BOX-1

LANGUAGE

PERCENTAGE OF SPEAKERS

NUMBER OF SPEAKERS

Punjabi

44.15

66,225,000

Pashto

15.42

23,130,000

Sindhi

14.10

21,150,000

Siraiki

10.53

15,795,000

Urdu

7.57

11,355,000

Balochi

3.57

5,355,000

Others

4.66

6,990,000

Source:    Census 2001: Table 2.7. The population is                 assumed to be 150 million in 2003 as it                 was 132, 352,000 in 1998 and the growth                 rate is 2.69 per cent.

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOX-2

 

MOTHER TONGUE SPEAKERS

 

SECOND LANGUAGE SPEAKERS

Hindi

366,000,000

487,000,000

Urdu

60,290,000

104,000,000

Total

426,290,000

591,000,000

Grand Total:    Mother tongue + second language                                  speakers of Urdu-Hindi = 1,017,290,000.

Source:            Grimes 2000: see under ‘Pakistan’ and                         ‘India’ entries.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

BOX-3

DIFFERENCES IN COSTS IN MAJOR TYPES OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

(in Pakistani rupees)

Institution

Average cost per student per year

Payer (s)

Cost to the state

Madrassas

5,714 (includes board and lodging)

Philanthropists + religious organizations

Very little as subsidy on computers, books etc in some madrassas

Urdu-medium Schools

2264.5 (only tuition)

State

2264.5

Elitist English medium schools

96,000---for ‘A’ level & 36,000 for other levels (only tuition)

Parents

None reported  except subsidized land in some cantonments.

Cadet colleges/public schools

90,061 (tuition and all facilities).

Parents + state (average of 6 cadet colleges + 1 public school

14,171 (average of 5 cadet colleges only)

Source:      Data obtained from several institutions.

 


MINOR LANGUAGES AND DIALECTS OF PAKISTAN

The number of language listed in the Ethnologue (Grimes 2000) for Pakistan is 69. This chart however, lists only 56 languages and dialects. The major languages (Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Siraiki, Urdu and Balochi) are given elsewhere. Lexical similarity and intelligibility of varieties of a language are given if known. Judgments about a form of speech being a language or a dialect are not given. However, some of the mutually intelligible varieties of Greater Punjabi (Potohari, Chachi and Pahari) have not been included in this list.

 

Language or Dialect

Other Names/ Lexical Similarity to other Languages and Dialects

Where Spoken

Speakers

Source

Aer

None. 78% lexical similarity with Katai Meghwar and Kachi Bhil. 76% with Raburi; 76% with Kachi Koli.

Jikrio Goth around Deh 333, Hyderabad and Jamesabad. Also in Kach Bhuj in Gujrat (India).

200 in 1996

Grimes 2000: 589

Badeshi

see Persian

(Badakhshi) Dialect of Persian. Lexical similarity with Persian, Badakshan variety.

Bishigram, (Chail) Valley, (Swat, Kohistan)

400 plus in 2002

Grimes 2000: 589; SSNP Zaman 2004

 


MINOR LANGUAGES AND DIALECTS OF PAKISTAN

Bagri

(Bahgri ; Bagria; Bagris; Baorias; Bauri). Dialect of Rajasthani 74% lexical similarity with Marwari Bhil of Jodhpur; 54% with Jandavra.

Sindh and Punjab (nomadic between India and Pakistan)

200,000 in Pakistan including 100,000 in Sindh

Grimes 2000: 589.

Balti

Baltistani, Sbalti

Baltistan

27,000-300,000

SSNP-2: 8 & Grimes 2000

Bateri

(Bateri Kohistani;

Batera Kohistan; Baterawal; Baterawal Kohistani) 58-61% lexical similarity with Indus Kohistani; 60% with Gurgula.

Indus Kohistan Batera village (East of Indus North of Besham)

20,000-30,000

(in 1992)

Breton 1997: 200; Grimes 2000

Bhaya

Lexical similiarity to Marwari sweeper 84% and to Malhi 75%; Bhat 73%; Goaria,72-73%; Sindhi Meghwar 70-73%, Sindhi Bhil 63-71% and Urdu 70%.

Kapri Goth near Khipro Mirpur Khas (Lower Sindh)

70-700

(in 1998)

Grimes 2000

Brahvi

Brohi, Brahuidi, Kurgalli, Brahuigi, (no similarity with any language in Pakistan but with many loan words from Persian, Balochi and Urdu.

