Middle Eastern culture in the New World focuses on Lebanese-American culture. While Arabic may be the first language for some immigrants, English has become the primary language for second generations. Foods like lamb shish kebab and hummus remain popular. Lebanese fashion was originally more European but Americans quickly adopted local styles. Lebanon has a diverse mix of religious faiths including Muslims, Christians, and Druze. Family, faith, education, and community are core values, with families prioritizing social solidarity. Due to Lebanon's history of conflict, Lebanese Americans embrace cultures of their host countries while maintaining ties to their homeland.

1. Middle Eastern Culture
In the New World

2. LANGUAGES
 Lebanese-American= Arabic as First Language
 English as Second Language? or First?
 English is the First Language of the Second
Generation of Immigrants

3. FOOD
MENU
You may recognize a lot of these dishes and recipes from
Greek, Turkish or Moroccan restaurants--
Traditional Favorites
Lamb Shish Kebab
Chicken Shish Taouk
Hummus
Tabouli
Musaaka'a

4. DRESS
Lebanon is the most cosmopolitan culture of the
Middle East: European
fashion and style are predominant
Beirut has been called the "Paris of the Levant” with
many cafes and nightclubs
Traditional dress may be worn at home
But Lebanese-Americans quickly adopt European and
American styles of dress, to fit in well in the United
States

5. RITES & RELIGIONS
 Lebanon is a truly multi-cultural country, with perhaps the most
 diverse group of religious faiths and sects in any small country:

 Muslim
 Sunni
 Shi'a
 Druze
 Sufi
 Christian
 Maronite
 Syrian Apostolic
 Eastern Orthodox
 Greek Catholic
 Underneath, all these different religions share the same basic rites of passage,
from birth to marriage, child bearing, raising a family, and honoring the dead.

6. FAMILY & COMMUNITY
 Lebanese Americans put family ahead of everything:
 Politics, religion and business have to take a back seat
 know how to live and work in a community that is
very diverse, because Lebanon is so diverse
 Central Values are
 HOME AND FAMILY
 FAITH AND COMMUNITY
 EDUCATION AND WORK
 SOCIAL SOLIDARITY

7. CONCLUSION
 Because of their homeland's long history of sectarian strife and
civil war, the Lebanese people have become world citizens -
Lebanese Americans have much in common with other
immigrants.
 As expatriates, Lebanese prefer to adapt to and accept the culture
of the countries they live in, while enjoying their homecoming
visits to the old country. They can enjoy the best of both worlds!
 Lebanese celebrate their culture and insist upon diversity and
tolerance wherever they live- because they have seen the cost of
sectarian strife and political violence....