Dying Languages Grapple In Changing World

Sultan Shoaib

Gilgit-Baltistan:Gilgit-Baltistan, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and rich cultural traditions, is also home to an extraordinary linguistic heritage. Despite its thin population, this northern region of Pakistan boasts eight distinct languages: Shina, Khuwar, Burushaski, Wakhi, Balti, Doomaki, Gojari, and Kohistani.

For centuries, these languages have fostered unity, faith, and brotherhood among diverse communities.

However, rapid social and technological changes have put this heritage at risk. Today, many locals are shifting toward Urdu, English, or other dominant languages to better communicate with tourists or align with educational curricula, leading to a decline in the use of traditional tongues.

Faheem Ahmad Lone, a columnist based in Gilgit and an advocate for the Shina language, highlighted the lack of government policies to protect these languages. “School curricula and national media primarily promote Urdu and English, sidelining indigenous languages,” he said.

Lone praised individuals like Shakil Ahmad, Ameen Zia, and others who continue to champion Shina, while Yousaf Hussain Abadi, along with poet Muhammad Hussain Hasrat and journalist Qasim Naseem, have worked tirelessly to preserve Balti.

Experts stress that the absence of documented material and formal educational programs makes safeguarding these languages increasingly difficult. Professor Ishtiaq Ahmad Yad, a poet in both Urdu and Shina, warned, “Our new generation has replaced our culture, affecting our age-old affiliation with native languages.

At this rate, 90 percent of our languages may go extinct within a couple of generations.” He lamented that unlike other provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan’s indigenous languages are not taught at universities, further limiting opportunities for their revival.

The lure of foreign languages, coupled with parental reluctance to teach mother tongues, has exacerbated the situation. Many families believe that indigenous languages offer limited professional or practical advantages, contributing to their gradual erosion among younger generations.

Despite the challenges, hope remains. Dr Afzal Siraj, a writer dedicated to preserving the Gujjri language, stressed that revitalizing these languages is still possible through coordinated efforts.

“Empowering organizations like the Shina Language and Cultural Society, promoting mother tongue education, and integrating these languages into school and university curricula are essential steps,” he said. He also recommended increased government support for regional councils to strengthen indigenous culture.

The preservation of Gilgit-Baltistan’s languages is more than a cultural initiative—it is a moral obligation to protect the identity of the region and its people. As writers, poets, and activists continue their advocacy, the call is clear: concerted action today can ensure the survival of these languages for generations to come. Feature report released by APP

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