Despite modern day challenges, influence and significance of Sindhi language cannot be undermined, and it remains an essential part of South Asia’s cultural diversity

• Even though Sindhi has constitutional and provincial recognition, policies for its development in education, administration, and media are not effectively implemented

The Sindhi language holds a significant place in the cultural, historical, and social identity of Sindh. It is not only the mother tongue of the people of Sindh but also a vital medium for preserving the traditions, literature, and identity of this region. Sindhi is the official language of Sindh and serves as a strong symbol of national and cultural identity. It has been passed down through generations through Sindhi literature, poetry, and folk tales. The language plays a crucial role in preserving local traditions, customs, and historical narratives. The Sindhi language plays a fundamental role in preserving the cultural identity of Sindh through literature, religious expression, and social communication. Despite modern day challenges, its influence and significance cannot be undermined, and it remains an essential part of South Asia’s cultural diversity. Literature and Poetry, Sindhi literature, particularly its poetry, is immensely rich, featuring great poets like Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and Sachal Sarmast. Their poetry revolves around themes of mysticism, love, spirituality, and truth, which continue to have a deep impact on Sindhi culture. Sindhi prose has also developed significantly, including newspapers, magazines, novels, and historical writings. Communication and Education, Sindhi serves as the primary means of communication among the people of Sindh, spoken widely in both rural and urban areas. It is taught in schools alongside Urdu and English, with ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence in education. The language has also influenced neighboring languages such as Punjabi, Gujarati, and Marathi. Sindhi has a strong connection with Sufism, as many Sufi verses, hymns, and religious songs are composed in Sindhi. The poetry of Sindhi Sufi saints is recited and sung at Sufi shrines and religious gatherings, serving as a source of spiritual solace. Sindhi plays a crucial role in fostering social cohesion, connecting different communities in Sindh. During the independence movement of Pakistan, Sindhi was a medium of resistance and regional identity. It has also played a key role in the struggle for Sindh’s autonomy and cultural recognition.

Image courtesy: Sindhi Language Library

Challenges Facing the Sindhi Language

Despite its cultural and historical importance, Sindhi language is facing several challenges in modern times, particularly in urban areas where Urdu and English are becoming more dominant. Efforts are being made by Sindhi media (newspapers, TV channels, and radio stations) to keep the language alive. Language activists continue to strive for its promotion in education, culture, and development. Issues and Challenges of the Sindhi Language in Pakistan.

Sindhi, one of South Asia’s ancient languages, faces multiple social, political, economic, technical, and cultural challenges. Although it is the official language of Sindh province, various factors are hindering its growth and expansion, especially in urban areas.

Weak Implementation of Language Policies

Even though Sindhi has constitutional and provincial recognition, policies for its development in education, administration, and media are not effectively implemented. In government offices and courts, Urdu and English are predominantly used, limiting Sindhi’s official presence. Private schools often do not follow the mandatory Sindhi language curriculum. There is no significant effort to reintroduce Sindhi in the Sindh Assembly, judicial system, and business sector. Strict laws should be enforced to make Sindhi mandatory in administrative, educational, and judicial sectors. Institutions and universities focusing on Sindhi language studies should be strengthened to produce linguistic experts. Urbanization and Demographic Changes, Large-scale migration from other provinces has led to a decline in Sindhi-speaking populations in major cities like Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur. Karachi, the capital of Sindh, has seen a significant increase in the Urdu-speaking population, reducing the use of Sindhi. The younger generation in cities prefers Urdu and English, which is diminishing the role of Sindhi. Greater emphasis should be placed on teaching Sindhi in urban schools to encourage the younger generation to learn it. Sindhi-speaking families should promote Sindhi usage at home to maintain linguistic continuity. Crisis in Sindhi Language Education, The education system in Sindh is not effectively promoting the Sindhi language. Private schools like Beaconhouse and City School do not make Sindhi a compulsory subject. Government-run Sindhi-medium schools suffer from a lack of resources, untrained teachers, and outdated curricula.

Higher education institutions have limited programs for Sindhi language and literature development.

Sindhi should be made mandatory in all private and public schools. Modern curricula, teacher training programs, and online educational platforms should be developed for Sindhi. Scholarships should be provided for research in Sindhi language and literature at universities. Limited Career Opportunities in Sindhi

The limited use of Sindhi in business, employment, and higher education sectors discourages people from learning it. Many jobs, business contracts, and official work are conducted in English or Urdu. People prioritize learning Urdu and English to secure better career opportunities. Competitive exams like CSS, PMS, and PCS do not give significant importance to Sindhi, restricting its scope. Sindhi should be included as an optional subject in competitive exams. Business and government institutions should encourage Sindhi-speaking and writing skills. New programs should be introduced in legal, medical, and business education in Sindhi.  Limited Digital Presence of Sindhi Language, Sindhi’s presence in the digital world is minimal, distancing the younger generation from it.

Read: THE ENGLISH CONNECTION TO THE SINDHI LANGUAGE

There are few mobile apps, software, and typing tools available in Sindhi. There is a lack of Sindhi content on YouTube, social media, and websites. Sindhi films, educational content, and digital media lack subtitles or dubbing. New mobile apps, websites, and educational platforms should be developed in Sindhi. Sindhi typing tools, keyboards, and software should be improved for online accessibility. Content creators (YouTubers, bloggers, and writers) should be encouraged to produce Sindhi content. Crisis in Sindhi Media and Literature. Sindhi literature, media, and arts are not receiving adequate support and promotion. Readership of Sindhi newspapers (such as Kawish and Ibrat) is declining.

________________

Published under International Cooperation with "Sindh Courier"