Don't do these things in Jordan: Cultural Etiquette | Moving to Amman 

ياجماعه هاي البنت كثير لطيفه وحبابه رجائا لا تسبو وتكتبو تعليقات سلبيه شجعوها انها تستمر تستاهل هالشي ❤❤

من من الأردن لايك 😂🇬🇧🇯🇴

الأردني لايك🇯🇴❤️ أُردنية مَرت مِن هُنا🇯🇴❤️

I'm British and my mother is Jordanian but I can't speak Arabic I think it's really hard to pronounce the words, but, Jordan is a really GREAT country. 🇯🇴❤️❤️❤️

I’m a Jordanian christian and about the “alsalam alaikom” it’s more a culture thing than a muslim thing and I say it!

I am from Kenya, been here in Jordan for 3 years now. It's exciting and very interesting culture wise. Amazing places and sites to behold. The people are amazing. I am a Christian and the religion respect in Jordan is so OP. I love Jordan. Nice videos.

I just stumbled upon your Channel by mistake, I'm a Jordanian living in New York and I have to say your videos put a smile on my face in this hard times, just want to say ur doing great videos GOD bless you and your family

I love everything you’re saying about jordan. I feel as though the whole arab community especially palestine and jordan dont care whether ur christian or arab. As long you’re nice, theyre nice.

I really liked the way that you mentioned the generous of Jordanians , and this is the first video to watch of your channel and I'm already in love with your content. keep up🇯🇴

As عبد الرحمن has said it does make them confused when they are praying and the point you added about it looking like they are praying to you because you are infront of them is also correct 🤲🏻

I'm impressed by your patience getting the words out. Thanks for the great video!

Hi Rachel! So lovely of you to make these videos! I’m Liz and I’m Spanglish and have been livin in Jordan for a staggering 34 years!!!!! Everything you talk about I’ve been through and have had my ups and downs adapting to the culture and I must say it’s been an uphill walk and still adapting!!! I have three grown men named Nofal, Nash and Nader who are married to an Austrian and half German half Palestinian girls. I’m also a 57-y-o granny who’s dying to get out of confinement to visit her kids. I have been working as a school teacher of English and Spanish languages at Amman Baccalaureate School; my home country is Spain . D sad o that’s pretty much me in a nutshell! 😃👌🏼

About the staying in the room with a group of your husband’s friends.. here’s a tip: it would be slightly easier to determine to stay or not if you knew the type of relationship between your husband and the men, for example when he’s having his close friend/relative over who you know and maybe you also know his wife it would be okay if you stayed in the room, another example is when he’s having a business partner/colleague over it might not be appropriate to stay with them. Another thing, saying asslam alaykum is kind of a cultural thing I have a lot of Christian friends who say it and it’s okay to say it. Last thing, the staying on your side of the plate when you’re eating hummus rule also applies for every big plate of food that’s for everyone to share especially mansaf lol it’s more of a respect thing. Hope this helped a bit

For praying, don't walk in front of him while he is praying, because you well make him confused, he won't focus on the pray

This introduction was the most adorable thing I've ever heard. You're doing so well !!!! Keep learning!!!

You are very kind, I am happy because you are here with us in Jordan. Keep your channel, it is beautiful and spontaneous. All your words are true 100%. I love you 💜

من الاردن لايك للندن مع اني مش فاهم شي 😁 🇬🇧❤🇯🇴

That Means Alot For The Jordanians we are proud of you😊🖤 🇯🇴

As for the question related to praying and walking in front of the worshiper only so that he does not lose his focus

A new subscriber !! I have never been into watching youtubers' vlogs ( I've always thought it's kinda of boring ), but since I found your channel I can't say that anymore keep going Rachel

I love this. I'm an American woman dating a Jordanian, and it can be a bit tricky sometimes because his family is SO NICE but I know there's probably things I do that aren't as culturally conscious as they could be, but they're too nice to say it. Thanks for the video!

