From Linguicism to Language Attrition: The Changing Language Ecology of Gilgit-Baltistan

Abstract

The study examines potential threats and prospects for the linguistic ecosystem of Balti and other local languages spoken in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The researchers employ a mixed-methods approach in the study and the data is collected from 305 respondents through a survey questionnaire developed on Google forms. The respondents are either native Balti speakers or use Balti as their second or link language. The questionnaire used in the study contains both close-ended and open-ended questions. The findings of the study show that the linguistic ecosystem of Balti and other local languages is highly endangered and has been severely contaminated. These languages are losing their domains of use at an increased pace mainly due to the arrival of digital media in the region. Language attrition, mediated by relexification, is at its peak, and the future prospects for Balti and other minority languages of Gilgit-Baltistan seem quite bleak due to the growing influence of linguistic imperialism in the region which is being facilitated mainly through the system of education and the digital media.