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Arab Culture/What to call his mother?
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Question
Hello.
I don't know what to call my boyfriend's mother!
I'm a south asian muslim, he's palestinian but his parents were mainly in Jordan, then immigrated here to Canada 20 years ago. Not sure if any of that matters!
In my culture it's custom to call ladies "Aunty" regardless of whether or not they're blood related. I want to call her Aunty, because it's normal to ME, but I'm not sure if that's normal in their culture.
I've asked my boyfriend and he's of no help!
Greetings Anna, and thanks for your question. If you are all currently residing in Canada, then the best thing to do is call her "Mrs. Smith" or whatever her name is. Then she has the option of saying, "Oh, no, call me Sue, or Aunty, or Mom," or whatever she prefers.
Hope this helps!
peace,
Le Anne
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Answers by Expert:
Le Anne Clausen
Expertise
I can answer questions on Arab culture, including differences in cultures among Arab countries and sub-groups. I can also answer questions on Christian-Muslim relations, interfaith issues in general, and human rights and peacemaking issues in the Middle East.
Experience
I was a human rights worker for four years in the Middle East, and have spent time in Palestine, Israel, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. I speak intermediate Arabic; some Hebrew; and am starting Persian (Farsi, Dari). I have led a half-dozen educational delegations to the area for North American groups; and I have led trainings for nearly a thousand international human rights volunteers coming into the area over my years there. I am now working to launch an interfaith peace-teams based human rights organization, hopefully in the next two years. I am also currently editing the manuscript for my first book, a firsthand account of my time in the Middle East
Publications
"Be the Healers," (next steps after Abu Ghraib) The Lutheran magazine, July 2004.
www.christian-muslim.net
www.seminaryaction.org
www.young-activist.blogspot.com
Multiple press releases which I wrote from the field, as well as media interviews/articles about my work are also available via Google search.
Education/Credentials
I have an MA in Christian-Muslim relations; and I am now continuing my studies at Chicago Theological Seminary (www.ctschicago.edu). I also have a BA in Religion concentrating in global service, from Wartburg College, (www.wartburg.edu).
Awards and Honors
I received the Dell Award for Peace and Justice from Wartburg College. I have spoken and led workshops and trainings at over one hundred church congregations, colleges, schools, organizations
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