Impact of Climate Disasters
Climate disasters, such as the devastating 2010 floods, have had a severe impact on local languages in northern Pakistan. Inam Torwali, a Torwali-Kohistani lexicographer, recalls how the floods led to large-scale migration from the mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This displacement has resulted in significant changes to the use of the Torwali language, with many young migrants now speaking dialects influenced by dominant languages such as Pashto, Punjabi, and Urdu.
Challenges Faced by Mountain Communities
Northern Pakistan is home to over 30 endangered languages, spoken by small populations often in the low thousands. The region’s rugged terrain makes these communities particularly susceptible to climate-induced disasters. For instance, Chitral district, which has over 500 glaciers, has experienced numerous glacial outburst floods (GLOFs) in recent years. These events have displaced many residents, leading to the loss of linguistic and cultural practices. In 2018, the displacement of Wakhi-speaking families from Badswat village in Gilgit-Baltistan to Gilgit city resulted in a shift from their native language to Shina or Urdu.
Cultural and Linguistic Erosion
The displacement caused by these disasters not only affects language use but also leads to the erosion of cultural practices. Fakhruddin Akhunzada, director of the Forum for Language Initiative, notes that the languages of these communities evolved in specific environments rich in natural resources like livestock, farming, rivers, and forests. As people move away from these environments, they lose their cultural ties and traditional practices, which further diminishes the value and use of their native languages.
Role of Women in Language Preservation
Dr. Rubina Sethi, a retired teacher, highlights the crucial role women play in preserving languages within the home. However, the lack of utility of these languages outside the home environment compels children to adopt dominant languages. This shift reduces the intergenerational transmission of native languages and contributes to their gradual decline.
Need for Policy Integration
Addressing the impact of climate change on language loss requires comprehensive policies. Dr. Owais Ahmad from the University of Peshawar emphasizes that climate change is a major driver of migration in northern Pakistan. To mitigate the erosion of cultural heritage, researchers suggest integrating language preservation into climate change adaptation strategies. Amjid Saleem from the University of Peshawar advocates for including smaller languages in educational curriculums to support migrating families and preserve their cultural heritage.