Tomorrow our group will be heading to the Badia in order to gain cultural experience regarding the Bedouin tribal aspects of Jordan. Literally translated in Arabic, "Bedouin" means "beginning"; essentially, our program directors wanted us to learn not only of the city life in Amman but also of how the culture of the nation began. All of our directors came from the Badia to live in the city - an interesting fact, as Amman is essentially the only city in Jordan and seems very secluded from the rest of the nation.
I am highly anticipating this trip because I see it as a great way to learn more Arabic and to learn more of the authentic culture in the country. Although living with my host family in Amman has been great, I have had little chance of practicing my Arabic as their English is far superior to my Arabic. Furthermore, as they live in the city much of the household resembles a traditional western family. In the Badia, their English abilities are almost non-existant so we will be challenged to communicate with only Arabic and gestures.
I also continue to hear about the generosity and simplicity of the Bedouin people and the spontaneity of their gestures. It is ingrained in the culture to be excellent hosts and very giving, even to perfect strangers. I heard from our director that one year a female student introduced herself to a family, believing them to be her host family, and stayed with them for almost an entire day before the program directors realized that she had not showed up to her true host family. Meanwhile, the family she was with treated her with grace and courtesy, not even questioning her.
Regardless, I am apprehensive about parts of the stay. The environment will be doubtless rustic, and we will go for four days without showering. There will be no air conditioning or air circulation devices to combat the stuffy environment, nor will there be anything protecting me from the copious mosquitoes. The food will be completely untreated, and I hear that the unpasteurized camel milk or accidental sip of tap water brings about wretched diabetes.
And of course there is no internet. Thus I will do my best to keep away from technology for the next few days and experience the cultural life. Though it is said that girls do not do much besides housework or sitting around the tent throughout the day, I hope I will have the opportunity to explore the village, milk camels, and witness all facets of village life that will engage me even more.
I am highly anticipating this trip because I see it as a great way to learn more Arabic and to learn more of the authentic culture in the country. Although living with my host family in Amman has been great, I have had little chance of practicing my Arabic as their English is far superior to my Arabic. Furthermore, as they live in the city much of the household resembles a traditional western family. In the Badia, their English abilities are almost non-existant so we will be challenged to communicate with only Arabic and gestures.
I also continue to hear about the generosity and simplicity of the Bedouin people and the spontaneity of their gestures. It is ingrained in the culture to be excellent hosts and very giving, even to perfect strangers. I heard from our director that one year a female student introduced herself to a family, believing them to be her host family, and stayed with them for almost an entire day before the program directors realized that she had not showed up to her true host family. Meanwhile, the family she was with treated her with grace and courtesy, not even questioning her.
Regardless, I am apprehensive about parts of the stay. The environment will be doubtless rustic, and we will go for four days without showering. There will be no air conditioning or air circulation devices to combat the stuffy environment, nor will there be anything protecting me from the copious mosquitoes. The food will be completely untreated, and I hear that the unpasteurized camel milk or accidental sip of tap water brings about wretched diabetes.
And of course there is no internet. Thus I will do my best to keep away from technology for the next few days and experience the cultural life. Though it is said that girls do not do much besides housework or sitting around the tent throughout the day, I hope I will have the opportunity to explore the village, milk camels, and witness all facets of village life that will engage me even more.
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