Kalat region and East Balochistan. Also spoken by small communities in Sindh and Iran etc.

2,000,000 in Pakistan and 2,210,000 in all countries (1998).

Grimes 2000: 590.


MINOR LANGUAGES AND DIALECTS OF PAKISTAN

Burushaski

Mishaski, Biltum, Werchikwar Khajuna (language isolate with no similarity with any language. Some words borrowed from Urdu, English and Shina).

Hunza, Nagar, Yasin valleys (Northern areas)

55,000-60,000 (in 1981)

SSNP-2: 37

Grimes 2000: 590.

Chilisso

(Chiliss, Galos) 70% lexical similarity with Indus Kohistani; 65-68% with Gowro; 50% Bateri; 48-65% with Shina.

Koli, Palas, Jalkot Indus Kohistan

1600-3000

(in 1992)

Breton 1997: 200 & Grimes 2000: 590.

Dameli

(Gudoji, Damia, Damedi, Damel) 44% lexical similarity with Gawar-Bati, Savi, and Phalura, 33% with Kamviri, 29% with Kativiri.

Damel Valley (Southern Chitral)

2000-5000

(in 1992)

SSNP-5: 11 Grimes 2000: 590.

Dehwari

also see Persian

(Deghwari) Iranian language somewhat close to Persian and influenced by Brahvi.

Kalat, Mastung (Central Balochistan)

10,000-13,000

(in 1998)

Breton 1997: 200 & Grimes 2000: 590.

 


MINOR LANGUAGES AND DIALECTS OF PAKISTAN

Dhatki

(Dhati) Dialects are Eastern, Southern and Central Dhatki, Malhi and Barage. Varies from Northern Marwari but intelligible. 70-83% lexical similarity with Marwari dialects.

Lower Sind in Tharparkar and, Sanghar.

200,000 plus

(in 1987)

Grimes 2000: 590

Domaaki

(Domaski, Doma) loan words from Shina and Burushaski but not intelligible to speakers of both.

Mominabad (Hunza & Nagar)

300 plus

(in 2002)

SSNP 2: 79; Grimes 2000: 590. Personal observation in 2002.

Gawar-Bati

(Narsati, Nurisati, Gowari, Aranduiwar, Satr, Gowar-bati) 47% lexical similarity with Shumashti, 44% with Dameli, 42% with Savi and Grangali.

Southern Chitral, Arandu, Kunar river along Pakistan-Afghanistan border

1500

(in 1992)

SSNP-5: 156 Breton 1997: 200 & Grimes 2000: 591.

Ghera

(Sindhi Ghera, Bara) Quite different grammatically from Gurgula and similar to Urdu. 87% lexical similarity with Gurgula. 70% with Urdu.

Hyderabad Sindh

10,000

(in 1998)

Grimes 2000

 


MINOR LANGUAGES AND DIALECTS OF PAKISTAN

Goaria

75-83% lexical similarity with Jogi; 76-80% with Marwari sweeper; 72-78% with Marwari Meghwar; 70-78% with Loarki.

Cities of Sindh

20,000-25,000

(in 1998)

Grimes 2000: 591

Gowro

(Gabaro, Gabar Khel) 62% lexical similarity with Indus Kohistani; 60% with Bateri; 65-68% with Chilisso; 40-43% with Shina.

 

Indus Kohistan (on the eastern bank, Kolai Area, Mahrin village)

200 or less

(in 1990)

Breton 1997: 200 &

Grimes 2000: 591.

Gujari

(Gujuri, Gojri, Gogri Kashmir Gujuri, Gujuri Rajasthani) close to Hindko and related varieties of Greater Punjabi. 64-94% lexical similarity among dialects.

Swat, Dir, Northern areas, Azad Kashmir and Punjab

300,000-700,000 plus

(in 1992)

SSNP-3: 96 & Grimes 2000: 591.

Gujrati

(Gujrati)

Karachi, other parts of Sindh. Major language in India.

45,479,000 in India and 46,100,000 in all countries. Probably 100,000 in Pakistan.

Grimes 2000: 439 and 591.

 


MINOR LANGUAGES AND DIALECTS OF PAKISTAN

Gurgula

(Marwari, Ghera) 87% Lexical similarity with Ghera

Karachi, cities of Sindh

35,000

(in 1998)

Grimes 2000

Hazargi

(Hazara, Hezareh, Hezare’i) similar to Persian

Quetta and other cities of Pakistan. Also in Afghanistan.

