perceive others. Through intermixing with people belonging to different cultural backgrounds, we gain invaluable insights and interpersonal skills which are considered a necessity in order to cope with any multicultural community we find ourselves in throughout our lives. We learn to put ourselves in other people's shoes.
Therefore, we attempt to cross language barriers and make our speech understandable and unambiguous so that others will face no difficulty in interacting with us. Our cross-cultural communication skills expand and enhance drastically.
“No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive" says the Mahatma Gandhi. It is uncontroversial that the survival of any community depends on accepting change and on interacting with different neighboring communities. Flexibility and willingness to change are the main keys to the advancements of any society.
Jordan is one of the Arab countries, which is well-known for its hospitable and generous people. For example, if you are new to Jordan and you met a Jordanian in the street, he will offer you to go to his house and have Mansaf, Jordan`s traditional dish, first then he will provide you with any sort of help you need.Not surprisingly, many have indicated that multiculturalism lessens the hostility and discrimination against ethnic minorities in many communities.
This awareness also makes us think outside the box, in a sense, we break free of the confines of stereotypes and prejudice. As a result, Jordan is famous for its safe environment and the miniscule degree of crimes. Tourists from all over the world come to visit Jordan yearly to enjoy its attractive places. Amman, Jerash, Al-Karak, Petraand Aqaba are well-known for their historical sites, these cities reflect the rich heritage of the country.
The Dead Sea is one of the places that is visited by many for medical purposes like skin treatment. Additionally, if you are looking for a cure to your joints pain, then the Dead Sea is the best place.Living in a multicultural society improves our understanding of cultural diversity. As a result, our attitudes become more positive and tolerant.
In conclusion, one may say that the advantages of living in a multicultural environment outnumber the disadvantages by miles. May almighty save Jordan and its people.