Pakistan+Culture+Gram

Pakistan (Sentence form!)  **Introduction **

All countries are different. They have different cultures, in fact most countries have many different cultures. Each one unique in their own way. Learning about the many different cultures is very important because it prevents you from being stereotypical and doing something or saying something that may be offense to that country and their beliefs.

**Communication **

__Language__ - Urdu is the official language, but other languages are spoken there including: English Punjab Siraik Sindhi Pashtu Balochi Hindko Brahui Burushaski Balti Khawar Gujrati And a number of other languages with similar numbers of speakers.

__Greetings__ - Often between members of the same sex, when dealing with people middle class greetings can be across sex lines. Men shake hands, once a relationship is established, they hug too. Women hug or kiss. Pakistanis take their time and ask about health, family, and business success.

__Tone of Voice__ -

__Nonverbal Communication__ - Eating with left hand is considered offensive. Westerners are stared at because they are new. Third party introductions are vital to doing business successfully.

__Definition of Obscenity__ - Showing your palm to someone with all the fingers outstretched is considered rude. Pushing your thumbnail against your front teeth and flicking it is very offensive, it is like the middle finger in the U.S. culture. Unless you have a strong friendship with a Pakistani, it's best to avoid talking about religion and or politics. Always avoid talking about Islamic religion, even the slightest humor is taken offensively.


 * Behavior **

__Courtesy__ - When entering a house, often you will be showered with tea, sweets, and gifts, it is considered rude to refuse these. Finishing a meal requires delicate balance, cleaning your plate is an invitation that you want more but leaving to much on your plate may be a sign that you didn't like the meal. Aim for a little, meaning you're full and praising the food. Business tends to move slowly and may involve a lot of socializing, tea drinking, and meeting of families. Rushing through all this is considered rude and may even ruin the deal.

__Body Language__ - Pakistanis usually point with their index finger toward something. Putting ones hand on their chest is a way of saying hello and showing respect.

__Personal Space__ - The norm for personal space in Pakistan between genders is an arms length. With the same genders they tend to be closer.

__Rules of Conduct__ -

__Touching__ - Male friends usually walk holding hands, and the same goes for women. But men and women hardly ever display physical affection with one another in public.

__Eye Contact__ - Eye contacted is normal between Pakistanis of the same sex and age, but should be avoided between members of opposite genders and age.


 * Work **

__Concept of time__ - In business, punctuality is expected, but not valued with shop owners. On average, people generally arrive late for everything.

__Tempo of Work__ -


 * Family **

__Ideals of Childrearing__ - In Pakistan children are raised to respect all family members, and the mother, father, and grandparents all live in the same house.

__Notions of Leadership__ -

__Notions of Adolescence__ -

__Preference for Competition or Cooperation__ - Pakistan is generally a peaceful country and leans more toward cooperation.

__Attitudes Toward Dependents__ -