Language is a way for people to communicate, express themselves, play, imagine, and release emotions. It is not just a tool for communication but also represents the identity, history, traditions, and culture of its speakers
"When a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language it is as if they had the key to their prison." Alphonse Daudet says in a life story.
Language is a way for people to communicate, express themselves, play, imagine, and release emotions. It is not just a tool for communication but also represents the identity, history, traditions, and culture of its speakers. Kashmiri is the primary language spoken by most people in the India's Kashmir valley, as well as in the Chenab valley and Azad Kashmir. It holds a significant cultural and historical value for the people of Kashmir. Despite this, there is a concerning trend among the younger generation who are gradually shifting towards Urdu and English & other languages as well neglecting their rich cultural heritage and identity associated with their mother tongue, Kashmiri.
Rehman Rahi a famous Kashmir poet says that we must learn the English language but cautions in the same breath: if there's no Kashmiri language, there will be no Kashmiri, and hence there will be no Kashmir.
Former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela once quoted that “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head, if you talk to him in his mother language that goes to his heart.”
Kashmiri Language: A Crucial Element of Kashmiri Identity
Kashmiri serves as the main language spoken by the majority in the Kashmir region of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It holds a place as one of the twenty-two officially recognized languages listed in the 8th schedule of the Indian constitution. As per the 2011 census, approximately 7 million individuals in the former state of Jammu and Kashmir communicate in the Kashmiri language. Classified as an Indo-Aryan language, Kashmiri falls under the Dardic subgroup of the Indo-Aryan language family. The language is enriched by a vibrant cultural and literary history; however, the younger demographics have increasingly shown a preference for English and Urdu, often disregarding their native tongue. This poses a significant concern for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, who are eager to preserve their mother tongue, Kashmiri, from the looming threat of extinction. The ongoing trend risks not only the language itself but also the accompanying cultural and literary legacy and the linguistic identity of the Kashmiri people.
The attitude of the younger generation toward the Kashmiri language
India is a country with multiple languages, where people communicate in various languages from different families. While there is diversity within unity, several factors in society threaten our cultural and linguistic richness. Globalization presents one of the largest challenges, becoming a significant danger to local cultures and languages worldwide. The global language, English, has emerged as a common means of communication among people from diverse languages and cultures. This language has transformed various fields, yet we cannot overlook the significance of one’s mother tongue and local traditions. The Kashmiri language has a rich history of interaction with several languages like Persian, Sanskrit, Urdu, Arabic, and English. Over time, these languages have contributed to the development of Kashmiri, but Urdu and English have increasingly started to overshadow the local languages, including Kashmiri. In Kashmir, the youth are gravitating towards Urdu and English, leaving their own mother tongue, Kashmiri, behind. If this trend continues, it won’t be long before the Kashmiri language is listed among those at risk of extinction. Various factors contribute to this shift from Kashmiri to English. One key reason is that parents often feel embarrassed when their children converse in Kashmiri instead of Urdu or English, as English is perceived in Kashmir as a crucial indicator of social standing, income, esteem, and job opportunities. Numerous schools in Kashmir forbid students from speaking in Kashmiri, allowing only Urdu and English for communication. These factors, among others within Kashmiri society, have led the newer generation to develop a negative view of the Kashmiri language, while they are quickly adapting to learning Urdu and English.
In 2013 a study revealed that 95% of Kashmiri literate individuals cannot read or write in the Kashmiri language, with less than 5% fluently reading it. This results in cultural illiteracy, with fewer comfortable with the highly sankritized or Persianized language of Kashmiri poetry. Females are shifting from Kashmiri to Urdu and English, believing English is the global language of opportunities. It's time for Kashmiri people to preserve their cultural heritage.
