Archive for 'culture'
Happy New Year in Afghanistan Posted by Sayed Naqibullah on Jan 1, 2013
If you are living in the west, it is most likely you are thinking about the New Year’s resolution when the New Year approaches. In Afghanistan, it is quite a different story; there are no resolutions, celebrations, or even holidays when it is January 1st, and that is because they use a different calendar. In…
The Right of Water and Salt in Afghan Culture Posted by Sayed Naqibullah on Dec 19, 2012
Today, I will introduce you to a very interesting concept in Afghan culture and tradition. It could be considered as the unwritten code of conduct towards a host in Afghanistan. It is called “The right of Salt”, but before I tell you what it is, I have to tell you this short story. There was…
Exchanging Pleasantries (How to be charming in Dari) Posted by Sayed Naqibullah on Dec 13, 2012
Today we are going to discuss the usage of some pleasantries. These are the words that we very politely and charmingly use in certain situations to show respect, appreciation or humility. You don’t even have to speak the language well to be able to use these phrases. By using these words you will come across…
Family in Afghan Society Posted by Sayed Naqibullah on Dec 5, 2012
In Afghan society, family is the single most important institution and support system. In Every family the father or the oldest capable male is the head of the family. The head of the family and the male members of the family are responsible for providing for the family and taking care of the family. Almost…
Rubab, a Famous Music Instrument in Afghanistan Posted by Sayed Naqibullah on Oct 25, 2012
As Part of our introduction to Afghan culture and languages, I have written about the Attan and the Afghan music, but since I am visiting Afghanistan, I will take the opportunity to introduce you to an Afghan Music instrument, Rubab, which sometimes is referred to as “the lion of instruments”. Rubab is a string instrument with…
Dining with Afghans Posted by Sayed Naqibullah on Nov 11, 2011
Dining with Afghans When you go to Afghanistan it would be very unlikely not to receive several invitations from Afghans for lunch, dinner or at least tea. Afghans are very hospitable and are always welcoming to guests. As one of their famous proverbs goes, “A guest is a friend of God” (Mehmaan Doost E…
Greeting Women in Afghanistan Posted by Sayed Naqibullah on Jul 10, 2011
Every culture and society has their own unwritten rules for social behavior and in certain areas there are differences in the rules for men and women. This is also true in Afghanistan. There are different rules for men and women in certain areas of social life. For instance many societies have different way of greeting…