Linguistic aspect of Pashtun culture
February 11, 2010
Pashtun culture is recognized all around the world by its linguistic aspect that is the language Pashto. The significance Pashtun culture and its language can be understood by the fact that whenever in any part of the world we come to face a man speaking Pashto they are called as Khan which is a name given in Pashtun culture to the tribal leaders and is a very respectable race in Pashtoons and Pashtun culture.
If Pashtun culture and its literature is reviews one comes across Pashtun culture as a very mature and philosophical mode of language. There are a number of famous pets of Pashto who have used the language as a medium that illustrates openness yet a message of strong hold and values. The message in the literature is so loud that it is now recognized as part of Pashtun culture.
Pashtun culture has firm roots and it is this reason that Pashtoons people own their language as much as one will own its children. To quote a personal experience; I have many Pathan friends who of course have Pashto as their mother tongue. Though I do can speak a bit of this language in its actual accent but my friends have always discouraged me speaking this language and they have a reason for it that it is an honour for them that they belong to Pashtun culture and speak this language and they do not want to share it with every one.
Another aspect of linguistic in Pashtun culture and its language is the proverbs in Pashto are very famous for their sense of humor as well message. The proverbs if translated in another language may sound funny and nonsense but have always a message. For instance; “makay dagng day, rustoo prangh day� which, literally means ahead is a lion and behind is a well. This quote in English is like this “Between the devil and deep blue sea�.
Pashtun culture is diverse and so is Pashto language. Pashtun culture and Pashto are sometimes found in different shapes in different areas. Just like one can distinguish between US English and British English, there is a difference of Pashtun culture and its language.
The language of any particular area is also identified by some other name, for example, banusi is the name of Pashto spoken in Bannu. On the other hand, some sources argue and question this statement and claim that it is rather the difference of accent and not the language itself.
Posted by Angelia Kates · Filed Under Opinion
