“ Kaesheres seeti kaesher saeri
Nati haeraanik waeraan kaao “ ~ Amin kamil
In an era of rapid globalization and technological advancement in which the world is becoming a global village. However, the indigenous language faces challenges, including a decline in usage within households. Kashmiri, a language with a rich literary & history, stands as a testament to the unique heritage of the Kashmir Valley. However, like many regional languages, Kashmiri faces the threat of extinction as younger generations increasingly adopt more globally dominant languages. The use of Kashmiri as the mother tongue in our homes is essential not only for the survival of the language but also for maintaining cultural identity and fostering community cohesion.
The Cultural Significance of Kashmiri language
Language is a complex system and it has not only the function Of communication in our lives but it also functions as the Carrier of one’s culture, it connects one with the history, Traditions, politics, and folklore and transfers these elements From one generation to the other. . The Kashmiri language is a testment of rich heritage of the valley. It’s a unifying factor of the people living in between the mountains of Kashmir . The Kashmiri language is blessed to the language of prominent figures like Lal ded , Sheikh ul Alam , Shams faqeer and Habba khatoon . Poets like Wahab khaar , Mehmood gaemi , Mehjoor , Rasul mir , have enriched kashmiri language & literature , making significant contribution to its poetic and philosophical heritage . The extinction or reduction in the usage of Kashmiri language can make our folksongs and poetry alienized in their own nation .
Our attitude towards our language :
A famous Kashmiri writer Maroof Shah Commented “It can be safely concluded that 95% of literate Kashmiris can’t write Kashmiri and less than 5% can read it fluently .” In the current times the kashmiri language faces disappointing disloyalty from the Kashmiris . Our language is being alienated in our homes . There is a trend of parents using language other than kashmiri due to the preception of certain languages as more prestigious and due to the desire of making their children to be proficient in global languages like English for future opportunities.
The Role of the Home in Language Preservation
Nelson mandela once said “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head, if you talk to him in his mother language that goes to his heart.” The home environment plays a crucial role in language acquisition and preservation. Children primarily learn to speak through interaction with their family members, making it imperative for parents to use Kashmiri as the primary language at home. This practice not only ensures that children become fluent in their mother tongue but also instills in them a sense of pride and belonging to their cultural heritage. Speaking Kashmiri at home strengthens familial bonds and allows for the transmission of cultural values and traditions. Stories, songs, and proverbs passed down through generations are best preserved in their original language, retaining their true meaning and emotional resonance. Moreover, bilingualism and multilingualism have been shown to enhance cognitive abilities, improving problem-solving skills and cultural awareness. The preservation of the Kashmiri language can be ensured only by talking to the children in their mother tongue at home, although learning other languages, especially Urdu and English, is also very important.
Conclusion
The preservation of Kashmiri language is necessary for the maintenance of the culture and identity . Without our language our identity will die and our culture won’t flourish . We have to prioritise the use of Kashmiri language in our homes and in school curriculums , so that the future generation inherit a rich linguistic and cultural legacy . It’s a collective responsibility that requires dedication and commitment from all members of the society . In embracing our mother tongue, we embrace our history, our traditions, and ultimately, ourselves.
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