MLDE 115 Intercultural Communication Skills

Instructor: Kenan BAŞARAN

The explanation of Pakistanis culture

Student:Devraj Chamlagai088466

Map

Flag

Flag Meaning

Green is a traditional Islamic color and the crescent and star are also Islamic symbols.

The white stripe represents the non-Muslim, minority, religious groups in Pakistan. According to modern meaning, the green represents prosperity; white symbolizes peace; the white crescent represents progress; and the white star represents light and knowledge.

Name: Asif RizwanIslamabad PakistanFaculty of Tourism and Hospitality ManagementFinal semester

Location: Southern Asia, bordering Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km, Iran 909 km Capital: Islamabad

Population: 159,196,336 (July 2004 est.) (one hundred fifty-nine million one hundred ninety-six thousand three hundred thirty-six)Ethnic Make-up: Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun (Pathan), Baloch, Muhajir (immigrants from India at the time of partition and their descendants)

Religions: Muslim 97% (Sunni 77%, Shi'a 20%), Christian, Hindu, and other (Inc. Sikh) 3% Language in Pakistan

Urdu is the only official language of Pakistan. Although English is generally used instead of Urdu.Urdu is closely related to Hindi but is written in an extended Arabic alphabet rather than in Devanagari. Urdu also has more loans from Arabic and Persian than Hindi has. Many other languages are spoken in Pakistan, including Punjabi, Siraiki, Sindhi, Pashtu, Balochi, Hindko, Brahui, Burushaski, Balti, Khawar, Gujrati and other languages with smaller numbers of speakers.

Pakistan Government

The Government of Pakistan is Federal republic. However, there are interfere between chief of army and Government in Pakistan History.

The president, in keeping with the constitutional provision that the state religion is Islam, must be a Muslim.

Pakistan Education System

The education system in Pakistan is generally divided into five levels: 1) Primary (grades one through five)

2) middle (grades six through eight)

3)high (grades nine and ten, leading to the Secondary School Certificate or SSC)

4) intermediate (grades eleven and twelve, leading to a Higher Secondary (School) Certificate or HSC)5) and university programs leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Ethnocentrism proverbs

Teaching a Jew to deal in the market is like teaching grandmother to eat eggs.

Who marries not an Isakki woman, deserves a donkey for a spouse. —The Isakki women are said to be very pretty.

Pakistani Society & Culture

Islam

. Islam is practiced by the majority of Pakistanis and governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives.

. Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening.

. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed.

. During the holy month of Ramadan all Pakistani must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing.

The Family

. The extended family is the basis of the social structure and individual identity.

. Loyalty to the family comes before other social relationships, even business.

. Nepotism is viewed positively, since it guarantees hiring people who can be trusted, which is crucial in a country where working with people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.

. The family is more private than in many other cultures.

. Female relatives are protected from outside influences. It is considered inappropriate to ask questions about a Pakistani's wife or other female relatives.

. Families are quite large by western standards, often having up to 6 children.

Hierarchical Society

. Pakistan is a hierarchical society.

. People are respected because of their age and position.

. Older people are viewed as wise and are granted respect. In a social situation, they are served first and their drinks may be poured for them. Elders are introduced first, are provided with the choicest cuts of meat, and in general are treated much like royalty.

. Pakistanis expect the most senior person, by age or position, to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group.

. Titles are very important and denote respect. It is expected that you will use a person's title and their surname until invited to use their first name.

Meeting and Greeting

. Men shake hands with each other. Once a relationship is developed, they may hug as well as shake hands.

. Women generally hug and kiss. Pakistanis take their time during greetings and ask about the person's health, family, and business success.

. They may also include two names that have a specific meaning when used together, and the meaning is lost if the names are separated. It is best to ask a person how they wish to be addressed.

. In general, this is not a culture where first names are commonly used, except among close friends.

Punctuality:-

Time is very free-flowing, people tend to arrive late for everything (meetings, weddings, events). Transport regularly arrives/leaves late.

However, in business situations punctuality is expected.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If invited to a Pakistani's home, bring the hostess a small gift such as flowers or good quality chocolates.

. Men should avoid giving flowers to women.

. Do not give white flowers as they are used at weddings.

. If a man must give a gift to a woman, he should say that it is from his wife, mother, sister, or some other female relative.

. Do not give alcohol.

. Gifts are not opened when received.

. Gifts are given with two hands.

Pakistani Food

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are necessary and should be made, in writing, 3 to 4 weeks in advance, although meetings with private companies can often be arranged with less notice.

. The best time to schedule meetings is in the late morning or early afternoon. . If at all possible, try not to schedule meetings during Ramadan.. You should arrive at meetings on time and be prepared to be kept waiting.

. It is not uncommon to have a meeting cancelled at the last minute or even once you have arrived. . Meetings are formal.

. Never inquire about a colleague's wife or daughters.

. During the first several meetings, business may not be discussed at all as the relationship is still being developed.

. Maintain indirect eye contact while speaking.

Titles & Business Cards

When it comes to titles, Pakistani names are usually given in as first name, middle name, and clan name. They can also be given in the order of clan name, first name, middle name.

Business cards are usually exchanged using the right hand or with two hands. Avoid using only the left.

It’s a good idea to spend some time looking at any business card received before placing it on the table in front of you or in a card holder.

Culturally, it is not only a link between the husband and wife, but also an alliance between their respective families. Because about 97% of Pakistan's population is Muslim the Islamic law is usually observed.

The duration of the wedding ceremony is about four days.

MaghniMaghni refers to engagement.

MehndiMehndi is performed before day of marriage. During mehndi, the relatives of bride gather at her home and apply traditional henna on her hands and feet.

Nikah/Shadi

Nikah happens as the nikah naama, which is the document of marriage, is registered. Walis or witnesses must be present during nikah, and the fathers/ mothers & relatives of the bride and groom act as walis. Certain Urdu verses are read by the priest, and the bride accepts the terms and conditions of the nikah naama in front of the relatives by saying “qabool kiya”, and the wedding will be announced.