220,000

(in 1998)

Grimes 2000: 592.

Hindko

(Hazara Hindko, Peshawar Hindko, Hindki) a variety of Greater Punjabi. Intelligible to Punjabi and Siraiki speakers.

Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Attock Districts. The inner city of Peshawar and Kohat etc.

3,000,000 in 1993 i.e. 2.4% of the population.

Grimes 2000: 592.

Jandavra

(Jhandoria) 74% lexical similarity with Bagri and Katai Meghwar, 68% with Kachi Koli.

Southern Sindh from Hyderabad to Mirpur Khas

5000

(in 1998)

Grimes 2000: 592.

Jatki

(Jatgali, Jadgali, Jat) 

Southern Balochistan and Southwest Sindh. Also in Iran.

100,000

in both countries (1998)

Grimes 2000: 592.

Kabutra

(Nat, Natra) intelligibility with Sansi and Sochi. 74% lexical similarity with Sochi.

Umarkot, Kunri, Nara Dhoro (Sindh)

1,000

(in 1998)

Grimes 2000

Kachchi

(Cutch, Kachi) similar to Sindhi.

Karachi

50,000

(in 1998)

Grimes 2000: 592.

 


MINOR LANGUAGES AND DIALECTS OF PAKISTAN

Kalami

(Bashgharik, Dir Kohistani, Bashkarik, Diri, Kohistani, Dirwali, Kalami Kohistani, Gouri, Kohistani, Bashkari, Gawri, Garwi)

Upper Swat Khoistan from Kalam to upper valleys also in Dir Kohistan

60,000-70,000

(in 1995)

Baart 1999: 4

 

Kalasha

(Kalashwar, Urtsuniwar, Kalashamon, Kalash)

Kalash Valleys (Chitral) Southern

2900-5700

(in 1992)

SSNP-5: 11; Grimes 2000: 593.

 

Kalkoti

69% lexical similarity with Kalami but Kalami speakers do not understand Kalkoti.

Dir Kohistan in Kalkot village

6000

(in 2002)

Breton 1997: 200; Zaman 2002; Grimes 2000: 593

 

Kamviri

(Skekhani, Kamdeshi, Lamertiviri, Kamik) there is a variety of Kativiri also called Skekhani.

Chitral (Southern end of Bashgal Valley)

2000

(in 1992)

SSNP-5: 143; Grimes 2000: 593.

 

Kashmiri

(Keshuri)

The Valley of Kashmir & Diaspora in Pakistan

4,391,000 in India. About 105,000 in Pakistan

(in 1993)

Breton 1997: 200; Grimes: 2000: 593

Kativiri

(Bashgali, Kati, Nuristani, Shekhani) Eastern Kativiri in Pakistan.

(Chitral) Gobar Linkah Valleys

3700-5100

(in 1992)

Grimes 2000: 593; Strand 2004.

 

MINOR LANGUAGES AND DIALECTS OF PAKISTAN

Khetrani

Similar to Siraiki but influence by Balochi

Northeast Balochistan

Few thousand

(in 1987)

Grimes 2000: 593.

Khowar

(Chitrali, Qashqari, Arniya, Patu, Kohwar, Kashkara)

Chitral, Northern areas, Ushu in northern Swat

250,000 plus (in 1993)

SSNP-5: 11 Breton 1997: 200; Grimes 2000: 593.

Kohistani

(Indus Kohistani, Dir Kohistani, Kohiste, Khili, Maiyon, Maiya, Shuthun, Mair)

 

Indus Kohistan West bank of river

220,000

(in 1993)

Grimes 2000: 594.

Koli Kachi

(Kachi, Koli,

Kachi Koli) similar to Sindhi and Gujrati (78% lexical similarity) but being influenced more by Sindhi in Pakistan. Its dialects are Rabari, Kachi Bhil, Vagri, Katai Meghwar, Zalavaria Koli and Tharadari Koli.

(Lower Sindh) around Towns of Tando Allahyar & Tando Adam also in India around the Rann of Kach.

170,000

(in 1998)

Grimes 2000: 594.

Koli Parkari

Parkari (Lexical similarity with Marwari Bhil and Tharadari) 77-83% lexical similarity with Marwari Bhil; 83% with Tharadari Koli

Lower Thar Desert

Nagar Parkar. Also in India.

30,000

(in 1980)

Grimes 2000: 594.

