Badeshi: One of the Dying Languages of Pakistan
Languages are an essential part of human civilization. They are the medium through which we communicate with each other, express our thoughts, and understand each other's cultures. Pakistan is a land of diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. However, with the advent of globalization and modernization, some of these languages are on the verge of extinction. Badeshi is one such language that is dying in Pakistan, and its preservation is becoming increasingly important.
Badeshi is a language spoken in the Bishigram Valley, Chail, Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. As per database of Ethnologue, Badeshi has approximately 20,00 speakers worldwide. However, the actual number of speakers is believed to be much less, and the language is considered endangered. According to Ethnologue Badeshi is considered an extinct language. However, there have been reports of a few people still speaking the language. The preservation and documentation of these speakers and their knowledge of the language are crucial to understanding and reviving the language in any possible way.
Being a linguist my initial work in developing a text editor for Badeshi is an important step towards the preservation of the language. The availability of such technology will make it easier for people to communicate in Badeshi and promote its use in digital communication. It's also a significant achievement that the software can be used on multiple platforms, increasing its accessibility to more users. Efforts like RAChitrali's are essential in preserving endangered languages. Technology plays a significant role in language preservation, as it provides tools to record and document languages that are on the verge of extinction. It is important to recognize and support such efforts as they provide hope for the survival and continued use of Badeshi and other endangered languages.
Historical Background
Badeshi is believed to be a mixture of several languages spoken in
the region. It has borrowed words from Pashto, Urdu, Khowar, Torwali and other
sister languages spoken in the area, which indicates the influence of the
Islamic and khow culture in the region. Bishigram and Chail, the valleys where
Badeshi is spoken, has a rich history and culture. It was once an independent
state and was ruled by the Wali, a title given to the ruler of Swat. The Wali
was responsible for maintaining the local language and culture, and during
their reign, Badeshi flourished.
Language Family
Badeshi belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family. This language
family includes many languages spoken in South Asia, such as Hindi, Punjabi,
and Bengali. Badeshi has several dialects, including the east of Madyan and Kohistan
dialects. These dialects differ in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.
RAChtirali's Keyboard Software for Badeshi.
The preservation of endangered languages is becoming increasingly
important. Several organizations and individuals are working to preserve these
languages and promote their use. In this regard, I have developed a keyboard
software for Badeshi language. The keyboard software allows users to type in
Badeshi using the standard keyboard. Before the development of this software,
typing in Badeshi was a cumbersome process, as it required using a non-standard
keyboard. The development of this software is a significant step towards the
preservation of the language, as it will make it easier for Badeshi speakers to
communicate in their language.
Language Policy of the Government of Pakistan
The government of Pakistan has a language policy that recognizes
Urdu as the national language and promotes its use. However, the policy also
recognizes the importance of regional languages and their preservation. The
policy states that the government will take steps to promote the use of
regional languages in education, media, and administration. Despite this
policy, the government has been criticized for not doing enough to promote the
use of regional languages.
Future of Badeshi
The future of Badeshi is uncertain, as the language is on the verge
of extinction. The younger generation in Bishigram, Chail is increasingly using
Pashto, Urdu and English, and the use of Badeshi is declining. However, the
efforts of organizations and individuals, such as Khowar Academy, are providing
hope for the preservation of the language.
To preserve the language, it is essential to promote its use in education, media, and administration. The government should take steps to include Badeshi in the education system, as this will help to promote its use and increase awareness of its importance. Similarly, media outlets should promote the use of Badeshi, and local administration should use the language in official communications.
It's heartening to see that despite the language being on the verge of extinction, there are still people who value and use Badeshi. The documentation and preservation of the language through recordings and other forms of media can help keep it alive and available for future generations to learn and appreciate.
* Rehmat Aziz Khan Chitrali is a Public Peace Prize Laureate, Gold Medalist, World Record Holder Linguist, Researcher from Chitral Pakistan. He can be reached at rachitrali@gmail.com or Whatsapp +923365114595
