Language is one of the most important parts of any culture.

It is the way by which people communicate

with one another, build relationships, and create a sense of community. Language helps us in our
interpersonal relationships at home and at work. Cultural identity is heavily dependent on a number of
factors including ethnicity, gender, geographic location, religion, language etc.

To socialize, language is the most important tool to further the process. A society in which people can
relate with each other via language, they start building association. This is how language has proved to
be symbolic in building modern nation-states.

‘Man is a social animal,’ Aristotle

Urdu, an Indo-Aryan language, started developing in north India around 12 th century. It was heavily
influenced by Arabic and Persian, as well as Turkish.

In 1837, Urdu was chosen by the British East India Company as the language to replace Persian across
northern India during Company rule;

Urdu was exclusively attributed to be the language of Muslims of the Sub-continent. They faced many
challenges for the survival of Urdu during the Movement of Independence.

After independence, Urdu was declared to be the National Language of Pakistan.

Its first major poet was Amir Khosrow (1253–1325), also known as the father of Urdu literature,
composed dohas (couplets), folk songs, and riddles in the newly formed speech, then called Hindvi.

• On the UN’s Human Development Index 2020 rankings, Pakistan was rated 154 th out of 189
countries, putting it towards the bottom of the medium development category;

• The role of the medium of instruction in education is a key factor (SNC). Top economies of the
world have each adopted their national language as the medium of instruction at all levels of
education;

• It fosters unity and eradicates social divide- class system;

• Upheld Hindi-Urdu Controversy and supported ‘Two-Nation Theory’;

• Associated with Pakistan Movement- Aligarh center of Urdu;

• Rich literary background; and

• Quran translated into Urdu

• Sindhi is one of the important regional language of Pakistan. It appears that Sindhi was spoken
in the Indus Delta from time immemorial. It is said that the language of the people of Moen-jo-
Daro contained elements of present era Sindhi language.

• The origin of this language is not exactly known. However, travelers like Al-Beruni have told us
about the original script of the language. Chach Nama is an authentic document that proves that
the dialect of Sindhi language was the same in the 12th century, as it is today.

• Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and

• Sachal Sarmast are famous poets.

• Baluchi is the regional language of Baluchistan. It is the least developed of all the regional
languages. It was spread by Baluchi tribes that migrated from Iran. Literature produced by
earlier poets is not in records, as it was preserved traditionally in the memories of the people.
No newspapers or books were published in Baluchi up till 1940. After partition, however Baluchi
literature received a little boost. It was due to the efforts made by various organizations and due
to establishment of TV stations. At present, Baluchi literature is on the road to development. For
e.g. Jam Darag, Shah Mureed

• Pushto is the regional language of the N.W.F.P. and tribal areas. It belongs to the East Iranian
group of languages and contains many Persian, Arabic, Greek and Pehlevi words.

• Although Pushto is an old language but its literature is a new one. After independence
education spread rapidly and Pushto literature received a great boost. The Pushto Academy
Peshawar, some other literary societies and educational institutions such as Islamia College
Peshawar helped develop Pushto literature.

• Famous Pushto Poets:

• Some of the well known poets of Pushto language are:

• Amir Karoro

• Khushal Khan Khatak

• Punjabi is the language of the province 'Punjab'. It has different dialects in different parts of
Punjab like 'Saraiki' and 'Potohari'. But the basic language remains the same.

• Panjabi is rich in mystical and romantic poetry. It is highly imaginative and artistic exquisite
literature.

Past paper questions

• Explain the choice of Urdu in 1947 as the national language of Pakistan. [7]

• ‘Punjabi has been promoted more than any other Pakistani regional language between 1947 and
1999.’ Give reasons why you might agree and disagree with this statement. [14]

• How has the Pakistan government promoted the development of Balochi since 1947? [4]

• Why have regional languages been promoted by the Pakistan government since 1947? [7]

• Has the promotion of Urdu been more successful than that of any regional language in Pakistan
between 1947 and 1988? Explain your answer. [14]