 

MINOR LANGUAGES AND DIALECTS OF PAKISTAN

Koli Wadiyara

(Wadiyara, Wadhiyara) intelligibility with Kachi Koli and its varieties.

Sindh in an area bounded by Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar and Mirpur Khas in the north, and Matli and Jamesabad in the South.

175,000-180,000 in Pakistan). Total in Pakistan and India 360,000 (1998).

Grimes 200: 594.

Kundal Shahi

 

Neelam Valley, Azad Kashmir

500 (in 2003)

Baart and Rehman 2003

Lasi

(Lassi) similar to Sindhi but influenced by Balochi.

Las Bela District

(south east Balochistan)

15,000

(in 1998)

Grimes 2000: 594.

Loarki

82% lexical similarity with Jogi and 80% with Marwari.

Sindh---various places

25,000

(in 1998)

Grimes 2000

Marwari

 

(Rajasthani, Meghwar, Jaiselmer, Marawar, Marwari Bhil) 79-83% lexical similarity with Dhatki; 87% between Southern and Northern Marwari; 78% Marwari Mehwar and Marwari Bhat.

Northern Marwari in South Punjab North of Dadu Nawabshah. Southern Marwari in Tando Mohammad Khan and Tando Ghulam Ali etc.

220,000

(in 1998)

Grimes 2000: 595.

Memoni

Similarities to Sindhi and Gujrati

Karachi

Unknown

Grimes 2000: 595.

 


MINOR LANGUAGES AND DIALECTS OF PAKISTAN

Od

(Odki) similarity with Marathi with some Gujrati features. Also influenced by Marwari and Punjabi 70-78% lexical similarity with Marwari, Dhatki and Bagri.

Scattered in Sindh & south Punjab

50,000

(in 1998)

Grimes 2000: 595.

Ormuri

(Buraki, Bargista) 25-33% lexical similarity with Pashto.

Kaniguram

(south Waziristan) some in Afghanistan

3000?

SSNP-4: 54

Grimes 2000: 595.

Persian

(Farsi, Madaglashti Persian in Chitral Dari, Tajik, Badakhshi and the dialects mentioned earlier). Dialects of Persian spoken in Pakistan. The standard variety is used for writing.

Balochistan, Shishikoh Valley in Chitral, Quetta, Peshawar, etc.

2000-3000

(in 1992)

SSNP-5: 11

Grimes 2000: 591.

Phalura

(Dangarik, Ashreti, Tangiri, Palula, Biyori, Phalulo) 56-58% lexical similarity with Savi; 38-42% with Shina

7 villages near Drosh, Chitral possibly 1 village in Dir Kohistan

8600

(in 1990)

SSNP-5: 11; Grimes 2000: 596.

Sansi

(Bhilki) 71% lexical similarity with Urdu; 83% with Sochi.

North-western Sindh

10,000

(in 1998)

Grimes 2000: 596

MINOR LANGUAGES AND DIALECTS OF PAKISTAN

Shina

(Sina, Shinaki, Brokpa)

Giligit, Kohistan, Baltistan and Ladakh

500,000

SSNP-2: 93; Grimes 2000: 596.

Sindhi Bhil

(Bhil) close to Sindhi. Its varieties are Mohrano, Sindhi Meghwar, Badin etc.

Badin, Matli, Thatta (Sindh)

50,000

(in 1998)

Grimes 2000: 597

Torwali

(Kohistani, Bahrain Kohistani) 44% lexical similarity with Kalkoti and Kalami.

Chail and Bahrain (Swat)

60,000

Breton 1997: 200; Lunsford 2001; Grimes 2000: 597.

Ushojo

(Ushoji) 35-50% lexical similarity with varieties of Shina.

Upper part of Bishigram Valley (Chail) in Swat

1000

(in 2002)

Zaman 2002; Grimes 2000: 597.

Vaghri

(Vaghri Koli) 78% lexical similarity with Wadiyara Koli.

Sindh many places. Also in India.

90,000 in India. 10,000 in Pakistan.

(in 1998)

Grimes 2000: 597.

Wakhi

(Kheek, Kheekwar, Wakhani, Wakhigi, Wakhan) some influence of Burushaski.

Northern ends of Hunza & Chitral

9,000 plus

(in 1992)

SSNP-2: 61; Grimes 2000: 597.

Wanetsi

(Tarino, Chalgari, Wanechi) 71-75% lexical similarity with Southern Pashto.

