Never in modern history have more eyes been focused on the Middle East. As the Arab Spring unfolds across countries, governments are being overturned in unprecedented abundance, with far-reaching ramifications for the rest of the globe. For twenty years, UNDERSTANDING ARABS has earned a reputation as the resource on Arabic culture.

This all-encompassing guide breaks down the complex cultural boundaries between Arabs and Westerners, presenting richly detailed chapters that both the expert ethnographer and novice traveler will find accessible.

Margaret K. Nydell has directed Arabic language training at the Foreign Service Institute and School of Arabic Language and Area Studies in Tunis, and lectured on Arabic language and Arab cultural orientation since 1969 for numerous government agencies and private organizations. She currently lives in Washington, D.C.