The myth of preserving a language
The myth of preserving a language has its roots in the idea of ‘nationalism and cultural superiority’ which is common to all postcolonial societies. When a language is deemed as…
Campaigning for languages
Pakistan is often seen as, and rightly so, a hard country for campaigns. Campaigns, whether on human rights, education, civil liberty, constitutional rights; on environment, culture or languages often face…
Language for the middle class
I want to begin by stating the assumption that this article assumes there is value in 'selling' socialism to the middle class in Pakistan. The reason the word selling is…
Language myths
A MAJOR debate on education has been sparked by an announcement from Islamabad that a uniform curriculum for the country — from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Karachi — will be introduced.…
As outlook darkens, central banks think hard about their language
As central banks stock up on policy ammunition in the face of a worsening global economic outlook, they are having to reassess one of their most delicate weapons - the…
Revitalising endangered languages
Efforts towards revitalising endangered languages have gained global significance. There are now hundreds of endangered languages. Though languages died in all epochs, the rapid decline of diversity is very unique…
When a language dies
Language and society constantly influence each other. Social factors, such as age, gender, class and religion, influence language; conversely, language impacts society in a relatively subtle way. Path-breaking research conducted…
With no language but a cry
What does the Sahiwal tragedy tell us about the state of the nation? Because this was not an isolated incident; howsoever excruciating it might have been, our capacity to fully…
When language divides us
One of the most serious challenges faced by the education system in Pakistan is the education apartheid. Language plays a major role in the divide that exists within and among…
The language of power
On November 1, all political parties agreed to exclude the armed forces and the judiciary from any possibility of accountability through the proposed bill on the National Accountability Commission. The…
