DIGITALIZING INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES IN BALOCHISTAN: POLITICAL DIMENSIONS OF IDENTITY AND INCLUSION

Abstract

The digitalization of indigenous languages is both a linguistic and political challenge in multilingual societies. In Balochistan, languages such as Pashto, Brahui, and Balochi are central to identity formation, cultural continuity, and democratic participation. This paper employs a qualitative methodology, combining thematic analysis of interviews, community narratives, and policy documents, to investigate how internet technologies, AI-assisted translation tools, and grassroots initiatives can strengthen language rights and civic life. To integrate a linguistic dimension, the study examines script standardization, orthographic diversity, and the development of digital corpora as mechanisms for sustaining language vitality. It also highlights barriers including weak technological infrastructure, policy neglect, and socio-economic inequalities that restrict equitable access. Framed within broader debates on governance, inclusion, and conflict resolution, the paper argues that innovative digital strategies are essential not only for the survival of indigenous languages but also for fostering political consciousness, cultural resilience, and social cohesion