GILGIT-BALTISTAN: Nestled amid the towering peaks and breathtaking landscapes, Gilgit-Baltistan stands as a testament to Pakistan’s rich cultural tapestry. Beyond its enchanting sceneries and snow-capped peaks, the region boasts immense linguistic diversity, with eight distinct languages spoken across its thinly populated expanse. Shina, Khuwar, Burushaski, Wakhi, Balti, Doomaki, Gojari, and Kohistani – these are the threads that have woven the linguistic fabric of Gilgit-Baltistan for centuries.
However, this linguistic diversity, once celebrated as a symbol of unity and brotherhood, is facing a critical juncture in the wake of global and local transformations in communication. The advent of new languages, coupled with the influence of external factors like tourism and evolving educational paradigms, has triggered a decline in the use of ancient languages. With the passing of time, more locals are opting for dominant languages like Urdu and English, both for better communication with tourists and alignment with educational practices.
Faheem Ahmad Lone, a prominent Gilgit-based columnist advocating for the preservation of the native Shina language, expresses concern over the absence of a cohesive government-level policy to safeguard these languages. The curriculum in schools and the dominance of Urdu and English in national media contribute to sidelining indigenous languages. Lone highlights the efforts of individuals like Shakil Ahmad, Ameen Zia, Azeez ur Rehman Malangi, Zafar Waqar, and Nafees Ahmad, who actively champion the preservation of the Shina language.
In the realm of Balti, Yousaf Hussain Abadi, a notable figure, has made significant contributions to its promotion. The likes of Balti poet Muhammad Hussain Hasrat and journalist Qasim Naseem have played vital roles in keeping the Balti language alive through their poetry and writings. Despite these individual efforts, the lack of consolidated written or documented material poses a challenge to safeguarding these endangered dialects.
The digital age and the surge in social media usage have accelerated the detachment of the local population from their native languages. The allure of foreign languages, especially among the youth, and the influence of peers have led many to neglect their linguistic heritage. Moreover, the reluctance of parents to pass down their mother tongue to their children, driven by the belief that indigenous languages offer limited practical or professional advantages, adds to the erosion of linguistic roots.
Professor Ishtiaq Ahmad Yad, a poet in Urdu and Shina, laments the absence of a unanimous alphabetical order to preserve these languages. He emphasizes that while major languages of Pakistan are taught at universities, the same cannot be said for indigenous languages in GB’s educational institutions. He foresees a bleak future, where 90% of these languages might become extinct after a couple of generations, mirroring the global trend of language endangerment.
The concern about the decline in the popularity and use of indigenous languages is echoed by writers, poets, and columnists in the region. Dr. Afzal Siraj, known for his efforts to preserve the Gujjri language, calls for concerted efforts. He suggests empowering organizations like the Shina Language and Cultural Society, persuading parents about the importance of teaching mother tongues, and framing government programs to promote these languages. The inclusion of indigenous languages in school curricula and university-level education, along with increased support for regional councils, is seen as a crucial way forward.
Preserving the linguistic diversity of Gilgit-Baltistan is not merely a cultural imperative but a moral obligation to uphold the identity of the region and its people. Dr. Afzal Siraj aptly sums up the sentiment, stating that only through concerted efforts can the flame of linguistic diversity be rekindled, ensuring the survival of this ancient culture for generations to come.
