Language loss is not merely a linguistic issue; it represents the erosion of a community’s cultural heritage, knowledge systems, and unique worldview. As languages vanish, so do the oral histories, folklore, and traditional wisdom embedded within them. In Pakistan, where linguistic diversity is a hallmark of its cultural fabric, the decline of mother tongues not only undermines its cultural richness and diversity but also the intricate connections between language, identity, and community well-being.

Linguistic Diversity and Marginalisation in Pakistan
Languages are the reflection of the living heritage of humanity, encapsulating cultural identities, histories, and wisdom passed through generations. Pakistan, a land of remarkable linguistic diversity, is home to over 70 different languages, with each displaying a rich cultural mosaic of its people. The linguistic landscape of Pakistan is shaped by regional and ethnic diversity where prominent languages like Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, and Balochi dominate public discourse, education, and media, leaving little room for lesser-known languages to thrive, many of which are at risk of extinction. Languages such as Domaaki, Gowro, Ushojo, and Bateri are gradually eroding due to limited intergenerational transmission, lack of institutional support, and the dominance of more widely spoken languages like Urdu and English. Most of these languages remain unwritten and excluded from policy frameworks, educational systems, and mainstream culture, accelerating their decline. Among these endangered languages, the predicament of the Mankiyali language highlights the challenges faced by lesser-acknowledged vernaculars and emphasises the urgent need for documentation, preservation, and revitalisation efforts. The marginalised status of these languages mirrors the socio-economic realities of their speakers, who often belong to underrepresented communities. The association of dominant languages with social mobility and economic opportunity further compels these communities to abandon their mother tongues in favor of more widely spoken alternatives.
The Status of Mankiyali: A Story of Struggle and Recognition
Mankiyali for example, is spoken by a small community in Dana village of Union Council Bandi Shungli, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which is one of Pakistan’s endangered languages. With fewer than 500 speakers, Mankiyali has steadily lost ground to Hindko, a dominant regional language. Research shows that Mankiyali speakers are multilingual, often using Hindko, Urdu, or Pashto in public while relegating their mother tongue to familial contexts. This shift exemplifies the phenomenon of ‘competing bilingualism,’ where the dominant language gradually replaces the subservient one.
In the face of its precarious status, Minkiyali received a significant breakthrough with its inclusion in Ethnologue: Languages of the World, following the publication of a comprehensive linguistic study. This brought global-level recognition to the language, underscoring the importance of documenting endangered languages before they fade out. The University of North Texas further strengthened these preservation efforts by archiving materials on Mankiyali, including its linguistic features and sociolinguistic contexts, ensuring that the data remains available for future research and potential revitalisation efforts.
The Role of the Corpus Research Center at Air University Islamabad
At the heart of efforts to preserve Pakistan’s endangered languages is the Corpus Research Center at Air University Islamabad. This research hub plays a crucial role in documenting, analysing, and archiving Indigenous languages. It offers scholars and students invaluable resources to explore phonetic, phonological, and syntactic structures of lesser-studied languages, contributing to their academic and cultural revitalisation. Through its work, the research center contributes not only to the preservation of linguistic diversity but also to the empowerment of communities whose languages are at risk. For languages like Mankiyali, the Corpus Research Center can be instrumental in developing a linguistic framework equipped with supporting literacy programs and community awareness campaigns. Additionally, the center compiles a database of vocabulary, grammar, and oral traditions and aids in constructing orthographies and educational materials that can be used to teach the language in schools or community settings. The research center is committed to safeguarding Pakistan’s linguistic diversity aligns with global efforts to protect endangered languages, ensuring that they remain vibrant components of cultural identity. Preserving these languages requires addressing systemic challenges, such as promoting multilingual education, increasing minority language representation in the media, and incorporating these languages into digital platforms. Empowering local communities through language revitalisation programs also plays a crucial role, ensuring their active participation in preserving their linguistic heritage.
According to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO’s) Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger, several languages spoken in Pakistan such as Khowar spoken in Chitral) Indus Kohistani (spoken in the Indus Kohistan region), and Torwali (spoken in the Swat Valley), are at risk of disappearing. The decline of mother tongues serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of Pakistan’s linguistic heritage.
The role of institutions like the Corpus Research Center at Air University Islamabad is crucial in addressing this issue. Through dedicated research and advocacy, such institutions can help pave the way for revitalising endangered languages.
Pakistan faces the urgent need to preserve languages that are on the brink of extinction, with women being the primary caregivers, mothers, and first teachers of children, playing a vital role in safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations. This will create cultural identity and linguistic diversity. Their active participation in language preservation initiatives not only helps maintain linguistic diversity but also strengthens community bonds, enhances social cohesion, and revitalises cultural traditions. By recognising the value of every language, Pakistan can preserve its rich tapestry of voices, ensuring that future generations inherit a diverse and vibrant cultural legacy. Language, after all, is not just a tool for communication—it is the soul of a people, their stories, and their enduring identity. HH

The writer is the Head of the linguistic Department at Air University, Islamabad 
Email: [email protected]