اهلا وسهلا بك في الاردن وبالنسبة للاكل من صحن الحمص هو من تعاليم ديننا الاسلام ان نأكل مما يكون امامنا ولا مشكله ان وضعتي عليه شي تحبينه طالما انكي تأكلين من امامك😊 وبالنسبة للصلاة هو الصحيح ان المصلي حده موضع سجوده واعتقد ان ذلك يحتاج الى شرح فالرجاء ان تسالي لتفهمي اكثر وبالمناسبة انا اول مرة احضر فيديو لكي وشكرا

I’m so happy you're enjoying your stay here, also glad to have this video pop up in my recommended. Your kid is adorable Masha'Allah. Wish you all the best 🌹

You did great thanks for making some points more clearer keep up with the nice work we need part 2 of this video

A new subscriber is here,, happy to found this channel 🔆 and this boy’s smile made my day 👌🏼 ,,

The idea about not passing infront of someone praying, is to keep them focused, and it's true the part when you said about not to be woreship them

Ur effort of explaining everything evenly and clearly are appreciated Your welcome anytime. God bless you and ur family ❤️

My mom is from the US and lived in Jordan for 20 years. She was always welcomed by our relatives and friends. God bless her ,She's back in her country now. I miss her so much

I am Jordanian and muslim ... always I give the greetings by saying "Assalamualaikum" to everybody even christians and they reply to me by "wa alaikum as salaam" ... we are a coexist and tolerant people and I proud of it

Hi Rachel, love all the information in the video, especially your Arabic, your child, the hommus and the Arab hospitality. you should think about writing a book about your experience in Jordan in the future.

Omg your baby is adorable. So are you. I'm proud of you for learning Arabic. Great job!!

You are right Rachel, when I visited Jordan for the first time, I fell in love with this country and I fell in love with the Arabic language and calligraphy!! I even opened a school here in Moscow with a little help from my friends in the Jordanian embassy in Moscow .... this country has fascinated me with everything..... but your Arabic is better than mine

Omg your Arabic is actually really good!! I'm sure you'll be as fluent as locals in no time if you keep this up ❤️ it's also rude in Jordan to greet someone when you're sitting down. Like, if someone comes in a room, you have to stand up and greet them especially if they're older. This might seem like common sense but I've seen people do it 😂

Remarks regarding generosity are absolutely true! While walking around in Amman, I was caught in a downpour. A gentleman driving along insisted I get into his car and drove me to my BNB which was entirely out of his way. The gesture was from the heart. I was so moved by his kindness in particular and the general politeness and gracious goodwill of Jordanians. Beautiful country with really lovely people...but yikes, so expensive!! Your comments are also true about travel to UK, especially Londoners, who can be very rude and aggressive or sometimes just plain creepy. Also very expensive!! My choice to visit? Jordan definitely.

Nice video!! 6:04 you are right. honestly, we as Jordanians, sometimes getting confused before knowing if its acceptable for a specific family or not. so yes, asking is a good idea.

Ommgg you're super adorable!!!! I loved your personality and your Arabic pronunciations are really good~❤❤❤✨ **I immediately subscribed 😂❤**

I'm Syrian and I want to say that I really liked your arabic , I'm always feel amazed by western people speak arabic , cause I know how difficult arabic language.

A Big like from jordan

Your words are very beautiful, and I think that you are a strong woman so that you can practice the customs of the Middle East or Jordan in general. Salute you from Jordan.

First time to see you in RU-vid, and wish you a happy life with your family in Jordan

Owwww, adham is sooo cute!! Everyone say ma sha' allah!!

OMG she's speaking Arabic language pretty well👍👍👍I don't know why I feel so proud of her 😂😂😂💔🤦‍♀️

I never write comments on youtube but I had to say this, you are so cute and your baby is adorable mashalla. I’m Jordanian and everything you said is so true and so funny haha. I enjoyed watching it so much, and I’m eager to watch more of your videos. Great arabic by the way 👍🏻

I’m Jordanian and I think it’s impressive how well you’re learning the language since it’s pretty hard. Hope to meet you 😄

Even though not all the information that you provided is 100% correct maybe around 90%s, but as a Jordanian I love the way that you presented our Life style and that you seem comfortable with our culture. Keep it going nice videos 👍👍

Greetings my sister , god bless you , I'm from Jordan and I live in Amman It's a great honor to show you try to speak Arabic language , I'd like to be a good convirsationlist English language , Good luck , sister ...