Harnai

(East of Quetta)

95,000

(in 1998)

SSNP-4: 51 Breton 1997: 200 Grimes 2000: 598

Yidgha

(Yidghah, Luthuhwar) 56-80% lexical similarity with Munji in Afghanistan. Also influenced by Khowar.

Upper Lutkoh Valley

(Western Chitral)

5000-6000

(in 1991)

SSNP-5: 11

Grimes 2000: 598.

STATE OF THE LANGUAGES OF PAKISTAN

This chart provides information on the availability of written material in a language, especially that which is suitable for teaching small children or illiterate adults. The names of the writers of a primers is given in the third column. The names of authors of other material has not been given.

Language

Material available

Names of writers of primers.

Aer

 

 

Badeshi

Material in standard Persian may be used.

Many primers

Bagri

 

 

Balochi

Alphabet book, primers, folktales, health books, phrase book Balochi-Urdu-English dictionary, printed books on Islamic observances, poetry, modern literature, textbooks etc.

Tan et. al. 1999; Farrell 1986;

Balti

Ancient records (Devanagari based script); Grammar, parables (Roman); verse, folksongs etc (Nastaliq script)

Hussanabadi 1990

Bateri

 

 

Bhat

 

 

Bhaya

 

 

Bhil Sindhi

Material in Sindhi may be used.

Many primers.

Brahvi

Alphabet book, primers, folktales, health books, phrase book; Brahvi-Urdu-English dictionary, printed books on Islamic observances, poetry, modern literature, textbooks etc.

Many primers.

Burushaski

Transition primer (Urdu to Burushaski), folktales, bilingual vocabulary: Burushaski-English

Nasir n.d

Chilisso

 

 

Dameli

 

 

Dehwari

 

 

 


STATE OF THE LANGUAGES OF PAKISTAN

 

Dhatki

Alphabet book, primer, transition primer, folktales, stories for children.

Das et. al. 1991; Payne 1991; various 1991

Domaaki

 

 

Gawarbati

 

 

Ghera

 

 

Goaria

 

 

Gowro

 

 

Gujari

Poetry books, short stories, songs etc.

Many primers.

Gujrati

Primers, grammars, textbooks, books etc. (in India also in computers).

Many primers.

Gurgula

 

 

Hazargi

Alphabet book, folktales, health books, proverbs, stories for children. Material in standard Persian may also be used.

HLA 1997

Hindko

Primers, literature, prose, dictionaries, magazines etc.

Akbar 1994 and other primers.

Jandavra

 

 

Jatki

Primers, word lists, grammars. Naskh/Nastaliq

Baloch 2003

Jogi

 

 

Kabutra

 

 

Kachchi

Primers of Sindhi may be used

Many primers

Kachchi (Bhil)

 

 

Kachchi (Katiawari)

 

 

Kalami

Alphabet book, transition primer, poetry books, collection of texts from Gawri writers’ workshop, proverbs, phrase dictionary Gawri-Urdu-English

KCS 2002; Sagar 2002a; Sagar 2002b; Shaheen 1989

Kalasha

Alphabet book, pre-reader, dictionary.

Akbar 1994

Kalkoti

 

 

Kamviri

 

 

Kashmiri

Primers, folktales, poetry, textbooks, other books etc. (most of this literature is in India).

Many primers.

Kativiri

 

 

STATE OF THE LANGUAGES OF PAKISTAN

 

Khetrani

 

 

Khojki

Ancient records, Ginans, old documents, primers, school textbooks, others books.

Ali 1989.

Khowar

Primers, grammar, dictionary, folktales, poetry, religious books, other popular books.

Faizi 1987

Kohistani (Indus)

 

 

Koli

(Tharadari)

 

 

Koli (Kachi)

Alphabet books, folktales, health books, stories for children, primer.

Masih and Woodland 1995.

Koli (Parkari)

Alphabet book, primer, folktales, health books, bilingual vocabulary: Parkari-English, stories for children.

Hoyle 1996; Hoyle, R 1990; Hoyle, R & Samson 1985; Hoyle, R et. al. 1990.

Koli (Wadiyara)

 

 

Kundal Shahi

 

 

Lasi

 

 

Loarki

 

 

Marwari

 

 

Memoni

Primers of Sindhi may be used

Many primers

Od

 

 

Ormuri

Primer, grammar, word list [Roman] verse, prose, grammar, word list Ormuri (Pashto script)

Barki 1999

Pashto

All kinds of textbooks and books; usable in computer. (also used in Afghanistan in some domains of power).

