HISTORICALLY SPEAKING JORDAN PATCH PROGRAM
complete 3 requirements to earn this patch
you can print this page and share it with others

Special thanks to Aminah Ali for help on this patch program.

1. Jordan borders Saudi Arabia, Israel, Syria, and Iraq and is located in the Middle East. Locate Jordan on a map and its Capital. Identify it's flag.

2. Jordan's official language is Arabic. Arabic comes from the same roots as the many ancient languages of the Middle East. Jordanians and most other Arab speakers are very articulate and expressive in their speech. There are two different dialects in Jordan: city and rural. There are many dialects of the Arabic language, however, because of its sacred status as the language of the Koran, the written language has not changed at all in over 1,200 years. Choose a language to learn how to speak a phrase or some words.

3. There are not many festivals or celebrations observed in Jordan since celebrations are made out of every day events. Socializing, births, weddings and religious traditions are made into spectacular events. Weddings are very extravagant, and are full of dancing, music, food and feasting, talking, all of which lasts for days. Visit a cultural celebration or re-creation of a holiday event OR learn the background of the celebrated holiday or festival. You may also create a drawing or art project, or prepare a food.

4. Jordan's food is very similar to that of other Middle Eastern countries. Lamb, yogurt, chicken, spices, vegetables, rice and flat bread are all popular dishes consumed on a daily basis in Jordan. Fresh food is sold every day in market stalls, where residents shop for the day's meals. Chilled cucumber Laban salad is an example of the fresh, Middle Eastern influence on food in Jordan. Try some foods from Austria or make a recipe from Jordan.

5. Music in Jordan is very different from western music. Music reflects the Arab culture and language because it is repetitive, exaggerated, and full of rich stories about honor, family, and love. Some instruments include the oud, the kemancha, and small drums. In Jordan, two types of flutes called zamar mujwiz and nay are used. Traditional dance is preformed in Jordan as organized performances for people to sit and watch. One dance called the debkah is Jordan's most popular.

6. Literature in Jordan is reflected from the Arabic culture. Poetry is the primary form of literary expression along with religious texts. For hundreds of years, Arabian literature was oral, until very recently when it was recorded. Read a story, legend, OR listen to a legend or play from Jordan.

7. Jordan's ancient history was built upon some of the earliest civilizations known to mankind. It's history was shaped by the ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans. The land contains some of the oldest rock carvings and formations. These show the presence of animals and ancient peoples. Learn more about one of these ancient civilizations OR make a craft.

8. Typical Jordanian handicrafts are gold and silver work, usually made into jewelry, woodwork, fabrics that are made into ornate rugs and glass blowing. Wooden mosaics are popular crafts and are very beautiful. The mosaics that are handmade are very difficult to make and is very slow work. Gold and silver jewelry is usually very ornate and is worn by upper class women. This jewelry is typically very lavish and striking. Create a craft or project using a traditional a skill OR representing Jordan, OR observe someone creating a handicraft OR view them on the internet or books.

9. The Jordan River Valley, the Desert, and the Highlands are the three physical features that make up Jordan. The Dead Sea is very high in salinity, meaning it is very salty! This body of water is so salty, that it cannot sustain life. However, this body of water is very popular in religious and classical literature in the Arabian culture. Despite this rather barren land, Jordan supports a significant amount of wildlife and fauna. Choose [3] animals, trees, OR plants from Chile to learn more about. Examples include: the Arabian oryx, gazelle, ostrich, hyena, mongoose, ibex, and the sand adder.

10. It is custom in Arabian cultures for women to cover most of their bodies. In Jordan, many women wear scarves and full-length, long sleeved dresses. Normally, these are brightly colored and designed. Upper class women wear bright and ornate jewelry that is very expensive. Men also dress conservatively and are usually very dressy. Draw a picture of the clothing, dress up in a Jordanian themed costume, create an accessory, complete our paper dolls OR view traditional clothing through books or the internet or our country manual.

11. There are a variety of games that played in Jordan by children. Learn a traditional game OR play a game that symbolizes Jordan OR play a water game OR play a game in our manual.

This patch program will help its participants learn more about the history and sites in this country. If you have the privilege of visiting this country, you can complete some of these requirements there. It would be helpful to learn more about the country prior to your visit. Use the library and the internet to research more.