Just Like Non-Verbal communication has some boundaries, Verbal communication in Pakistani culture is also bounded by certain social and religious limitations, The core purpose of which is to show respect and dignity. According to Rafique (2016),Respect holds a major position in Pakistani culture. People grant respect and dignity to higher authorities ,religious leaders, elders, Teachers, Parents, guests and mate etc. Respect in Pakistani culture is a little different. Making less or no eye contact, not speaking a word even if there are conflicting ideas, and apologizing in conflicting situations is considered respectful while talking to elders and authorities.
"Pakistanis often interject while others are talking and it is considered normal if two people start a conversation during a group meeting. They are also very loud and forceful in getting their point of view across. It is however considered impolite and rude to be direct in their conversation. Pakistanis are quite diplomatic when expressing views about others", (Government of Canada, 2014)
Pakistani culture strictly prohibits to direct, open and blunt communications with authorities elders and even peers. It is considered to be rude and unfriendly to express one’s feeling publicly .Direct comments and open conversations are viewed as modernism and openness, which is not liked by Pakistani society. Pakistan is a collectivist country , which focuses on working together in forms of groups and families bounded closely together with each other.
Expressing one’s thoughts and ideas with elders even parents is sometimes not considered appropriate as it shows lack of respect according to Pakistani culture. For example: A girl has to marry someone who is selected by her parents. There is nearly no to nil concept of Love marriage in the culture; and if a women raises her voice for marrying a person according to her will and wish, she will be dis-owned by the family. However as mentioned above, things are changing rapidly and people are going towards modernism , still it will take quite some time for granting women liberalism and authority.
Most of the educated Pakistani people understand these differences and try to overcome, but unfortunately the literacy rate in Pakistan is very low. Due to which awareness and mindfulness is almost absent in the society. Open communication, which is direct and straight is often considered to be the characteristic of the western nations in Pakistani culture. However openness and directness makes it easier for an individual to express his ideas and it makes it clear and understandable for the listener. However diplomacy and tact is an important part of Pakistani culture. According to a lot of Pakistani people, diplomacy is necessary for peace keeping.
Silences in the conversation usually means granting respect and dignity. Sometimes depending on the facial gestures it portrays anger and frustration. Tone of voice also is considered important during communication. Pakistani people usually raise their tone when excited, happy and thrilled. However in some cases anger, frustration ,irritation and annoyance also cause the raise in tone while communication. Soft tone while speaking is considered to be polite and suitable. Especially for women, who are expected to be polite, courteous and respectful soft tone is admired and expected.
Rude language and the use of swearing and bad words is considered absolutely impolite and the use of such language in public and with women is strictly prohibited. A raised tone while communicating with women is also unacceptable in Pakistani culture.edit.