Balochi, the mother language of the Baloch people, is an integral part of their identity and a vital component of their cultural heritage. It’s disheartening to note that Balochi is among the 81% of the world’s 7,000 languages that are at risk of extinction. The main reason behind this alarming trend is that the natives aren’t prioritising learning, writing and reading in Balochi, leading to its decline.
The onus is on the new generation and institutions to promote and preserve the Balochi language. It’s imperative that institutions take concrete steps to support the Balochi language, such as opening classes and offering courses to boost its usage. Unfortunately, some clubs and bookshops are making resources expensive, hindering efforts to preserve the language. This is a significant obstacle, as it limits access to resources and creates a barrier for those who want to learn and promote Balochi.
Authorities must take immediate action to address this issue. Making resources accessible and affordable is crucial to promoting the Balochi language. Institutions should prioritise launching Balochi language classes, offering courses and providing resources to support language learners. This will not only help preserve the language but also promote cultural heritage and identity.
Preservation of the Balochi language requires a collective effort. It’s time for institutions, authorities and the community to come together to promote and preserve this vital aspect of Baloch culture and identity.
Abdul Qadir Ababakar
Bulada