Many primers.

Persian

All kinds of books (usable in computer).

Many primers.

Phalura

 

 

Punjabi

Books on literature; history; textbooks etc in Nastaliq script. (All kinds of books in the Gurmukhi script in India).

Many primers.

STATE OF THE LANGUAGES OF PAKISTAN

 

Sansi

 

 

Shina

Poetry, grammar, word lists, folktales, songs, religious books etc.

Taj 1999; Zia 1986; Namus 1961; Kohistani and Schmidt 1996

Sindhi

All types of books and in the computers.

Many primers.

Sindhi Bhil

 

 

Siraiki

Ancient poetry, modern literature, magazines etc.

Mughal 1987 and other primers.

Torwali

Lexicographic work using Nastaliq is in progress.

Bashir 2002; Kareemi 1982

Urdu

All types of books and computers.

Many primers.

Vaghri

 

 

Wakhi

Primer, word list, folksongs, proverbs, word lists.

Sakhi 2000

Wanetsi

Primer, songs, folktales, word lists Nastaliq (Pashto variant)

Askar 1972

Yidgha

 

 

 


DOMAINS OF USE AND VITALITY OF THE

LANGUAGES OF PAKISTAN

Language

Domains of Use

Vitality

Source

Aer

Used in all functions within the group. Worship songs in Gujrati

Women monolingual. Men multilingual, generally in Sindhi. No evidence of language shift but shift possible to Sindhi as children go to school.

Jeffery 1999

Badeshi

Not known

Language shift to Pashto

Zaman 2002

Bagri

Used in all functions within the group. Used in weddings; to tell Jokes; in songs.

All multilingual mostly in Sindhi. No evidence of language shift.

Jeffery 1999

Balti

Used in all functions within the group. Used by teachers as informal medium of instruction for small children if they are MT speakers themselves. Also cultivated by language activists, media persons (radio announcers etc).

Some bilingualism in Urdu especially among the educated and the employed. Positive attitude to MT. Desirous of learning to read their language. No evidence of language shift.

Backstrom in SSNP-2 1992

Bhat

Not known

All multilingual mostly in Marwari.

Jeffery 1999

Bhil Sindhi

Used in traditional ceremonies and worship.

Bilingualism in Sindhi.

Jeffery 1999

Bateri

Used in all functions within the group.

Some multilingualism in Pashto and Urdu especially among the educated and those who travel on business. Positive attitude towards MT. No evidence of language shift.

Hallberg in SSNP-1 1992.

 

DOMAINS OF USE AND VITALITY OF THE

LANGUAGES OF PAKISTAN

Bhaya

Not known

Shifting to Sindhi and related to Marwari dialects.

Grimes 2000: 590 and Personal information.

Burushaski

Used in all functions within the group. Used by teachers as informal medium of instruction. Also cultivated by language activists, media persons etc.

Increasing bilingualism in Urdu and English however, the language is being maintained desirous of learning Urdu and English but expressing positive feelings for MT.

Backstrom in SSNP-2 1992

Chilisso

Many speakers do not use the language even at home.

Bilingualism in Shina. Language shift to Shina in progress. People want their children to learn Shina and Urdu.

Hallberg in SSNP-1 1992.

Dameli

Spoken by older people at home but younger people use other languages also.

Multilingualism in Pashto and Khowar. However, positive attitude to MT is expressed. Possibility of language shift to Pashto.

Decker in SSNP-5 1992.

Dehwari

Not known

Influenced by Brahvi

Grimes 2000: 590.

Dhatki

Used by the Malhi group for all functions. Urdu and Sindhi used for songs

Multilingualism in many languages.

Jeffrey 1999.

Domaaki

Possibly used by very few elderly people with each other. Most people do not know it.

Language shift to Burushaki is complete with no hope of reversal.

Backstrom in SSNP-2 1992

 


DOMAINS OF USE AND VITALITY OF THE

LANGUAGES OF PAKISTAN

Gawar-Bati

Used for all functions within the group.

Multilingualism in Pashto and to a lesser extent in Khowar. Positive attitude to MT. However, the language is under pressure by Pashto.

Decker in SSNP-5 1992

Ghera

Used for all functions within the group.

Multilingualism in Sindhi and Urdu.

Getting influenced by both.

Jeffrey 1999

Goaria

Used for all functions within the group. Hindi used in worship. Children use Sindhi and Urdu.

