Regional languages in Sindh and their importance in culture and tourism

Introduction

Sindh is a fascinating province in Pakistan, located in the southern part of Pakistan; with its 47.9 million population stands as the third-largest province in Pakistan. It is the second-largest province in terms of area of 140914 sq. Km. It is the homeland of vast cultures, rich traditions and ancient heritage. The regional languages of Sindh are one of the most significant aspects of its culture. The region of Sindh is known for its diverse linguistic landscape, art, music, and literature.

The Sindh has been inhabited for thousands of years and has witnessed the rise and fall of the great Indus Valley Civilization, the Mughal Empire, the British Raj and the formation of modern-day Pakistan. In the vast landscape of world literature, the Sindhi language stands as a treasure trove of ancient and remarkable works.

Diverse Linguistic Landscape of the Sindh

Sindh is the most urbanised province of Pakistan, having a wide range of industries. Each regional language has unique characteristics and cultural significance. It is the home of different languages, which play an important role in shaping Sindh's cultural identity and contributing to its tourism industry.

The language of Sindh is not just a means of communication but also a tool for socio-cultural exchange. It helps promote understanding and appreciation of different cultures and traditions. Language plays a significant role in promoting inter-ethnic harmony and peace in the region. It represents the history, tradition, and customs of Sindh. Each language has its unique grammar, syntax, phonology, and vocabulary that includes;

1. Sindhi

Sindhi is an Indo-Aryan language closely related to other languages like Punjabi and Gujarati. The Sindhi language and culture are interlinked, and separating them is impossible. It is the most widely spoken and one of the oldest languages in South Asia, with a history dating back over 2500 years.

It's not just a language; it is the soul of Sindh. It is written in Arabic script and has a rich literary tradition. The Sindhi language is the backbone of the province because it unites the people and symbolises their identity and pride. The Sindhi literature can be traced back to the writings of Arab historians. The thriving literary culture existed in the region long before the advent of Islam. The Sindhi writers have contributed extensively in poetry and prose, making Sindhi literature one of the world's oldest and richest pieces.

Sindhi literature flourished in other fields, such as astronomy, medicine, and history. Treatises were written in Sindhi on these subjects during the 8th and 9th centuries, which attests to the intellectual and scholarly pursuits of the Sindhi people.

Sindhi poets were known to recite the verses before the Muslim Caliphs in Baghdad, and their works were highly appreciated for their poetic beauty and lyrical charm. In the 8th or 9th century, the Quran was translated into Sindhi and helped spread Islam's message.

2. Kutchi

Kutchi is a language spoken primarily in the Kutch region of Gujarat. It is a part of the larger Indo-Aryan language family and closely relates to Gujarati and Sindhi in Pakistan.

The Kutch region is known for its vibrant culture and colourful traditions, and the language reflects this. Kutchi is a language full of life, energy, and emotion.

It has been influenced by various languages and cultures throughout the centuries, including Persian, Arabic, and Portuguese. Kutchi has also been heavily influenced by the nomadic and pastoral lifestyle of those who speak it.

Kutchi music and poetry also play a significant role in language and culture. Many Kutchi songs and poems are based on the people's daily lives in the region, such as songs about farming, fishing, and weaving. Kutchi's music and poetry are known for their lyrical beauty and emotional depth.

3. Memoni

Memoni, an Indo-Aryan language, is spoken by the Kathiawari Memons residing in the Kathiawar region of Gujarat, India. The Memon, a Muslim community in Pakistan and India, comprises various sub-groups, including Kathiawari Memons, Sindhi Memons, and Kutchi Memons. Memoni is a mixture of Sindhi, Kutchi, and Gujarati languages with several dialects and accents. It has a larger population in Sindh and is spoken in various areas of Sindh like Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sukkar etc.

It is exclusively spoken by the Memon people of Kathiawar origin, who are predominantly Muslim and follow Hanafi Islam. On the other hand, Sindhi and Kutchi are spoken by both Muslims and non-Muslims. The language has borrowed extensively from Gujarati, Hindustani, and Arabic and even adopted many Urdu words and phrases, especially in Pakistan.

4. Luwati

The Lawatiya people, also called the Khojas or Hyderabadis, speak an Indo-Aryan language called Luwati. Despite the various names used, the Lawatiya people call the language Khojki.

Luwati originated from Sindh, Pakistan's province, and has been present in Oman for nearly four centuries. Historically, the language and people were first mentioned by the Omani historian Ibn Ruzayq. The Lawatiya people migrated to Oman in waves between 1780 and 1880, bringing their language.

The Luwati language has similarities to other languages such as Sindhi, Kutchi, Gujarati, Hindustani, and Persian. Still, it retains sounds found in other Sindhi languages and Saraiki that have been lost from Kutchi.

5. Saraiki

Saraiki, previously known as Multani, is a language belonging to the Indo-Aryan family of the Lahnda group, spoken by around 26 million individuals in a single region of Pakistan.

Saraiki is the native language of Sindh and is widely spoken in many districts of Sindh, including; Ghotki, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Shaheed Benazir Abad, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana, Qamber Shahdadkot, Shikarpur and Dadu. About 2.2 % population in Sindh speaks Saraiki. Additionally, it shares some significant grammatical features with Sindhi.

In the 1960s, the Saraiki language identity emerged, encompassing more specific local identities like Multani, Derawi, or Riasati.

