Revisiting Edward T. Hall's Work on Arabs and Olfaction: An Update with Implications for Intercultural Communication Scholarship

Abstract

This paper re-visits Hall's foundational writing concerning Arabs and olfaction made in the book The Hidden Dimension. In light of an historical climate demanding a better understanding of the Arab world and the social biases uniquely associated with the sense of smell, this article seeks to rectify misconceptions promulgated in intercultural communication pedagogy. Hall's claims are contrasted with recent interview data. The implications of this research for (a) intercultural communication instructors, (b) olfaction and culture, (c) relationships between Americans and Arabs/Arab Americans, and (d) future research are considered.