I’m still thinking deeply about South Asia, though my trip was months ago. I couldn’t step too far away from Pakistan mentally, partly because of the show I have been working on for the last few weeks, but also because I found myself marveling at how the otherworldly is so woven into day-to-day life.
Perhaps it comes as no surprise in a country that is majority Muslim and considers itself an Islamic Republic. In a country so deeply woven with Islam, it’s easy to examine things in the context of the religious versus the secular - but perhaps this is limiting.
As a lover of language, I couldn’t help but think about how the existential permeates so much of Pakistani conversation. Hospitality is shown to guests who are almost strangers because the crossing of paths is seen as kismet, someone you love is called jaan or that which gives you life, relatives glanced at my palms and talked about what my future may hold in passing.
It has me wondering how I would view the world had the metaphorical not been so separated from the literal and what potential even the most mundane conversation would hold if it were customary to be more emphatic.
—Haleema