“Edward Hall points out just how different cultures can be in his study of time (1959). When, for example, two Americans agree to meet at ten o’clock, they are “on time” if they show up from five minutes before to five minutes after ten. If one shows up at fifteen after, he is “late” and mumbles an unfinished apology. He must simply acknowledge that he is late. If he shows up at half past he should have a good apology, and by eleven he may as well not show up. His offence is unpardonable It parts of Arabia, the people have a different concept or map of f time. If the meeting time is ten o’clock, only a servant shows up at ten——in obedience to this master. The proper time for others is from ten forty—five to eleven fifteen, just long enough after the set time to show their independence and equality. This arrangement works well for when two equals agree to meet at ten, each shows up, and expects the other to how up, at about ten forty—five.
The problem arises when an American meets an Arab and arranges a meeting for ten o’clock. The American shows up at ten, the right time” according to him. The Arab shows up at ten forty—five, the “right time’ according to him. The American feels the Arab has no sense of time at all (which is false) , and the Arab is tempted to think Americans act like servants (which is also false).”
(Crucial Dimensions on World Evangelisation, Arthur F. Glasser, Paul G. Hiebert C Peter Wagner, Ralph D. Winter. William Carey Library 1980 pg 49-51)
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