What is Taarof in Persian culture?

What is Taarof in Persian culture?

‘Taarof’ is a key part of Persian and Iranian culture that can be difficult for non-heritage speakers to understand. Taarof is the customary back-and-forth of polite gestures and cultural pleasantries used when giving and receiving gifts, food, money, and more.

What is impolite in Iran?

Blowing your nose at the table, slurping, burping and audible munching are bad manners in Iran.

What are Iranian customs?

Try to arrive early or at least on time; punctuality is important in Iranian society. When you arrive, check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours at the door. Show respect for the elders by greeting them first, and shake everyone’s hand individually. Always wait to be told where to sit.

What should I bring to a Persian house?

If invited to an Iranians house, one ought to bring flowers or pastry for the hosts. Two general pointers in gift giving include: gifts should be elegantly wrapped, most shops offer this service; and, when received, gifts are not usually opened, and in fact can be left on a table and not mentioned.

What does Befarmaeed mean?

Some useful Persian Taarof phrases and their meaning: Befarmaeed: Please go ahead. Daste shoma dard nakone: literally meaning Hope your hands don’t hurt which is used as a “Thank you”

Where is someone from if they are Persian?

Persian, predominant ethnic group of Iran (formerly known as Persia). Although of diverse ancestry, the Persian people are united by their language, Persian (Farsi), which belongs to the Indo-Iranian group of the Indo-European language family.

What gifts are inappropriate in Iran?

Gifts are not opened in front of the giver. Never give alcohol as a gift to a devout Muslim, Bahá’í or any Iranian you do not have a close personal relationship with. If you know from first-hand experience that your friend drinks, you may give alcohol, but ensure that it is done tactfully.

Is thumbs up rude in Iran?

The thumbs-up gesture is a sign of approval in most countries. However, in several countries in West Africa and the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the gesture has the connotation of “up yours!” It’s used the same way the middle finger is in the US.

What gifts are appropriate in Iran?

Common Gifts in Iran Flowers are considered a nice gift for Iranians, like other places in the world. Good quality chocolate bars and cookies, especially if you are bringing them from your country, are the second good option. For young people like college students & scholars, books can be the best choice.

What is considered rude in Iranian culture?

When someone offers something to you (e.g. tea, sweets), refuse it initially out of politeness before accepting. It is rude to put your feet on the table. Burping and sniffing in front of others is considered rude. One should not touch people of the opposite gender unless they are very close family or friends.

How do you greet an Iranian woman?

Greetings may involve a handshake with the right hand only. Men and women generally will not shake hands unless the female outstretches her hand first and the man is willing to reciprocate the gesture. Iranian men commonly greet women by placing their hand over their heart and nodding/bowing gently.

How do you explain Tarof?

listen)) is a Persian word which refers to an Iranian form of civility or art of etiquette that emphasizes both deference and social rank. Taarof is a ritual politeness that levels the playing field and promotes equality in a hierarchical culture.

What is taarof in Iranian culture?

Another form of Taarof is when one gets invited to an Iranian home for food. It is highly appreciated if the invited person helps the host in setting the table or with cleaning after. However, taarof can also force one into performing a task that one does not want to perform.

What do Iranians say when you compliment their looks?

If you compliment Iranians for their look, they won’t answer by simply saying thank you. They say “cheshmatoon ghashang mibine” which literally means “Your eyes see it beautifully”. It is common for Persian taxi drivers to tell you “ghabel nadare” at the end of the ride when you’re trying to pay the fare.

How does taarof work?

Taarof often works in an opposite way. For example, an object, person, or offer may be refused when it is actually wanted. For instance, young Persian ladies may never express their interest to someone, but they will still expect the person of interest to remain consistent in expressing their love.

What is taarof negotiation?

The prevalence of Taarof often gives rise to distinctly Iranian styles of negotiation. For example, a worker negotiating a salary might begin with a eulogy of the employer, followed by a lengthy bargaining session consisting entirely of indirect, polite language, where both parties are expected to understand the implied topic of discussion.