Multilingualism in many languages. Children use Sindhi or Urdu with outsiders.

Jeffery 1999

Gowro

Still spoken by the older people but younger people mix it with Shina and sometimes speak only Shina.

Bilingualism in Shina. Language shift to Shina in progress.

Hallberg in SSNP-1 1992; Zaman 2004

Gujari

Used in some communities but not among in Gujars settled in the Punjab and Azad Kashmir. Language activists are creating literature in the language. Songs, music and other things are broadcast from the radio and there is a TV programme from India.

Multilingualism in many languages and especially Urdu among the educated. In the NWFP, Northern areas and parts of Azad Kashmir the language is maintained. In the Punjab and near Muzaffarabad and Mirpur there is language shift to the local languages. Educated people use Urdu.

Hallberg and O’ Leary in SSNP-3 1992

 


DOMAINS OF USE AND VITALITY OF THE

LANGUAGES OF PAKISTAN

Gujrati

Used for conversation within the family but younger people are switching to Urdu or English (depending on socio-economic class). All kinds of literature exists. Used in the media and in the state of Gujrat in India.

Multilingualism in Urdu and English as well as other languages. Language shift to Urdu and English is in progress at least in Pakistan.

Field research in Karachi.

Gurgula

Language used within community is strong.

Multilingual in many language.

Jeffery 1999

Hazargi

Used in the group for all functions.

Multilingualism with Pashto, Balochi and Persian. Language is under pressure.

 

Jatki

Not known

Not known

-

Jandavra

Private.

People proud of their language.

Jeffery 1999

Jogi

Used in the group for all functions.

Women slightly bilingual in Sindhi. Men preficent in Sindhi.

Jeffery 1999

Kabutra

Used in the group for all functions.

Multilingual in many languages. Positive attitude and pride in language. No shift.

Jeffery 1999

Kachchi (Bhil)

Used in the group for all functions.

Bilingualism in Sindhi. Being rural it is maintained at presest shift to Sindhi going on.

Jeffery 1999

Kachchi (Katiawari)

Used by older people in some domains.

Shift to Sindhi going on.

Jeffery 1999

Koli Kachi

Used for all functions within the group.

Multilingualism in Sindhi but language being maintained.

Grainger & Grainger 1980: 42

 


DOMAINS OF USE AND VITALITY OF THE

LANGUAGES OF PAKISTAN

Koli Parkari

Used for all functions within the group.

Multilingualism in Sindhi but language being maintained.

Grainger & Grainger 1980: 42

Koli Wadiyara

Used for all functions within the group.

Multilingualism in Sindhi but language being maintained.

Jeffery 1999

Koli

Tharadari

Used for all functions within the group.

Men Multilingual in many languages. Women and children maintain the language

Jeffery 1999

Kalami

Used for all functions within the group.

Widespread bilingualism in Pashto. Educated people also know Urdu. Attitude towards MT positive and no language shift is observed.

Rensch in SSNP-1 1992

Kalasha

Used for all functions within the group.

Positive attitude to MT but those who convert to Islam shift to Khowar or the language of the spouse. Some multilingualism in Khowar and Urdu because of tourism and education. The language is under pressure and there is a possibility of language shift.

Decker in SSNP-5 1992.

Kalkoti

-

Kalami used is a second language. Most people also speak Pashto.

Grimes 2000: 593.

Kamviri

Used for all function within the group.

Multilingualism in Pashto and surrounding languages. Positive attitude to MT but under pressure by Pashto.

Decker in SSNP-5 1992.

 


DOMAINS OF USE AND VITALITY OF THE

LANGUAGES OF PAKISTAN

Kashmiri

Small diaspora in Pakistan but used for all function within the Valley of Kashmir held by India. All kinds of literature available. Used in media and in teaching etc. Also taught at university level.

Multilingualism with Urdu and the local languages. Language shift in progress in Pakistan but is maintained in India.

Aziz 1983; Bukhari 2000.

Kativiri

Used in all functions within the group.

Positive attitude towards the MT but men multilingual in Pashto and surrounding languages. Difficult to predict language shift.

Decker in SSNP-5 1992.

Khetrani

 

 

 

Khowar

Used in all domains in the group. Used by teachers as informal medium of instruction for small children if they are MT speakers themselves. Also cultivated by language activists, media persons (radio, TV announcers etc).

