Sindhi language: Its developments and challenges
For PMS Sindh Essay Paper. Written by: Paras Mahesar (47th CTP, OMG).
Sindhi language: Its developments and challenges
INTRODUCTION : This paper discusses the importance of Sindhi language and its origins. It also analyses the effects of media and the challenges faced by the language. On paper, it has been argued that Sindhi has remained the major source of expression for the people of Sindh and it has occupied a prominent place in the public sphere. The system of sounds and words used by humans to express their thoughts and feelings is called language. Through the medium of language, people express their feelings and sentiments. Language enables us to transmit ideas and experiences. In additions, attitudes, ideas and values can be transferred to generations by means of language. Culture cannot exist in any society without the use of language as a medium of expression. Historically, Sindh is one of the most ancient regions of Pakistan. Study of the archaeological site of Mohenjodaro indicates that the Indus civilization was the sister of Egyptian and Mesopotamian Civilization. The word Sindh, in turn, is derived from the river Indus which has remained the major source of drinking and irrigation water for people of Sindh for centuries. In the nineteenth century, the river Indus was used as a major source for trade and commerce as well. Sindhi language is mainly spoken in Sindh. It is used for the purpose of promoting cultural values, developing literature and for imparting education. Thus, the language is being taught at school, college and university level. In major public sector universities of Sindh, dedicated departments have been established for conducting research and teaching in the field of Sindhi language and literature. In order to promote Sindhi language and literature, Sindhi Language Authority has also been established. The purpose of this institution is to promote and develop Sindhi language. It organizes conferences and seminars about various aspects of language and literature. This institution also publishes books in Sindhi and also arranges workshops for those who wish to expand their reading, wring and speaking skills. Sindhi language has acquired immense significance. Novelists, short story writers, poets and journalists have played a vital role in the development of Sindhi language and literature. It has achieved the status of an official and commercial language. Further, it is widely used as the language in electronic as well as print media. Electronic media also presents various musical programmes in order to promote folk songs. Print media is also playing its part in promoting the language and creating awareness. The Daily Kawish, Daily Koshish, Daily Ibrat, Daily Awami Awaz and many others are printed in Sindhi. Thus, print media has become one of the most effective sources of public opinion on various public issues of the country.
DIALECTS OF SINDHI LANGUAGE: There are seven dialects of Sindhi language spoken in various areas of Sindh:
Hyderabadi Dialect: This dialect is more popular and used by the literary people in Sindh. It is considered as a standard dialect of Sindhi language spoken in Hyderabad city and its surroundings.
Northern Dialect: This dialect is used in Sehwan Sharif, Dadu District, Khairpur and Sukkur.
Lari Dialect: People of Thaa, Badin and Matli speak this dialect.
Wicholo Dialect: This dialect is used in Naushehro Feroz, Nawabshah, Moro and Sakrand.
Thari Dialect: People of Umarkot, Mithi and Deeplo speak this dialect.
Kohistani Dialect: This dialect is used in Jamshoro and Dadu
Kashi Dialect: It is prevalent in Gujrat and Katch
ORIGINS OF SINDHI: Sindhi language is not only an ancient language but is also rich in literature. Writers might have contributed to its development even before the conquest of Sindh by Arabs in 712 AD, but this is yet to be substantiated. Specimens of proto-Nagri Sindhi script on the pieces of poetry excavated from Pre-Muslim era at Banbhore indicate that this language was not only a spoken language but was also used by traders to maintain their accounts. According to Arab travelers, different forms of this language were used by different classes of people. According to Arab traveler Al Jahiz (864 AD) “people of Sindh were well advanced in Mathematics and Astrology. They have their own script for their (Sindhi) language.” Sindhi was the first and the earliest language in which the Holy Quran was translated in 8th or 9th Century AD. Since then, Sindh remained under control of foreign and indigenous rulers who were not concerned with the development of the language and literature of Sindh. Matters began to change when the Kalhora (1701-1787) came into power. They patronized Sindhi language and literature, which is why this period is called the golden period of Sindhi language. Hazrat Shah Abdul Laf Bhitai, one of the great Sufi saints hailed from this period. Kalhora rulers were then toppled by the Talpurs (17871843). Hazarat Sachal Sarmast who composed poetry in seven languages belonged to this period. In 1843, Sindh was conquered by the British. During colonial rule, Sindhi alphabet was developed and Sindhi language became the court language. European officers posted in Sindh were required to learn Sindhi language for the purpose of communication with local people. Dr. Trump was one of the major experts working on the script of Sindhi language. He wrote his book “The Grammar of Sindhi Language” in 1872. Regarding the origin of Sindhi language, he believed that Sindhi derived from Sanskrit. His view was corroborated by scholars including Mirza Kaleech Baig, Dr Gurbakshani and Dewan Bhirumal. A second view about the origin of Sindhi was presented by Dr. Nabi Baksh Khan Balcoh who argued that Sindhi existed even before Sanskrit. In support of this view, he based his article published in 1959 on the study of archaeological sites. He proved that Sindhi belonged to the family of Sami languages which include Arabic, Iranian and Habash etc. However, a prominent writer of Sindhi, Siraj ul Haq Memon claimed that Sindhi was not derived from Sanskrit but it was Sanskrit which originated from Sindhi. Thus, Sindhi language was one of the oldest languages of the Sub-Continent. In the view of G.A Allana, Sindhi is related to Dravidian languages and its ancestry dates back to the civilizaon of Mohen Jo Daro.
CHALLENGES THE LANGUAGE FACES: The first and foremost challenge is to preserve the language and its literature in the form of books. Sindhi language in comparison with other regional languages has become more prominent mainly due to an increasing number of books published in Sindhi. However, due to the rapidly growing use of technology, the culture of reading books has substantially diminished. Thus, there is a need to revive book reading culture. It should be promoted by the government and by civil society. The second challenge is to save vocabulary proverbs and idioms from overuse or misuse in media. Media should use words and idioms in an appropriate manner. Electronic media as well as print media should play their role in maintaining standards in this regard. Nevertheless, it is also pertinent to mention that the process of change in language and literature is also one of the factors we have to look at. However, little or no change in technical terms proverbs, phrases and idioms has been recorded. The third challenge is to make this language a language of technology. The Sindhi Language Authority can play a vital role in developing software and computer applications so that these products may be used to promote the language through modern technology. The fourth challenge is to translate world class research in Sindhi so that scientific literature may be developed in this language. In addition, the culture department under the provincial government should promote Sindhi music by organizing events such as fairs for public engagement in positive and healthy activities.
CONCLUSION: Sindhi language is one of the most progressive languages in Pakistan. It has the potential to become the most effective source of education, knowledge and information. Further, this language has emerged as a language for all classes. It is widely used in the province and people will continue to use their mother tongue as a source of expression. Writers, poets, teachers and readers should continue to serve the people and they should ensure that they are positively contributing to the creation of new knowledge and to the development of literature. Writers of Sindhi should contribute to the development of Sindhi language in various forms i.e. literature including novels, short stories and poetry in Sindhi. Sindhi language is rich in classical literature including Sufi teachings and in propagating the message of Islam. It can thus be concluded that Sindhi possesses a very glorious past and a very bright future.