KASHIF NASIM

"Understanding cultural differences"

 

Assalamo Alaikum Doctor Sahab

Let me tell you in one sentence about your article “One of the best articles ever read in my life” Perhaps I felt it because somewhat it reflects my biodata. I am a 24 year old Computer Engineer in Pakistan who was in Iran from childhood till 12th class with strict but overprotective parents ( nervous and short tempered too ) . I was a keen observer of the cultural difference.

Due to financial pressure and urge of good education in a foreign

country my parents were too strict in my education and which

caused severe stammering in me and I feel a longing detrimental effect on my personality , the main effects being less confident and inability to make right decisions in shorter time.  We came back to Pakistan as father felt the need of my engineering education in English ( Iranian system is in Persian language and I had studied in Pakistani Embassy’s school/college) and my sisters’ marriage etc.

After coming back, though whole of my family appreciated the respect of law, health and hygiene, courtesies and overall better status of life in Iran but due to same culture and social bindings in Pakistan the family is feeling more relaxed here despite the fact that Pakistan is lacking the good qualities somewhat we felt in Iran.  Though a young teenager I didn’t feel much odd in Iranian society but still me and my mother feel much more comfortable in Pakistan than Iran maybe due to social isolation and my parents are now less nervous too.

Mother being able to discuss anything with her mother !

I stutter less in Urdu than in English or Persian.  Doctor sahab, I know that speech therapy is the solution  than psychotherapy in my case, fortunately or unfortunately I am moving to Sweden for my MS where I am on myself.  How can I lessen the anxiety of a new country , new language totally on my own ?

I hope it was not a boring case studying for you

Regards

Kashif Nasim

Karachi

Send questions or comments to Dr. Khalid Sohail