Problems Regarding the Teaching of Kashmiri Language
Administrative policies are crucial for language preservation and development, but the Kashmiri language has been given less priority by the rulers of Jammu and Kashmir. Political parties have not mentioned planning and development for the Kashmiri language. The government introduced the language as a compulsory subject, but full support and planning are needed for grass-roots implementation. The government must support educational, cultural, and non-government organizations for the preservation and protection of the Kashmiri language.The development of reading and writing skills among Kashmiri students is a major issue, as teachers often lack Kashmiri background. The government, parents, schools, and cultural organizations should organize activities to develop the taste of Kashmiri language among younger generations. Flexible rules, continuous professional development, workshops, and parental encouragement are crucial for promoting the language among Kashmiri students.
Conclusion
Losing one’s native language equates to losing one’s identity. The Kashmiri language is not just a means of communication for the people of Kashmir; it is deeply intertwined with their rich cultural heritage and serves as a core aspect of their identity. The current situation regarding the Kashmiri language is alarming as the younger generation is swiftly moving towards Urdu and English. This trend raises significant concerns for the Kashmiris and their valuable cultural and linguistic legacy.
There are several factors contributing to this shift, including the negative perception the youth of Kashmir have towards their native language.
1.Many young people prefer English and Urdu, believing that proficiency in English opens doors to opportunities and secures their futures. However, they seem oblivious to the reality that they are disconnecting themselves from their history, literature, and traditions, thereby losing their linguistic and cultural identity.
2.The government also plays a crucial role in the decline of the Kashmiri language due to its inadequate support and lack of promotion for the language. Students show reluctance to learn Kashmiri, influenced by their negative views, alongside a shortage of qualified teachers to instruct in Kashmiri in schools. It is essential for the government to employ teachers with expertise in the Kashmiri language.
4.Social and cultural organizations, including the Kashmiri Language Union (KLU), have a responsibility to host seminars and conferences that raise awareness about the significance of their mother tongue, Kashmiri, among the populace of Jammu and Kashmir. Various government agencies can organize cultural events to foster an appreciation for Kashmiri among the younger generation.
5.Additionally, parents need to encourage their children to converse in Kashmiri, ensuring that the language and its associated identity remain vibrant within the our community.
Email:--------------------------aariffarooqnajar@gmail.com
Language is a way for people to communicate, express themselves, play, imagine, and release emotions. It is not just a tool for communication but also represents the identity, history, traditions, and culture of its speakers
"When a people are enslaved, as long as they hold fast to their language it is as if they had the key to their prison." Alphonse Daudet says in a life story.
Language is a way for people to communicate, express themselves, play, imagine, and release emotions. It is not just a tool for communication but also represents the identity, history, traditions, and culture of its speakers. Kashmiri is the primary language spoken by most people in the India's Kashmir valley, as well as in the Chenab valley and Azad Kashmir. It holds a significant cultural and historical value for the people of Kashmir. Despite this, there is a concerning trend among the younger generation who are gradually shifting towards Urdu and English & other languages as well neglecting their rich cultural heritage and identity associated with their mother tongue, Kashmiri.
Rehman Rahi a famous Kashmir poet says that we must learn the English language but cautions in the same breath: if there's no Kashmiri language, there will be no Kashmiri, and hence there will be no Kashmir.
Former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela once quoted that “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head, if you talk to him in his mother language that goes to his heart.”
Kashmiri Language: A Crucial Element of Kashmiri Identity
Kashmiri serves as the main language spoken by the majority in the Kashmir region of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It holds a place as one of the twenty-two officially recognized languages listed in the 8th schedule of the Indian constitution. As per the 2011 census, approximately 7 million individuals in the former state of Jammu and Kashmir communicate in the Kashmiri language. Classified as an Indo-Aryan language, Kashmiri falls under the Dardic subgroup of the Indo-Aryan language family. The language is enriched by a vibrant cultural and literary history; however, the younger demographics have increasingly shown a preference for English and Urdu, often disregarding their native tongue. This poses a significant concern for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, who are eager to preserve their mother tongue, Kashmiri, from the looming threat of extinction. The ongoing trend risks not only the language itself but also the accompanying cultural and literary legacy and the linguistic identity of the Kashmiri people.
