Taarof

TAAROF, T'aarof or Tarof ( Persian: تعارف ) is originally a Persian word meaning as a verb " make themselves known ". In Iranian culture, it is a special form of courtesy. However, one must know how to interpret Tarof right, because it has two possible interpretations.

Once Tarof includes the social behavior towards other people. An example: If a man and a woman opens the door. The other meaning of Tarof - is that the actual subject matter of this article - for example, if a shopkeeper to a customer to initially refuses to name the price of a commodity. He then says: " Gh'aabel nadaareh ", the " worthless " literally means. Logically, it means, however, that the customer for the shopkeeper has more value than the goods or is more important than the product.

However Tarof can also lead to misunderstandings and problems. Here is an example: Out of sheer politeness provides a friend for a ride to the other, and this accepts this offer the same. Now the driver is correctly inserted in the terminal. Most likely he is inwardly cursing take his friend. Sometimes this is even trying to dissuade a way. Under the rules of Tarof however, had the friend who got this offer, reject the taking.

Another example: A family visited another family, they eat fruit together. One of the guests actually want to eat more fruit, but makes it not because he did not want to leave the impression on the hosts to be greedy or destitute. He does not eat even sometimes when he is repeatedly asked by the hosts to it.

Political theory

Some political theorists argue that at princely courts at the time of serfdom, Tarof regulated diplomatic discourse. According to DM Rejali the decoration of the speech for the feudal elite was an expression of prestige. With the advent of capitalism and its scientific paradigm, the communication was precise. Thus, the formalities of Tarof were only a hindrance in the pursuit of rapid capital accumulation.

Social habits

It is a way of denying one's own will in order to please the other person. Tarof often leads to misunderstandings, and is the starting point of many unpleasant situations in the social environment. Frequently used words in relation to Tarof:

• Ghabeli nadaareh ( it has no value ) - is no big deal
• Ghadamet ro Cheshm ( your gear on my eyes) - you're welcome
• Ghorbanet beram ( I sacrifice myself for you) - thank you

• Arabia