Wakhi speakers in Boroghil valley hold first ever literary program

The Wakhi language community of Boroghil valley in Upper Chitral held a literary program, the first ever of its kind in the area. The event was attended by the young and senior poets, writers and singers of the Wakhi community. The event was followed by a musical night. More than 50 people from the community were present on the occasion. The program started with interviews of senior Wakhi poets who inspired young people to use their language for literary activities. These people talked especially about the evolution of Wakhi language and culture and shared their memories with youth. An informal poetry session ensued, providing opportunity to the young poets to express themselves in front of their parents, teachers and community elders. The event was concluded with a musical program which involved youth and elders alike. The participants appreciated FLI for holding the event and resolved to play their part for strengthening their language.

The Wakhi language is spoken in the sparsely populated upper portions of four of the northernmost valleys in Pakistan: Hunza (Gojal), Ishkoman, Yasin, and Boroghil. The latter is located in Upper Chitral District while the others are in the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The community youth claim that there were 1500 people in Boroghil who speak Wakhi as their mother tongue. Wakhi in GB is a literary language but a lot of work needs to be done for the language in Chitral. The educated people of the community in Chitral show commitment to work for the language who approach FLI for assistance. FLI will continue to encourage the youth from the Wakhi community and more engagement activities will take place in future so that the language could be strengthened by involving the community.