“Culture” can be defined in many different
ways. Culture may be defined as behavior peculiar to human beings,
together with material objects used. Culture consists of
language,ideas,values,attributes,beliefs,customs,
codes,institutions,tools,works and arts , religion, law, morality
,ceremonies and festivals.According to Muller-Layer, Culture can be
defined as “Culture is an aggregate means of achievement and of
progress”.
Salient Features of Pakistan Culture and
Pakistani People:
Pakistan is a Muslim country and Islam is the official religion. Islam
is the religion which is professed and practiced by the people of
Pakistan.Pakistani culture can be called as “Mixed Culture”.
Although the majority of people in Pakistan are Muslims by birth and
faith, there is a strong influence of Hindu culture on the present
Pakistani culture. The shadows of this influence are quite visible on
the marriage ceremonies and festivals like “Basant”.Dowry Systems
and heavy expenditures on the marriage of girls is done, which is
inherited from Hindu society because in Hindu society there is no
share of women in the inheritance of their parents. Although women are
given a share in the inheritance of their parents in Pakistani
society, there are huge expenditures on the marriages of daughters.
English is the official language in Pakistan, but the national
language is Urdu, which is widely spoken and understood throughout the
country. Punjabi, Pushto, Sindhi, Baluchi and Kashmiri are the
regional languages.Pakistani society is a “Male Oriented Society”,
where they are given full protection and great respect. The family is
headed by a male member, usually the oldest male member of the group.
He guides the other members. Old people are given positions of
prestige, honor and respect in Pakistani culture.
Social life is simple. Social customs and traditions reflect Islamic
touch: people are very much conscious about their social traditions
and feel pride in following them.Dress in a Muslim society like
Pakistan is designed and intended to cover human body, as nudity is
prohibited in Islam. So, people of Pakistan prefer to wear simple
dresses according to their climate.
Pakistani handicrafts are gaining popularity in the world market day
by day, as Pakistani craftsman are considered as the best in their
craftsmanship. Pakistan is famous for its high standard items of
glass, silver, wooden furniture, pottery, marble goods and things made
of camel skin.
Cricket, Hockey, Football, Kabbadi, squash, badminton, and wrestling
are the major sports in Pakistan.Ulema, Mushaikh and Sufi poets occupy
highly honored places in Pakistani culture.People of Pakistan are
extremely humble simple and Islamic people. Image of Islam portrayed
by the terrorist as Islam is is to tarnish the name of the Last
Religion. In Pakistan you can clearly see the real image of simple and
pure people and understand what the basis of Islam really are. The
Pakistani Society runs around the reigns of Islam, not that people
understand Islam very well but well at least try to do as much as they
can to be good.
Following things are to be known about the
people in Pakistan:
The National Dress of People is Shalwar Kameez
The National Language is Urdu, Official Language is English, The
Regional Languages are Numerous for Example Punjabi in Punjab, Sindi
in Sind, Balochi or Brahwi in Balochistan
People in Pakistan are very very much linked together by family bonds
or by the place where they live or just friendship. Specially in
Lahore. They live in Large Families and are very proud of their family
background like the British. Such a bond only exists between our
people who keep others interests above their personal interests.
The western concept of clubs is so well implemented in the local
cultures of the Pakistani People that they are asked to come to a
community center Five times a day and that is what is called the
Mosque. Where we go to say our prayer five times a day and meet those
people who live in the same community and socialize.
Then every one also gathers at community centers and socialize and
further listen to the state sermon.
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