So welcome Rachel to the middle east. My name is Athil. I am from Iraq. I was studying master in the UK for about three years. Actually, I was amazed with the advanced technology and services in the UK . Enjoy it love. Its nice to live in another country with different habits and culture. Best regards!!

It's kind of you to show our customs and traditions in a nice way 💙💜 I like that so much .... I advise all to subscribe you 👍👍

When a Muslim prays, he prays to God And when you walk in front of him, this is how he prays for you But when you put anything in front of him , this is considered a barrier Or something separating you from him If you are still in Jordan, we are honored to visit us "I live in the city " Zarqa ❣️🌿 Much respect

"Stick.. to... YOUR SIDE... OF THE HUMMUS!!!" Cracked me up XD

Finally 😂❤ We need channels like this Good luck

I really appreciate your understanding to our culture and traditions, it is clear that you respect it . And may God pless you and your family

8:55 alsalam alaikum doesnt really means hello😅 it's really hard to explain but it's a way of greeting."سلام" means peace and "عليكم" means on you. So it means "peace on you" but the arabic grammar is different than the english,so it really means peace be upon you 😊In addition,aslam saliakom started after islam until now but it is now more like a culture thing and Cristians can use it.

هاي كيف لو شافت سوق الخضرة كيف بكون ولا سدور المنسف ولا حفايات الأمهات 😂😂😂💔

Thumbs up Racheal! Like ur natural style and subjects,, as for walking infront a person while they are praying, wot u said and tried to explain is from our social legacy and has nothing to do with worship,, u do not walk infron of a praying person simply so as not to distract them ! Remember people pray in lines one after another in mosques and since all are praying so there is no distraction by anyone,, really enjoyed ur video !

you gave me a lot of positive energy just by watching you❤️

نحن الاردنيون عندما نكبر نقوم باعطاء ملابسنا القديمه والصغيره علينا الى اي شخص قد يناسبه المقاس

I'd like to add somethings: 1- Any initiative to pay the restaurant bill or an invitation for lunch is just a courtesy. It is a shame to accept the invitation if the person is not insisting. 2- If you invite someone to a coffee or a meal then you are paying by default. They are your guests now whether it was in your place or in a restaurant. Even if you were invited, you better offer to pay the bill with all confidence that your host will not accept. It is just a good move to #illustrate your generosity. 3- It doesn't matter if you are from a high class or came from a far country. DO NOT EAT MANSAF WITH A FORK.

I really like the way you describe us, that is so accurate, Thank you

Hey , am from Jordan Agree with everything , well said And about the preying part , its not to about you are standing between him and god , cuz u know its spiritually close not physically But the reasons go like this 1st when someone is preying its his chance cut himself out of this word devoting his conscience and focus to god so when you walk by you cut the focus out , that's why you don't walk nor talk to the o w who preys 2nd - its just inappropriate to put your feet 2 inches away from someone head 3ed - as you said it will look like he is preying to you and its forbidden in islam to make (soujod) to any being but god Amazing video 🌷

I’ve learnt quite a bit from you about the culture here.... thank u 😊 btw...Your Arabic accent is excellent !

Hi Rachel to me I like your kind of content about clearing the culture to your friends in Britain that's a great job, and I'm not here to evaluate your point of view about the things that the foreigners must not to do in Jordan, because you see the other side of view, but also let me gently clear something as a Jordanian. In my job I deal with a lot of foreigners but I see the majority is a very kind people and they deeply know how to respect the Jordanian culture and I see them trying hard to not be rude but the thing I want to clear that we as a Jordanian the majority of us also we appreciate this respect and we know it's not that easy to engage with different culture without a mistake, so what's been annoying to me is when someone treat me like I'm going to eat him if he do a disrespect behave according to my culture, my message to foreigners is if you feel you don't know what to do in a particular situation or you doubt about mistake you do. it's okay feel free just to say sorry and ask what to do we assume this a kind of high level of manners and we will forget about the mistake. My best 🌹

