Greeting

The handshake is a form of greeting adopted in Iraqi business circles. Partners shake hands both at the beginning and at the end of a meeting.

The handshake of Iraqi men can be described as rather soft, but also long enough without shaking. Your Iraqi partner can hold your hand in his while he asks you about health and business. It is important not to pull your hand away because it can be very negatively perceived.

The traditional Iraqi greeting in formal situations in all parts of the country is the right hand gesture, which the speaker places on his chest in the heart area. At the same time, the speaker tilts his head slightly as if bowing to the other person. Whatever form of greeting your partner chooses, it should be followed by the phrase As-salaamu alaykum, which means Peace be with you. The response should be Wa alaykum as-salam, which means You have peace.

When greeting an Iraqi colleague for the first time, be as respectful and respectful as possible.

If a woman enters the room, all men sitting should stand up in greeting. And everyone should stand when an older man enters. The same happens when he leaves.

Bodily contact as well as eye contact between the sexes is not accepted due to Muslim traditions, which are strong in this state. Foreign women should wait for an initiative from a man before extending a hand to greet him. The same applies to foreign men, who should pay attention to the woman's behavior in this situation.

In this Arab country, it is customary to greet the older man first. Such a person is unlikely to start a conversation but will support the younger person if they do.

A greeting between friends is more cordial. Men may exchange kisses (on the cheek, starting on the right side) or hug each other. Sometimes after a handshake, one person may pull the other person slightly toward him and kiss him on the cheek or right shoulder.

Women who are friends greet each other quite emotionally. They hug each other and exchange kisses (2-3 times on each cheek). In the presence of men they do not know, however, they are much more reticent.

In their greetings, Iraqis ask each other questions about the health of each speaker and his family. This is a tradition worth adhering to when interacting with partners from this Arab country.

Introduction

Iraqi surnames are often quite complicated, as they include the entire patriarchal lineage, namely the name a person is given at birth, the name of his father, the name of his grandfather, the name of his clan and the name of the ethnic group. A person's full surname may consist of 6 names.

The full name is used by an Iraqi in certain, usually formal, situations. In everyday business, the first name and last name (father's name) are sufficient.

Don't go by your own name. Wait for your Iraqi colleague to suggest you do so. However, in the presence of others, especially lower-status employees, address him by his last name. This is important to save face.

Professional titles, any titles and degrees are important in Iraq. This applies primarily to the following categories of persons: government officials, professors, doctors, and distinguished older persons. When addressing these people, always refer to their professional title, rank or degree.

If you find yourself in the company of several Iraqi partners, wait for one of them (or the host of the event) to introduce you. And if you're at an event with lots of people, you can introduce yourself.

If you don't know (or don't have) their professional title or rank, use polite forms of address such as Mr, Ms, Mrs, Miss, followed by the person's name.

Exchange of Business Cards

In Iraqi business practice, business cards are a definite symbol of a long-term relationship. They should contain all relevant, up-to-date contact information.

If you have academic degrees or titles, put them on your business card. Your status will certainly be enhanced because education is so valuable in Iraq.

If possible, at least one side of the business card should say something in Arabic. This side should be the face when you give it to your partner.

There is no special ritual in business practice in Iraq when you give your business card. However, it should be remembered that business cards, like any other paper or document, should be passed with the right hand and not the left hand, or with both hands. The same should be remembered when receiving them.

When you receive a business card, do not handle it carelessly, such as putting it aside, writing on it, or bending it.

Small Talk: Overview

The small talk is an important part of Iraqi business practice, a prelude to negotiations. It is important for Iraqi businessmen to get to know their potential partner, because building relationships is at the core of any business. These conversations build trust between partners, an important category in the Arab world.

No matter how hasty you get into small talk, don't rush into business because your project could end before it begins. Show sincere interest in the partner, his interests and preferences, for example, in sports or travel. Act naturally, friendly and interested.

