Longing for home: conversations about the homeland from Pakistanis in Brunei Darussalam

Purpose The paper aims to analyse the motives and significance of conversations amongst overseas Pakistanis in Brunei about their homeland. These conversations involve topics around politics, religion and entertainment, reflecting the sense of belonging and connection they maintain with Pakistan whilst living abroad. Design/methodology/approach This study employed a qualitative research approach, using open-ended interviews to gather narratives from overseas Pakistanis in Brunei. The interviews were designed to focus on their tendency to converse about their homeland and to identify recurring themes related to their sense of belonging and cultural identity. Findings The analysis revealed that conversations about Pakistan play a vital role in reinforcing the cultural identity of overseas Pakistanis in Brunei. These discussions operate as a mechanism for maintaining emotional connections to their homeland, especially when faced with the absence of Pakistani cultural elements in Brunei. Even though patterns vary across sub-groups, their nostalgic experiences and feelings of longing for Pakistan are a common thread. Political talk also featured, though less in the form of partisan debate and more as expressions of concern for relatives' safety and the broader situation back home during moments of crisis. Research limitations/implications The study is limited by its focus on a specific group of overseas Pakistanis in Brunei, which may not be generalisable to other diaspora communities. Additionally, the qualitative nature of the research relies on subjective narratives, which may introduce bias. Practical implications This study highlights the importance of cultural exchange platforms that allow overseas Pakistanis to reconnect with their homeland, which could serve to alleviate their sense of disconnection. Social implications The findings suggest that engaging in conversations about their homeland helps overseas Pakistanis maintain their cultural identity and manage the emotional challenges of living abroad. Originality/value This paper contributes to the understanding of Pakistani diaspora communities and their use of conversation as a means of cultural preservation and identity reinforcement. It highlights how lived experience acts as a tool for overseas Pakistanis in Brunei to stay connected to their homeland, offering new insights into the socio-cultural dynamics of skilled migrants' communities.