Linguistic Shift Of Young Kohistani Speakers Towards Other Languages: A Study Of Linguistic Imperialism

Abstract

The current study will look at the linguistic situation of Kohistani, a minority language spoken in the villages of Barikot and Patrak in the Upper Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and the social mechanism that poses a challenge to the sustainability of Kohistani on a larger scale. Language shift is the process by which a speech community in a contact situation (i.e., comprising bilingual speakers) gradually discontinues employing one of its two languages in favor of the other. Language and domain speakers' attitudes have been regarded as crucial markers of vitality and risk. The minority language Kohistani, which is spoken in the villages of Barikot and Patrak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's (KP) Upper Dir District, is in danger of going extinct. The current study will look at the Kohistani language's linguistic situation in the villages of Barikot and Patrak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's (KP) Upper Dir District as well as the social mechanisms that threaten the language's long-term viability. This study will use a qualitative research approach since the primary data source came from the survey conducted through a questionnaire. Using stratified random sampling, a 23-item survey will be given to 75 participants in order to gather information on language use, choice, and attitude. The age range will be divided into two groups: 16–25. The study's findings will demonstrate that, as a result of social mobility concerns, a sizable portion of young participants have a tendency to switch from Kohistani to other community-dominant languages.