Language, Legacy, and Belonging in Pakistan
Language, Legacy, and Belonging in Pakistan
Blog Article
In the grand narrative of nations, language is more than a tool for communication; it is the lifeline of identity, belonging, and historical continuity.
In Pakistan, a country of extraordinary diversity, language serves as both a bridge and, at times, a battleground—linking people across generations and regions, while also exposing deep-rooted tensions about identity and inclusion.
To understand Pakistan is to understand its languages: their songs, their silences, their survival, and their symbolism. It is to explore how words have built empires, ignited movements, and stitched together a complex tapestry of belonging.
The Origins: A Multilingual Birth
When Pakistan emerged as a new nation in 1947, it was linguistically rich but administratively challenged. Urdu, spoken by a small fraction of the population, was elevated as the national language to forge unity across ethnically diverse provinces—Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
This decision, however, sowed early seeds of discord.
The Language Movement in East Pakistan (Bengali-speaking majority) culminated in the tragic events of 1952, where students demanding the right to use Bengali were killed—an incident that later played a major role in the separation of East Pakistan and the birth of Bangladesh in 1971.
This history reveals a fundamental truth:
Language is not a minor detail of state-building; it is central to the very idea of citizenship, dignity, and self-respect.
The Linguistic Tapestry: Diversity Beyond Measure
Today, Pakistan is home to an astounding linguistic mosaic:
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Punjabi (44% speakers): Deeply lyrical, rich in folklore and Sufi poetry.
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Pashto (15%): The language of warriors, poets, and tribal codes.
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Sindhi (14%): One of the oldest languages of the region, with a profound literary heritage.
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Saraiki (10%): A dialect-turned-language with its own flourishing music and poetry.
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Balochi (4%): Rooted in oral epics and nomadic traditions.
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Hindko, Brahui, Shina, Burushaski, and dozens more make up the remaining spectrum.
Urdu, despite being native to only about 8% of the population, retains its status as the national language and lingua franca, linking people across ethnic lines, especially in urban centers.
However, the question persists:
Can a single language truly capture the essence of such a multifaceted nation?
The Emotional Weight of Language
For millions of Pakistanis, their mother tongue is more than a language—it is a vessel carrying ancestral wisdom, customs, humor, and ways of seeing the world.
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A Punjabi tappay (folk couplet) speaks volumes about village life and rustic wisdom.
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A Sindhi waee (traditional song) is a soulful prayer across desert sands.
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A Pashto tappa expresses love and valor with heartbreaking brevity.
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A Balochi ballad tells of ancient migrations and lost heroes.
Languages nurture belonging.
When a mother tongue is sidelined or devalued, a piece of identity erodes.
When it is celebrated, individuals feel visible, validated, and empowered to contribute to the larger society.
The Urban Shift: English and the Changing Dynamics
In urban Pakistan, particularly among the middle and upper classes, English has become the aspirational language.
Schools advertise "English Medium" education as the gateway to success. Job interviews, business dealings, and even social conversations among elites often prioritize English fluency.
While bilingualism can be an asset, linguistic inequality is growing. Those fluent in English often have access to better opportunities, leaving non-English speakers marginalized.
The association of English with prestige and Urdu (or regional languages) with backwardness creates a dangerous cultural divide.
In this new landscape, many urban children speak "Urglish" (a hybrid of Urdu and English) and are disconnected from their grandparents' native tongues—a loss not only of language but of stories, jokes, prayers, and entire worldviews.
Revival Movements: A New Hope
Fortunately, a counter-current is gaining strength. Across Pakistan, efforts to revive, document, and celebrate indigenous languages are flourishing:
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Sindhi Language Authority and Pashto Academy work to promote regional languages through publications and research.
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Lok Virsa (National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage) hosts festivals and exhibits showcasing linguistic diversity.
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Grassroots organizations like Wakhi Tajik Cultural Association work to preserve endangered languages like Wakhi in Gilgit-Baltistan.
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Digital platforms like Surkhaabi and Daastan publish original content in multiple Pakistani languages.
Even pop culture is playing a part—folk singers are collaborating with contemporary artists, and regional language films like Laal Kabootar (Urdu-Karachi slang) and Zindagi Tamasha (Urdu-Punjabi) are getting critical acclaim.
The younger generation is realizing:
Modernity does not require abandoning roots; it can, in fact, enrich them.
Language and Political Identity
Language remains deeply entwined with political representation in Pakistan:
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Movements like the Saraiki Suba (province demand) are driven largely by linguistic and cultural identity.
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Pashto-speaking communities advocate for education and media in their mother tongue.
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Baloch nationalists see linguistic rights as part of broader political autonomy.
Language is thus not just about poetry and conversation; it is about power, recognition, and rights.
Governments have begun offering primary education in mother tongues in certain regions, but systemic challenges remain.
Pakistan’s future stability may well depend on how fairly and inclusively it treats its linguistic communities.
Language, Legacy, and Belonging: The Interwoven Future
Pakistan’s linguistic future need not be a zero-sum game between Urdu, English, and regional languages.
A multilingual identity can be a source of strength, creativity, and global connection.
Imagine a future where:
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A child can study science in English, write poetry in Sindhi, and sing songs in Punjabi.
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An artist can mix Balochi ballads with global hip-hop beats.
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A politician can address voters in Pashto and craft policy documents in Urdu.
That Pakistan would not only honor its past but also secure its belonging in the future—a nation proud of its tongues, not fearful of them.
The survival of languages is not about resisting change; it is about ensuring that change carries memory, dignity, and rootedness with it.
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FAQs
Q1: Why is language preservation important for Pakistan’s future?
A: Language preservation is crucial for maintaining Pakistan’s rich cultural diversity, promoting social inclusion, ensuring fair political representation, and fostering a sense of belonging across all communities.
Q2: What are some endangered languages in Pakistan?
A: Languages like Wakhi, Brahui, Burushaski, Domaaki, and Shina are considered endangered due to shrinking speaker populations and lack of institutional support.
Q3: How can young Pakistanis contribute to preserving their linguistic heritage?
A: Young people can promote their native languages by learning them, creating content (stories, videos, music) in them, participating in cultural events, and advocating for mother-tongue education and media.