Facts and Statistics

Location: The Middle East, bordering Afghanistan 936 km, Armenia 35 km, Azerbaijan-179 km, Pakistan 909 km, Turkey 499 km Capital: Tehran Ethnic Make-up: Persian 51%, Azeri 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%, Arab 3%, Lur 2%, Baloochi 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1% Religions: Shi'a Muslim 89%, Sunni Muslim 9%, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and Bahai 2% Government: Islamic republic

Verbal Communication in Iran

The Iranian Language
heterogeneous population speaking a variety of Indo-Iranian, Semitic, and Turkic languages. The largest language group consists of the speakers of Indo-Iranian languages, who comprise about 70 percent of the population. They include speakers of Persian, the official language of the country, and its various dialects; speakers of Kirmanji, the term for related dialects spoken by the Kurds speakers of Luri, the language of the Bakhtiaris and Lurs. and Baluchi, the language of the semi nomadic people who live in southeastern Iran. Approximately 28 percent of the population speaks various dialects of Turkish.

Family Values
In Iran, the family is the basis of the social structure. The concept of family is more private than in many other cultures. Female relatives must be protected from outside influences and are taken care of at all times. It is inappropriate to ask questions about an Iranian's wife or other female relatives. Families tend to be small, only 1 or 2 children, but the extended family is quite close. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family. Loyalty to the family comes before other social relationship, even business.

Public vs. Private

Iranians see themselves as having two distinct identities: "zaher" (public) and "batin" (private). When they are in public, they must conform to accepted modes of behaviour. It is only within their homes among their inner circle that they feel free to be themselves. Family members are always part of the inner circle. The inner circle forms the basis of a person's social and business network. Friendship is very important and extends into business. Taarof (Iranian Politeness) -- Taarof is a system of politeness that includes both verbal and non-verbal communication. Iranians protest compliments and attempt to appear vulnerable in public.

Body language
Greetings Introductions are generally restricted to members of the same sex since men and women socialize separately. The most common greeting is "salaam alaykum" or more simply "salaam" (peace). When Iranians greet each other they take their time and converse about general things. Different norms are observed for: Men greeting Men Women greeting Women Men greeting Women

Personal Space and Touching

The acceptable amount of personal space depends on the sexes involved Touching members of the opposite sex is a big No-No; especially in public. Also touching between family members is not too common; especially between those of the opposite sexes. Personal space tends to depend on three things: 1Culture of the family that the person comes from 2- If the person is religious 3- Where people are interacting;

Gestures
Common gestures are a high five between younger people, usually males. They also do a typical greeting bow where the right hand is put on the left chest with a slight bow. Saying ba-ba means something is really good. Making a swishy, back-and-forth movement with your hand means, sin on your head. Its common to beckon with four fingersexcluding thumb- of the right hand bending downward several times. Beckoning with the fingers in a upward direction is not considered polite.

Customs and Etiquette in Iran

Meeting Etiquette Dining Etiquette Gift Giving Etiquette

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE AND PROTOCOL IN IRAN Meeting Etiquette Business

When dealing with Iranian clients, the following should be kept in mind: Appointments are necessary and should be made 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Arrive at meetings on time. The first meeting with an Iranian company is generally not business-focused. Be patient - meetings are frequently interrupted. Written materials should be available in both Farsi and English. Do not look at your watch or try to rush the meeting.

Business Negotiating It takes time for Iranians to become warm towards foreign businesspeople. Personal relationships form the basis of business dealings. Decisions are made slowly. Iranians may display emotion, or even walk out of the meeting attempt to convince you to change your position. Iranians often use time as a negotiating tactic. Companies are hierarchical. Decisions are made at the top of the company.

For women: The most conservative outer garment is the semicircular black cloth [tchador] worn over a shoulder size black headdress [maqna'eh]. The dress underneath is called rupush, which looks like a long raincoat with buttons at the front. Pants are worn and thick black knee-high stockings so that the skin cannot be seen. Shoes are with low heels or totally flat. Usually only one eye of the woman is seen in a triangle across her face which is otherwise covered.

Dress Etiquette

For men:

Business attire is formal and conservative. Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits. Ties are not worn by Iranians but it would not be seen as negative if you did so.

Titles

While speaking to Iranians, the following are to be kept in mind regarding titles: Address your Iranian business associates by their title and their surname. . The title "doktor" is used for both M.D.s and Ph.D.s. Engineers are called "mohandis". These titles are preceded by the formal titles listed below and are used with the surname. The title "agha" (sir) is used when addressing men. It may be used before or after the first name. The phrase "aghayeh" is put before a surname. The title "khanoom" (madam) is used when addressing women. It may be used before or after the first name. The phrase "khanom-eh" is used before the surname. Wait to be invited before moving to first names. Only close friends and family use this informal form of address.

Business Cards Regarding business cards, the following are the norms to be followed: Business cards are only exchanged by seniorlevel people. Since rank and position are very important, make sure your business card includes your title. Have one side of your card translated into Farsi. Present your card so the Farsi side faces the recipient.

Thank You!