I have just got your video recommend for me from RU-vid. Now, I am from Jordan I live in a town called huson and Amman is our capital it is very close to Amman like you can go from huson to Amman in an hour. The reason I am commenting is just to tell you that you are really good at speaking Arabic for a person who doesn’t know a lot of Arabic

Hello there, thank you for making these videos, and good luck :), as for the last point which is generosity, offering to pay for a road trip or a shared meal ..etc is a no no in some occasions depending on the ppl are with, if they are family or strangers mostly you don't tell them pay your half and I'll pay mine, but if you are with your close friends yep you split everything it's totally fine 😊

جزئية السلام هذي خطأ انا كنت افكر مثلك لغاية لما كنت اول ثانوي كان عنا استاذ كيمياء مسيحي ف بيوم تعمدت احرجه فحكيتله السلام عليكم وهو رد السلام عادي حسيت وقتها اني كيس زبالة 😂😂

Nice video and welcome to Jordan!!! I’m from Amman living in USA 💚😊

Such an awesome video... as far the prayer, it’s about the distraction that any background noise causes as when we pray we try to be as focused and connected spiritually as much as possible. Think of it as if you were meditating and someone kept walking in front of you

ما شاء الله عنجد حبييت وكتير مهضومة وعفوية كمان 💙💙💙 I love love your video 💙💙💙 and This is the first time I've watched a video on RU-vid channel. I really like it 💙💙💙

السلام عليكم هي ليست فقط للمسلمين هذه الجملة تستخدم لجميع العرب، 🌹😍 شكرا لكي ❤️

You can't walk in front of someone who prostrates because it is forbidden and you must respect this prayer💛

You are so cute 😊 , The best note is that related to the hummus dish . Regarding the topic "alsalam alaikom" here in Jordan, Muslims and Christians are brothers, and everyone respects each other's religion , I wish you a beautiful life here in Jordan .

I like your videos because these make me understand my husband (Jordanian) better. I think bigger problem than sticking to your side of the dish is struggling to finish the plate when food is all the time added to my plate. Every time I go to Jordan I gain weight. I csnt stand throwing food away so I always finish my portion 😁 my family was truly struggling with all the mountains of food when they came for my wedding to Jordan, they are still with fulfilled appetite to this day from the rice and yogurt. And also I felt my husband's family were the ones mixing everything together in breakfast table and dipping in everything. So I guess it depends on the house.

Iam a jordanian muslim but we say "alsalam alaikom" for all religon and there is no worry to say that .... 20% from my friend are chrestian and all of them say that .. Your content is cool 😍

The generosity thing is very essential in the Arabic culture in general .. And rather than being a cultural aspect, it actually feels great.

Welcome to Jordan, you are friendly. I keep encouraging you. I hope you enjoy living here. I subscribed to your channel.

As a Jordanian, I've never asked someone to give me my money back, but when someone doesn't give it back, I know what to do when they ask again, that's how it's done in Jordan, if you're going through difficult situations we will be as patient as it gets when lending money, but you better not betray that trust.

At 06:23 it is a universal thing. In Jordan it is fine to tap someone in a friendly way. I hear this gesture is not acceptable in Egypt.

Iam Muslim but my Christian frinds always say "Aslam alaykom" so yep u can say it if ur not a Muslim 👍

My parents are from rural Irbid, but they moved to the US in 2001 and I've lived most of my life in the states. I've only studied 3rd and 4th grade there, and we visit every few years and spend a few summer months there. It's very interesting to hear your perspective on things because, even though I grew up mostly in the west, I still grew up with plenty of Arab and Jordanian customs! I would love to hear more about your experiences in Jordan as a foreigner and as a woman! I'm curious to learn. :)

You are so nice , and we are so honored and proud to have you in JORDAN we will support your channel and I will be one of your followers ,, thanks on behalf every jordanian

Yeah, the idea behind not walking in front of someone when they're praying is because it could potentially look like you are bowing down to them, and Islam it's forbidden to bow down to anyone but God. If it happens by accident then it is what it is, but it's usually just a way of respecting prayer

When we pray we feel like we are so close to God and we concentrate so much so when someone go in front of us we loose that concentration

