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Language
Pakistan's official language is English and many people
in big cities can speak it. Urdu is the national language
and is spoken throughout Pakistan as lingua franca. In
addition to Urdu most Pakistanis speak their regional
languages or dialects such as Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto,
Balochi, Saraiki, Shina, Burushaski, Khowar, Wakhi, Hindko
etc.
English is the official language and is used in all government,
educational and business entities, and is also understood
and spoken at varying levels of competence by many people
around Pakistan, especially by the upper classes and people
who have gone through higher levels of education.
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Here are some basic Urdu phrases. If you can speak those,
it will delight everyone you meet:
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'Assalaam Alaykum' - Hello (literally
meaning 'may peace be on you')
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'Khuda Hafiz' or 'Allah Hafiz' -
Goodbye (literally meaning 'may God take care of you')
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'Shukria' - Thank you
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'Maaf karo' - literally 'forgive
me'; useful when dealing with beggars
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'Mera naam John Doe hai'- My name
is John Doe
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'Mein Lithuania say hoon' - I am
from Lithuania
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'Mujhay Lahore bohat pasand hai'
- I really like Lahore
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'Aap ka naam kya hai' - what is
your name?
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'Aap kahaan rehtey hain' - where
do you live?
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'Khana bohot mazaydaar hai' - the
meal is delicious
Respect
Pakistanis pride themselves on their tradition of hospitality
to guests (mehmanawazi in Urdu, milmastia in Pashtu).
Just a greeting of Salam Alaykum will get you far in endearing
yourself to people. If you are travelling outside the
big cities like Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad it is advisable
to learn some basic Urdu or a regional language.
Do not make silly jokes about religion, women, sex, or
alcohol. You will cause offence and it is something you're
really ill advised to do.
Just respect and observe. Pakistan is a conservative country
and it is advisable for women to wear long skirts or pants
in public (Pakistani women wear the traditional shalwar
kameez). Dress codes for men are more lax although they
should refrain from wearing shorts in public. As well,
showing someone the sole of your feet or shoe is considered
an insult, and can lead to you being considered disrespectful.
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