The attitude of the younger generation toward the Kashmiri language
India is a country with multiple languages, where people communicate in various languages from different families. While there is diversity within unity, several factors in society threaten our cultural and linguistic richness. Globalization presents one of the largest challenges, becoming a significant danger to local cultures and languages worldwide. The global language, English, has emerged as a common means of communication among people from diverse languages and cultures. This language has transformed various fields, yet we cannot overlook the significance of one’s mother tongue and local traditions. The Kashmiri language has a rich history of interaction with several languages like Persian, Sanskrit, Urdu, Arabic, and English. Over time, these languages have contributed to the development of Kashmiri, but Urdu and English have increasingly started to overshadow the local languages, including Kashmiri. In Kashmir, the youth are gravitating towards Urdu and English, leaving their own mother tongue, Kashmiri, behind. If this trend continues, it won’t be long before the Kashmiri language is listed among those at risk of extinction. Various factors contribute to this shift from Kashmiri to English. One key reason is that parents often feel embarrassed when their children converse in Kashmiri instead of Urdu or English, as English is perceived in Kashmir as a crucial indicator of social standing, income, esteem, and job opportunities. Numerous schools in Kashmir forbid students from speaking in Kashmiri, allowing only Urdu and English for communication. These factors, among others within Kashmiri society, have led the newer generation to develop a negative view of the Kashmiri language, while they are quickly adapting to learning Urdu and English.
In 2013 a study revealed that 95% of Kashmiri literate individuals cannot read or write in the Kashmiri language, with less than 5% fluently reading it. This results in cultural illiteracy, with fewer comfortable with the highly sankritized or Persianized language of Kashmiri poetry. Females are shifting from Kashmiri to Urdu and English, believing English is the global language of opportunities. It's time for Kashmiri people to preserve their cultural heritage.
Problems Regarding the Teaching of Kashmiri Language
Administrative policies are crucial for language preservation and development, but the Kashmiri language has been given less priority by the rulers of Jammu and Kashmir. Political parties have not mentioned planning and development for the Kashmiri language. The government introduced the language as a compulsory subject, but full support and planning are needed for grass-roots implementation. The government must support educational, cultural, and non-government organizations for the preservation and protection of the Kashmiri language.The development of reading and writing skills among Kashmiri students is a major issue, as teachers often lack Kashmiri background. The government, parents, schools, and cultural organizations should organize activities to develop the taste of Kashmiri language among younger generations. Flexible rules, continuous professional development, workshops, and parental encouragement are crucial for promoting the language among Kashmiri students.
Conclusion
Losing one’s native language equates to losing one’s identity. The Kashmiri language is not just a means of communication for the people of Kashmir; it is deeply intertwined with their rich cultural heritage and serves as a core aspect of their identity. The current situation regarding the Kashmiri language is alarming as the younger generation is swiftly moving towards Urdu and English. This trend raises significant concerns for the Kashmiris and their valuable cultural and linguistic legacy.
There are several factors contributing to this shift, including the negative perception the youth of Kashmir have towards their native language.
1.Many young people prefer English and Urdu, believing that proficiency in English opens doors to opportunities and secures their futures. However, they seem oblivious to the reality that they are disconnecting themselves from their history, literature, and traditions, thereby losing their linguistic and cultural identity.
2.The government also plays a crucial role in the decline of the Kashmiri language due to its inadequate support and lack of promotion for the language. Students show reluctance to learn Kashmiri, influenced by their negative views, alongside a shortage of qualified teachers to instruct in Kashmiri in schools. It is essential for the government to employ teachers with expertise in the Kashmiri language.
4.Social and cultural organizations, including the Kashmiri Language Union (KLU), have a responsibility to host seminars and conferences that raise awareness about the significance of their mother tongue, Kashmiri, among the populace of Jammu and Kashmir. Various government agencies can organize cultural events to foster an appreciation for Kashmiri among the younger generation.
5.Additionally, parents need to encourage their children to converse in Kashmiri, ensuring that the language and its associated identity remain vibrant within the our community.
Email:--------------------------aariffarooqnajar@gmail.com
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