As for this point, we place the pillow or something in front of the worshiper so that we do not feel frustrated in the prayer until there is a distance between the worshiper and the barrier (and the headrest) so that he can comfortably worship it. The surrounding area will be free from any tension And I love you soooo much 8:7

I don't speak a lick of Arabic and I'm new here but I found myself super proud that you're getting better at Arabic ❤❤❤

On the subject of walking in front of the chapel you should not walk in front of him so as not to cut his focus while he prays and also I loved your style and you are talking I am from Jordan 🌷🌸

Your Arabic is actually pretty good! i know a lot of Arabs abroad who can't do half of that lol

Hiya, Been watching your videos, and you're going a good job! Keep it up!

I have some roots and origin in the ME but there are many things you mentioned I'm not sure if I can do right, so don't worry, you're not the only one. Sometimes some customs and culture things in any society can be ridiculous! The key issue is we are all humans and we share the same values and behave the same way or very similar on a human level whether we are British, Arabs or Chinese or whatever.

من الاردن لايك تحيااا كبيرههههه للعراق احبكمممم موووتتتت وعشققققق لا ينتهي والدول العربيه ايضا مرت من هنا اردنيه وايضا مررت من هنا عشاق العراق❤❤❤

Seems like everyone do this not walking infront of someone praying without actually knowing the reason ... it’s all about the aura... praying is a spiritual thing that needs « khoshoo’ » as we call it.. which means being totally spiritually engaged with God ... So if someone walks infront of you.. the « energetic line » as you may call it , between you and God will be disconnected in a way ... Great video... wanted to add things like, younger people must stand up to let older people sit (i don’t know if that’s common sense, but people in USA were surprised that my little brother (at that time) did that without being asked) and it’s because we teach our children to do that from the start.. Hmmm there are so many things actually 😅

It was a very nice gesture that you made a video about our habits and mentality here in Jordan .. As a proud Christian Jordanian I take those actions and habits seriously and sometimes I criticise Jordanians who don't appreciate them .. there are a lot more and I wish you would include them in future videos .. just one small comment .. We Jordanian Christians also use 'al Salam alaykom' as a greeting with all people .. and we reply 'wa alaykom al Salam' it's not exclusively used by our Muslim brothers and sisters.

Other points you didn't mention: 1. When you present food or drinks to guests, you better start from the right side then go counter clock-wise to the rest 😂👍 2. When you present black arabian coffee 'Sadah' to gusts, you should hold the pot and pour with you left hand and the cups with your right. 🤝 3. Men and women usually prefer to be called using the frame Abu/Um 'father/mother of their oldest son name' like , Abu Ahmad and Um Ahmad. 👏 That's what came to my mind for now. Welcome to Jordan and very good Jordanian accent BTW and such an adorable baby mashallah. 😍💜 Keep it up 💚☺️

The niceeessst arabic speaker I've ever seeeen 😂💙 thank U I'm proud to subscribe U Wellllcooome tooo Jordan again 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

It’s my understanding that Christian Arabs still say assalamalliukum readily because the phrase has become such a standard Arabic greeting. The same goes with “inshallah”. If there are any Christian Arabs that avoid saying that phrase - they certainly wouldn’t be offended with being greeted in such a way.

Thank you for your trying to understand our community it look some complictid a Literally but as we can we love to support who need to know or to learn ☺️❤️

Yes indeed, you are right, when standing in front of a person it’s like the other person is worshipping you (the one whose standing) enjoy JORDAN , I think you have motivated me to prepare for my own video about my stay in England :)

Your Arabic is getting very good. I am also learning and its very difficult. Keep it up!!!

We do not walk in front of the one who prays ... because during the prayer he tries to focus in the prayer and in his recitation, and when you walk in front of him or make a loud noise, it causes him to be distracted Greetings to you ... we love you😊⁦♥️⁩💙

Al salamu alaikom is a greeting which means peace be upon you, and its a beautiful greeting. We Jordanians are very friendly and forgiving especially with foreigners because we know that they might not be familiar with our traditions. Also we are known for our hospitality ^^

You are truly Amazing !! I love the videos you make,