While sharing a significant portion of its vocabulary and morphology with Standard Punjabi, Saraiki has some differences in its phonology, particularly in the absence of tones, preservation of the voiced aspirates, and the emergence of implosive consonants.

6. Jadgali

The Jadgal people, an ethnolinguistic group of Pakistan and Iran, speak Jadgali, one of the two Indo-Aryan languages on the Iranian plateau. Jadgali is a Sindhi dialect closely related to Lasand, widely spoken in different rural areas of Sindh. Jadgali is believed to have been the source of early Indo-Aryan influences on Balochi and Brahui. The Jadgali population is concentrated in Pakistan, with an estimated 15,600 people or more.

7. Lari

The Lari dialect is a variant of the Sindhi language spoken in Pakistan. It is primarily spoken in the southern region of Sindh; more than 2 million people speak Lari, specifically in areas such as Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal and Tando.

8. Lasi

The Lasi language, also known as Lassi, is classified as a member of Pakistan's Sindhi group of Indo-Aryan languages. Although it is considered a dialect of Sindhi, it is specifically spoken by the Lasi community residing in Sindh and Balochistan.

9. Thari

Thari is a term that can be used to describe things connected to Tharparkar, a region located in Sindh, Pakistan, or to the language spoken by the people of Thar, which has a population of over 6-7 million on both sides of the border.

Additionally, the Thari language is spoken in two towns, Tharri in Larkana District and Thari Mirwah in Khairpur District, both located in Sindh, Pakistan.

10. Vicholi

Many Sindhis speak Vicholi, with over 11 million people using this dialect. The Vicholo region, which encompasses Hyderabad and central Sindh, is known for its prestigious dialect.

Additionally, the literary Standard of Sindhi is established based on this dialect.

11. Uttaradi

Uttaradi is a dialect of the Sindhi language spoken in the northern region of Sindh, Pakistan. It is characterised by small variations in its usage in areas such as Larkana, Shikarpur, Sukkur, and Kandiaro.

12. Firaqi Sindhi

Firaqi Sindhi is a dialect of the Sindhi language that is predominantly spoken in the many areas of Sindh and the northeastern districts of Balochistan. It is commonly known as Sindhi or Firaqi Sindhi in that region.

13. Dhatki

Dhatki, also known as Dhatti or Thareli, is a dialect of Sindhi primarily spoken in the Tharparkar and Umerkot regions of Pakistan and the Jaisalmer and Barmer districts in India.

14. Sindhi Bhil

Sindhi Bhil is a language spoken in Sindh by the Meghwars and Bheels communities. It is recognised for its effective use of ancient Sindhi vocabulary, which had been lost over time due to the influence of Arabic, Persian, and Chaghatai languages. Importance of Regional Languages in Sindh's Culture

The regional languages have been key in promoting cultural diversity and harmony in Sindh. Its literature, poetry, and music are the most dominating cultural expressions. They have contributed to the socio-economic development of the region.

They are essential for the region's education, commerce, and trade. They serve as a medium of instruction in schools, colleges, and universities. Moreover, regional languages are instrumental in preserving and promoting Sindh's traditional arts and crafts, such as Ajrak, Ralli, and Sindhi Topi. The different regional languages of Sindh reflect its cultural richness and communicate between different communities to encourage a sense of unity and belonging. By preserving these languages, we can ensure that these cultural expressions can be passed down from generation to generation.

Challenges of Preserving Regional Languages

Regional languages face more challenges in modern times because of the rise of technology and globalisation. It has led to the spread of other dominant languages, including English and Urdu. They have become more practical for business and communication. That's why regional languages are predicted to become marginalised and even forgotten with time.

It is essential and the responsibility of every single person in Sindh to take steps to promote these languages, their use and their importance to preserve them. Setting up language schools can be a good initiative to teach regional languages. Encouraging children and adults to use them in broadcasting and celebrating cultural events where people can use these languages is one of the best ways to promote our culture.

Importance of Regional Languages in Sindh's Tourism

In a world that is becoming increasingly connected, regional languages are more important than ever before. They allow us to communicate with people in a culturally informed and respectful way. In Sindh, this is essential to the success of the tourism industry. Sindh has beautiful landscapes. Its tourism industry has enormous potential, and there are countless opportunities for growth and innovation. However, to capitalise on these opportunities, it is essential to recognise the value of regional languages. Tourists are most likely to explore cultures different from theirs and love learning about customs and traditions.

Most of them are passionate about speaking the language of the local people, which makes it easier for them to connect with people. Regional languages help to create a more authentic and immersive experience for visitors. When tourists can engage with locals in their native language, they can gain a deeper understanding of the region's culture and traditions. It can lead to a more enjoyable and meaningful experience for the tourist.

Another important aspect of regional languages in Sindh's tourism industry is that they help to create a sense of inclusivity and diversity. Promoting and utilising regional languages can make the industry more accessible to people from all walks of life. It can help to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment, which can be an important factor in attracting and retaining visitors.

As a vibrant region, Sindh has a unique and rich cultural experience for tourists. Regional languages are critical in delivering an authentic cultural experience and are important from a tourism perspective. It is a place for several ethnic groups, such as Sindhis, Balochs, Punjabis, Saraiki and others. These ethnic groups have existed in Sindh for centuries with their unique history and significance.