VOA标准英语2013--In Pakistan, Look to Mom for Love Match

 

In Pakistan, Look to Mom for Love Match

On Valentine's Day in Islamabad, flower stalls are overflowing¹.

Mohammad and Shamoona Tanvir are a rare example of a "love marriage".

"I was dancing at a friend's wedding and she was standing² with her friends. It was love at first sight. I thought she was the most beautiful woman there," Mohammad admits.

Romantic love and flirting³ are frowned upon in Pakistan. So Mohammad only talked to Shamoona when her parents were not around, on a cell phone smuggled⁴ to her by her cousin. They got married six months later -- but only after their parents met and approved.

Obeying one's parents is central to Pakistani culture. Family ties are considered more important than love.

Like most marriages here, Usma Ayub's marriage to Sohail Ahmed Khan was arranged by his mother, Zahida.

"Here, the marriages that are most successful are arranged by the parents. Love marriages don't work out," Zahida notes. "Parents always think the best for their children. And, normally the children are obedient - the parents show them photographs of who they have chosen and they accept and get married."

Usma and Sohail first met on their wedding day. Five years later, they have twin boys.

"My parents were absolutely correct in their choice. They made the right decision," Usma says.

Marrying without parental⁵ approval can mean being completely cut off from one's family. It can also result in social exile. So for now in Pakistan, Cupid's arrow is still mostly shot by mothers. 

1 overflowing   

n. 溢出物,溢流 adj. 充沛的，充满的 动词overflow的现在分词形式

参考例句：

• The stands were overflowing with farm and sideline products. 集市上农副产品非常丰富。
• The milk is overflowing. 牛奶溢出来了。

2 standing   

n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的

参考例句：

• After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
• They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。

3 flirting   

v.调情，打情骂俏( flirt的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• Don't take her too seriously; she's only flirting with you. 别把她太当真，她只不过是在和你调情罢了。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
• 'she's always flirting with that new fellow Tseng!" “她还同新来厂里那个姓曾的吊膀子！ 来自子夜部分

4 smuggled   

水货

参考例句：

• The customs officer confiscated the smuggled goods. 海关官员没收了走私品。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
• Those smuggled goods have been detained by the port office. 那些走私货物被港务局扣押了。 来自互联网

5 parental   

adj.父母的；父的；母的

参考例句：

• He encourages parental involvement in the running of school.他鼓励学生家长参与学校的管理。
• Children always revolt against parental disciplines.孩子们总是反抗父母的管束。