When talking, especially with older people, it is important to be as polite and courteous as possible. Iraqis tend to treat guests with the utmost respect and expect the same treatment when they themselves go to visit.

Even though Iraqis can be very expressive, they don't allow themselves to display emotions such as anger or rage. Accordingly, they will expect their partners (especially foreign partners) to control their emotions.

Preferred Topics

Your Iraqi counterpart will certainly appreciate your positive remarks about the rich history and culture of this Arab country. Iraqis are proud of their heritage and their accomplishments in the past.

Personal interest in your Iraqi partner, ask about their health and affairs, and ask questions about family. Avoid talking about female family members.

Be aware that personal matters are not taboo topics in Iraqi culture. You may be asked if you are married and how many children you have, and what religion you practice. They may even offer to help you find an Iraqi girlfriend. From the Iraqi perspective, there is nothing offensive about this-just another topic of small talk.

Sports, especially soccer and basketball.

Iraqi cities and attractions to visit.

The traditions and customs of the culture the guest is representing.

Taboo Topics

The topic of family is generally popular in Iraqi business culture, but you should refrain from asking or talking about the female half of the family-wives, mothers, sisters and especially daughters.

Religion and anything related to Islam is a rather sensitive topic that is best left out of the conversation. That said, your Iraqi interlocutor may draw you into a discussion about the topic, as many in that culture are interested in how non-Muslims feel about religion. Don't make remotely critical remarks.

Iraqis react extremely strongly to comparisons of Muslims to fanatics or terrorists.

Political topics are best avoided altogether, especially discussions of what's happening in the region, like the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

In conversations with Iraqi counterparts, avoid Sunni, Shia and Kurdish relations. If someone from Iraq starts talking about it, limit your conversation to phrases like "Let's hope for the best" or "Let's pray for peace among all."

If you are speaking to partners in Iraq in English, make sure your language does not include swearing, profanity, or any of the foul language that you hear so often in American movies. Iraqis will take it as an insult.

Personal Space

In this Arab culture, the distance of comfortable communication is shorter than, for example, in Central and Northern Europe or in the United States. This should not be interpreted as offensive or even aggressive behavior. Try not to try to increase this distance by taking a step back, for example, because this will be interpreted negatively.

If Iraqi men stand fairly close to one another during conversations, the distance really increases when a woman appears. Physical touches, such as long handshakes, are very common gestures. This, of course, applies only to men, who should not touch women under any circumstances.

In the course of communication, Iraqis use body language quite extensively, such as long handshakes.

Communication Specifics

The speech of Iraqis is not straightforward. On the contrary, their speech often contains a subtext that is influenced by such factors as the relationship between the speakers, their status in society, and the situation of communication itself. In Iraqi society, there is an undeniable emphasis on personal relationships, and the importance of being tactful, avoiding harsh judgments and generally not expressing oneself too bluntly. This applies first and foremost to the word "no," which many try not to use in speech because it can upset the harmony. If the speaker does need to express a negative answer, it will look rather evasive in Iraq.

When talking, avoid asking general questions that require a "yes" or (especially) "no" answer, especially if your question could be interpreted as a request. Your Arab partner will probably agree to do what he is asked, but it will be something he would not want to do. Instead of a direct refusal, he will politely but evasively agree. It is important to catch some nonverbal indication of his true intent. Whether consent is expressed warmly and emotionally or cautiously and aloof, this can be a clue.

The Arab culture values emotional and expressive speech, which is loud enough and supported by active gestures. In contrast, quiet, reserved and inexpressive language is seen as cold and insincere. Often how one speaks is more important than what is said.

Such hidden meanings are well understood in Iraqi society. However, foreigners will have to take the time to understand them and learn to respond to them adequately. So be careful and discreet when speaking to your partner.

If you are sitting at a low table or on the floor at a certain event, take note of the posture you adopt. Your partner should not see the bottom of your shoes, it's considered a very rude, even insulting gesture, since feet are considered a dirty part of the body.