The Forum for Language Initiatives (FLI) supported student organizations from Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Chitral in their cultural events held in Islamabad. These events brought together hundreds of language speakers from these regions who are now living in the twin cities of Islamabad-Rawalpindi.

The student organizations organized a variety of activities to celebrate their rich cultural heritage. The events featured engaging talk shows, soulful musical performances, captivating poetry recitations, and an array of food stalls offering traditional delicacies. Attendees also enjoyed cultural exhibits that showcased the unique traditions and customs of GB and Chitral.

These separate events aimed to reconnect participants with their culture, which they may have felt disconnected from while living in urban areas.

FLI’s support for these events underscores its commitment to preserving and promoting the indigenous languages and cultures of northern Pakistan. By fostering a sense of community and cultural pride, these events contribute to the ongoing efforts to strengthen and celebrate the linguistic diversity of the region.

Rauf Parekh, a renowned linguist and lexicographer, has reviewed FLI’s latest publication on Chitral’s languages, “Chitral Ki Zabanen: Maazi, Haal, Mustaqbil”, published in the paper on Dec 02, 2024. The book, authored by FLI’s Executive Director, Fakhruddin Akhunzada, has garnered significant attention for its comprehensive coverage of the linguistic diversity in Chitral.

In his review, Rauf Parekh highlights the book’s valuable references and research-based approach. Akhunzada’s work surveys the valleys of Chitral to collect data on the 12 languages spoken in the region, including Dameli, Gawarbati, Gojari, Kalasha, Kateviri, and Khowar. The book provides an in-depth look at these languages, many of which belong to the Dardic group of Hindu-Kush Indo-Aryan languages.

Parekh emphasizes the importance of preserving these languages, many of which are endangered or facing extinction. He praises FLI’s efforts in promoting linguistic diversity and supporting research on indigenous Pakistani languages.

For more details, you can read the full review on the Daily Dawn e-paper here.

This review underscores the critical role of organizations like FLI in preserving and promoting the rich linguistic heritage of Pakistan. Akhunzada’s book serves as a valuable resource for linguists, researchers, and anyone interested in the languages of Chitral.

The three-day international conference, titled 28th FEL Conference, organized in partnership by the Foundation for Endangered Languages (FEL), and the Forum for Language Initiatives (FLI) in collaboration with the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), concluded at its Islamabad campus on September 27, 2024. The main focus of the conference was on the dynamic relationship between language endangerment and the role of oral traditions and expressions in safeguarding them. While it had a universal scope, it specifically aimed to highlight interesting and creative oral traditions and expressions of the indigenous communities of Pakistan and encourage scholarship and accounts of community initiatives for preserving and promoting them. Studies highlighting the oral traditions of indigenous communities from various countries were part of the event.

A total of 46 papers were presented, with one-fourth being online. FLI’s partners from northern Pakistan were not only among the presenters but also participated in sessions.

We will provide a detailed report soon. Here are some visuals to give you a glimpse of the passionately conducted sessions during the conference.

On July 27, 2024, a significant meeting was held in Gulmit, Gojal Hunza, bringing together the board of directors of the Forum for Language Initiative (FLI), the Wakhi Tajik Culture Association (WTCA), and members of the local Wakhi community. The event began with a heartfelt recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by Mr. Ashiq Ali, setting a respectful and solemn tone. This was followed by a cultural welcome song, “Shaw Muborak Bodh,” performed by the founding members and elders of WTCA.

Following the opening session, Mr. Lutfullah Khan, President of the WTCA, provided an overview of the association’s history, objectives, and future strategies. He explained that the WTCA was founded in 1991 and registered with the government of Gilgit-Baltistan. Over time, the association expanded its outreach beyond its initial locale to various regions within Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and other areas across Pakistan where members of the Wakhi diaspora reside.

Mr. Khan detailed the organizational structure of WTCA, which includes an executive committee and eight distinct units serving different communities: Chipurson unit, Shimshal unit, Gojal I, Gojal II, Ishkoman unit, Bihanz unit, and the recently established Broghil unit in the Chitral valley. This structure enables WTCA to effectively address the needs and cultural preservation efforts of various Wakhi communities in these regions.

The WTCA has actively engaged in cultural events both nationally and internationally and participated in prominent national events across different regions of Pakistan. The Wakhi community spans more than five countries, including Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Russia, as well as several other nations. Mr. Khan expressed his gratitude to the board of directors and management of FLI for their valuable time and support in preserving and promoting the Wakhi language and culture. He also expressed hope that FLI would continue to support future initiatives and literary projects related to the Wakhi language.

FLI Chairman Rozi Khan Barki and Executive Director, Fakhruddin discussed FLI’s initiatives and emphasized their commitment to advancing the Wakhi language agenda in collaboration with WTCA.