Undocumented languages never survive: MPA
CHITRAL: PPP MPA Saleem Khan said he did whatever was important when he was provincial cabinet minister to preserve the endangered languages in KP province and still ready to play his role for the task. He was speaking as president at Project Launching Ceremony from Forum for Language Initiatives (FLI).
The ceremony, which was well attended by community leaders, local writers, vernacular dialect reps, media men was held at luxurious Pamir Riverside Inn Chitral. USAID Small Grants and Ambassador’s Program is being implemented by FLI for documentation for three local languages named as Yidgha, Gowarbhati, Dameli and Ushujo spoken in various parts of the district which are placed in the rank of endangered languages. Mr. Saleem offered all his services for cooperation with regards to curriculum development and inclusion of local languages so that young generation could go with their mother tongue.
Earlier, in program introduction of FLI along with its goals and achievement relating to development of languages documentation was presented. Mr. Farid Ahmed Raza, Director MIER spoke of Status of Languages, spoken in Chitral and presented an overview on their lives and doings. Speaking at the occasion, language documentation expert, Mr. Inamullah said before FLI took the task of promotion of mother tongue issue in 2003, people used to shy away from communicating in their mother tongue but, according to him the scenario was quietly, if not completely changed now.
While shedding lights on languages to be documented under the project he was highly optimistic and said the languages are very likely to live. Ms. Fozia Bibi, MPA from Chitral who is part of the current provincial government was the chief guest on the occasion who offered same services for FLI and pledged to support any effort taken for preservation of local languages specially those ranked in Endangered List. ‘I will be there and I will extend my helping hand in this regard’, she resolved. Dr. Inayatullah Faizi who represented writer’s community in the program gave a beautiful oration in accordance with theme.
He stressed for government support for preservation of local languages and specially curriculum development and demanded present government to fulfil works of the previous set up in Peshawar. He was of the view that No Language could be Tagged Small by counting its speakers. Dr. Faizi hailed services of former minister Mr. Saleem and placed expectation for Ms. Fozia with the same zeal to show.
The ceremony was addressed by representatives of various languages who also presented their progress report on preservation of their concerned languages. Mr. Fakharuddin, Director FLI highlighted services done by his organization while Mr. Mohd Zaman Sagar thanked the honourable guests and attendants. Mr. Tanveerulmulk and Ms. Khadija Sardar also gave their brief opinion.