By Mohd Younus Bhat
The gradual decline of Kashmiri, especially among the youth, demands urgent attention. The shift towards Urdu and English, while reflective of globalization, inadvertently marginalizes Kashmiri, jeopardizing our roots and cultural heritage.
In the media, news channels’ preference for Urdu or English further distances Kashmiri from public discourse, limiting information accessibility and subtly implying its inadequacy for serious discussion.
The struggle of the youth to express in Kashmiri contributes to a disconnect from cultural roots, weakening the collective bond of the Kashmiri people. Even government officials, while communicating and fumbling for words in English and Urdu, perpetuate the idea that Kashmiri is unfit for formal communication.
The diminishing number of Kashmiri speakers in urban centres highlights the challenge faced by the youth in conversing in their mother tongue. This linguistic erosion erodes authenticity in family conversations and cultural rituals, giving way to a homogenized discourse.
To counter this, a collective effort is needed to recognize the value of Kashmiri. Initiatives in education, media, and fostering pride in linguistic identity can revitalize the language, ensuring its survival.
Language is more than a means of communication; it is a carrier of collective memory. Integration of Kashmiri in education, media, and daily life fosters pride, strengthening the ties between language and cultural identity.
Government officials, as representatives, must lead in championing Kashmiri preservation. Investments in language programs and incentives for businesses can revitalize the language at the grassroots level.
Cultural events and community-driven efforts, along with embracing technology, contribute to a renewed appreciation for Kashmiri. The language should evolve harmoniously, blending tradition and modernity.
Drawing inspiration from successful language preservation efforts worldwide. China’s success in preserving Mandarin offers another model, highlighting the importance of education, government policies, cultural reinforcement, and public participation. These elements can be adapted to Kashmir’s context for the sustained use and celebration of Kashmiri.
This preservation effort necessitates a transformation in mindset, recognizing that language is not merely a communication tool but a dynamic carrier of cultural identity. By integrating Kashmiri into education, media, and daily interactions, we not only empower the younger generation to express themselves but also ensure the continued transmission of cultural knowledge and values.
Media outlets play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse. Encouraging them to include Kashmiri in their broadcasts democratizes information, reinforcing that the language is an integral part of shared identity. Initiatives such as subtitling news programs or providing translations bridge the gap between linguistic diversity and the need for widespread information dissemination.
Government officials, as representatives of the people, must take the lead by championing Kashmiri preservation. Investing in language programs, incentivizing businesses to incorporate Kashmiri, and facilitating language immersion initiatives can create an environment where speaking Kashmiri becomes a proud affirmation of one’s identity.
Cultural events, workshops, and storytelling sessions initiated by communities contribute to a renewed appreciation for Kashmiri. Creating an environment where speaking Kashmiri is not just a choice but a celebration is essential. This, coupled with technological advancements in language learning and preservation, ensures the language’s adaptability to the evolving needs of the younger generation.
Taking inspiration from the successful preservation of languages elsewhere, it becomes evident that the integration of Kashmiri into various aspects of daily life is key. Education, cultural revival, government policies, and media integration can collectively contribute to Kashmiri’s prominence in both public and private spheres.
China’s success in preserving Mandarin underscores the importance of education, government support, cultural reinforcement, and public participation. Standardization and effective communication strategies have contributed to Mandarin’s widespread use. Adapting these principles to the Kashmiri context can strengthen the language’s clarity and accessibility, making it more appealing for everyday use.
As we delve deeper into the journey of preserving Kashmiri, it becomes evident that the essence of this undertaking lies in the intertwining of tradition and adaptation. The dynamic nature of language necessitates a strategic, multi-pronged approach that addresses the diverse aspects of society.
Education, the cornerstone of cultural preservation, must serve as a crucible for nurturing Kashmiri. Integration into curricula, along with extracurricular activities promoting literature and cultural exchanges, ensures that the language is not just learned but lived. By doing so, we not only empower the youth with linguistic proficiency but also instill a sense of pride and belonging in their heritage.
Media, as a powerful influencer, requires a paradigm shift towards inclusivity. Encouraging the integration of Kashmiri into news channels, publications, and digital platforms is not just a linguistic choice but a societal acknowledgment of the language’s intrinsic value. Subtitling and translation initiatives bridge the linguistic gap, making information accessible to all, regardless of their preferred language.
Government policies must go beyond rhetoric, translating into tangible support for Kashmiri. Investments in language programs, incentives for businesses, and language immersion initiatives are not just financial commitments but societal investments in preserving a unique cultural identity.
Community-driven efforts, highlighted by cultural events, workshops, and storytelling sessions, bring Kashmiri into the lived experiences of the people. When speaking Kashmiri becomes a natural part of daily life, it ceases to be a choice and transforms into a celebration of identity.
Technological innovations offer unprecedented opportunities for language preservation. Mobile applications, online platforms, and digital resources can be tailored to cater to the evolving needs of the younger generation, making language learning dynamic, engaging, and relevant.
Drawing inspiration from Israel’s successful revitalization of Hebrew and China’s effective preservation of Mandarin, Kashmir can forge its path. The key lies not just in safeguarding a language but in fostering an environment where Kashmiri is spoken, celebrated, and revered in the tapestry of everyday life.
In conclusion, the preservation of Kashmiri is not a solitary endeavour but a collective responsibility that transcends linguistic boundaries. It is a call to action, urging us to celebrate the vibrancy of Kashmiri, intertwining it seamlessly with the fabric of our cultural heritage. As we navigate this journey, let us ensure that the echoes of Kashmiri resonate not just in words but in the lived experiences of generations to come. The time to act is now, weaving the linguistic legacy of Kashmir into the vibrant narrative of its identity.
Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer
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