Shina Language at Risk: A Sociolinguistic Study from Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Abstract

Indigenous languages are becoming more and more of a worry in Pakistan, especially in places like Gilgit-Baltistan, where there are many different languages but not much importance.   This study looks at the sociolinguistic decline of the Shina language, which is a major language in Gilgit-Baltistan and is in danger of going extinct.   We chose twenty native Shina speakers from different parts of Gilgit-Baltistan to take part in semi-structured interviews that used qualitative data.   Long-term residents talked about their experiences, how they saw things, and how they used language.   The recordings were written down and then looked at using thematic analysis.   The results show that more and more young people are choosing Urdu and English since they are common in schools, the media, and the workplace.   On the other hand, Shina is slowly becoming less common in casual and home settings.   Because it is not officially recognised, is not taught in schools, and is not covered by the mainstream media, this language has been pushed to the side.   Shina speakers' feelings about their language show that they think their culture is fading away and that they need to protect their linguistic heritage.   The study suggests steps that can be taken to protect languages, such as bilingual education policies, community-led revitalisation projects, digital documentation efforts, and local governments playing an active role in promoting languages.   This study shows how social and political influences affect language evolution in Gilgit-Baltistan.   To protect Shina as an important part of the region's culture, immediate action at the policy level is needed.