Some bilingualism in Pashto, local languages and Urdu, the last especially among the educated and the employed. Positive attitude to MT. Desirous of learning to read their language. No language shift observed.

Decker in SSNP-5 1992.

Kohistani (Indus)

Used for all functions within the group.

Multilingualism in Pashto and Shina is not common even among them. Positive attitude towards MT. People want it as a medium of instruction for small children. No language shift is observed.

Hallberg in SSNP-1 1992.

 


DOMAINS OF USE AND VITALITY OF THE

LANGUAGES OF PAKISTAN

Koli (Kachi)

Probably used in the group

Bilingualism in Sindhi.

Jeffrey 1999; Grimes 2000: 594.

Koli Parkari

Not known

Bilingualism in Sindhi but language being maintained.

Grimes 2000: 594.

Kundal Shahi

Used only by the elderly in the family. No longer used by children.

Language shift to local language and Urdu in progress.

Baart and Abdurehman 2003.

Lasi

Not known

Not known

-

Loarki

Used for all functions within the Loar group

Multilingualism in Sindhi and some knowledge of Urdu.

Jeffery 1999

Marwari

(Southern)

Used in all domains of the group.

Multilingualism in Sindhi.

 

Memoni

Probably used by older speakers in the group as spoken language.

Most speakers are educated and multilingual in Sindhi, Urdu and Gujrati. The language is shifting to these three languages.

Grimes 2000: 595.

Od

Used in some Od communities while others use local languages.

Multilingualism in surrounding languages. Language shift in progress in this iterant community.

Grainger & Grainger 1980: 31

Ormuri

Used for most functions in the Kaniguram area. Words of Pashto are common among young people.

Bilingualism with Pashto. Though positive attitude to MT is expressed, language shift to Pashto is visible.

Hallberg in SSNP-4 1992: Barki PC 2000.

Persian

Used for speaking in different groups.

Standard Persian is used if written.

Personal observation.

 


DOMAINS OF USE AND VITALITY OF THE

LANGUAGES OF PAKISTAN

Phalura

Used at home. Used informally by teachers.

Multilingualism in Khowar, Pashto and Urdu. Language shift to Khowar in evidence. However, ethnic Kalasha have shifted to Phalura in some areas. Vitality picture mixed.

Decker in SSNP-5 1992.

Rabari

Used in all domains of the group.

Being maintained.

Jeffery 1999

Sansi

Used for worship and weddings.

Multilingualism in Sindhi and slightly in Urdu and Siraiki. No language shift observed.

Jeffery 1999

Shina

Used in all domains in the group. Used by teachers as informal medium of instruction for small children if they are MT speakers themselves. Also cultivated by language activists, media persons (radio announcers etc).

Considerable bilingualism in Urdu especially among the educated and the employed. Positive attitude to MT. Ambivalent about learning to read their language. No language shift observed. However, there is pressure of Urdu.

Backstrom in SSNP-2 1992

Sochi

Used in singing, weddings and telling stories.

Multilingualism in Sindhi and slightly in Urdu.

Jeffery 1999

Torwali

Not known

Men bilingual in Pashto but language being maintained.

Grimes 2000: 597

Ushojo

(Ushuji)

Used at home at least by the older speakers. There is much mixing of Pashto.

Multilingualism in Pashto and Torwali but educated people know Urdu. Young people who know the MT use Pashto in some areas. Language is under threat from Pashto. Language vitality is varied and mixed.

Decker in SSNP-1 1992

 


DOMAINS OF USE AND VITALITY OF THE

LANGUAGES OF PAKISTAN

Vaghri

Used in private domains.

Bilingualism in Sindhi. Positive attitude to the language in spite of pressures.

Jeffery 1999

Wakhi

Used in all domains of the group. Language activists and radio broadcasters also cultivate it.

Bilingualism with Urdu among younger, educated people. Also knowledge of Burushaski. Positive attitude towards MT. Desirous of learning the written language in school. However, the language is under pressure from Urdu.

Backstrom in SSNP-2 1992

Wanetsi (Waneci)

Used in private domains but those who live in cities do not use it.

Bilingualism with Pashto. Positive attitude towards MT. However, under pressure from Pashto.

Hallberg in SSNP-4 1992. Askar n.d.

Yidgha

Used for in group functions. Used informally by teachers and for explaining religious texts.

Multilingualism in Khowar and sometimes Urdu, Persian and Bashgali. Language shift to Khowar in evidence.

Decker in SSNP-5 1992.