Job Discussion Forums

[huntjuliehunt]

What can a teacher talk to Saudi men about?
They don't have movie theaters because the very religious find movies offensive. So I can't talk about movies, can I?
They don't play music (not even background music in coffee shops) for the same reason, so it's a risk to discuss music, isn't it?
I have no knowledge or interest in cars or sports, and I'm afraid that's what they'll want to talk about. Politics - forget it.
Muslims don't discuss their families, since that's considered private.
So, what are safe and engaging topics for class? It seems that every interesting topic is wiped off the board.
Food? What, the different methods for pinning chicken fat on top of a rotisserrie for shawarma?
I almost wonder what the point is in knowing a language at all, when there isn't anything to talk about. I'm hoping I'm wrong, and that you'll give me some good discussion material that can be used day after day...

[sheikh radlinrol]

From the name it appears that the OP is a woman. If so, she needn't worry about topics for teaching men since she won't be allowed to do it.
If, in fact, the OP is a man then we might be able to offer some tips.

[cmp45]

Finding topics for discussion can be problematic, but this is the reality of teaching in Saudi Arabia.

I also think that if the students are interested in cars and sports then so be it...do some research and come up with somethings to talk about/ discuss. Come on>!...you are a professional; who cares if you aren't interested, the idea is to engage the student in what THEY are interested in talking about! But I guess...that may not always be possible...

The other day while in the computer lab, one of my Saudi Students asked me what I thought about Paris Hilton? I was a bit suprised and told him, I didn't think much about her and asked the student why he wanted to know? He told me that he was giving his "talk" - "speech" in oral class on Paris Hilton.

I had to laugh and after some inquiries as to what other sort of "speeches" other student's were giving; I discovered alot of the guys were talking about famous people; especially female movie stars like Catherine Zeta Jones...which by the way, I said was a much better choice than Paris Hilton. As I don't really know what Ms.Hilton is famous for other than having money and a pretty face! Which by the way was the very reason the student chose her!!! ha!

There were other students that were doing their talk on other people, like Terry Fox, The Canadian who walked accross Canada to raise money for cancer research. I asked them who their 'Oral' teacher was and it turns out he is a Saudi teacher! So there ya go...who knew? Some Saudis can be open minded...to a degree...

The point of this story is that there are Saudi colleges/ schools that are less than strict when it comes to discussing various topics...I also think it varies from class to class. Also a certain amount of tact on your part to stear discussions away from controversy.

Other sort of topics I would suggest are:
The Environment: such as pollution, global warming, noise, traffic, deforestation...depending on the student's level you may need to simplify the vocab etc.

Health issues....arts and crafts of various cultures?

Anyone else have any great ideas?

[scot47]

No cinemas here but many Saudis are familiar with Hollywood movies. Many Saudis( but not the pious ones with short thobes and long beards) watch TV and dvd's.

Have a look at the Arab News or Saudi Gazette. They mirror to a certain extent what is in the Arabic-languiage media here.

[Cleopatra]

Since the OP, without ever having been here, appears to have decided in advance that he can't talk about anything with his students, then there seems little point in telling him that he's all wrong.

[sheikh radlinrol]

[Cleopatra]

Yes, indeed.

But read the OP: the poster definitely seems to believe he (?) is a man:

[huntjuliehunt]

Cleopatra,

I decided in advance what I cannot discuss, based on fact, and based on fact, wondered if there are any viable topics remaining. I asked what I can talk about. Someone mentioned a good idea - the environment. What did you offer me? Is there a respectful word I can use in Arabic to discuss "bitc*y people" and their effect on the environment?

Cars and sports... I'm sorry, but I'll fall asleep in the middle of class.

As far as inquiries on my gender, the Saudi Embassy did not reject my visa application due to my transexuality - I hope to be a light, and a counselor, for those in the country who are considering taking the great leap as well.

[Cleopatra]

[cmp45]

[lotsa]

[007]

[huntjuliehunt]

Thank you guys, for your information.


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