Input to promote mother tongues sought

Discussions reflects efforts to promote Punjab's rich linguistic heritage

MULTAN:

The Punjab Institute of Language, Art, and Culture (PILAC) is gathering suggestions on advancing the diverse mother tongues spoken across Punjab.

The institute is considering introducing mother-tongue studies into the primary school curriculum, pending comprehensive recommendations from prominent literary figures across the province.

PILAC Director Dr Khaqan Haider Ghazi convened a meeting with esteemed local literary figures at the Arts Council Multan. Attendees included Dr Salahuddin Haider, Khalid Masood, Raziuddin Razi, Shakir Hussain Shakir, Sajjad Jehanian, Zahoor Dhareeja and Qamar Raza Shehzad.

During the session, Dr Khaqan urged the literary luminaries to provide insights and suggestions on how to effectively promote mother tongues in the province.

Valuable proposals emerged from the discussions. Khalid Masood Khan stressed the need for additional alphabets in the Punjabi script, while Zahoor Dhareeja cited successful language teaching initiatives in other provinces.

Raziuddin Razi, Sajjad Jehanian, Qamar Raza Shehzad, and others suggested offering optional mother tongue subjects in multilingual areas.

Dr Khaqan also outlined PILAC's plans to establish regional offices, including one in Multan, and sought suggestions for suitable locations.

Local writers emphasised the need to empower these offices adequately, ensuring their effectiveness in promoting linguistic diversity.

The dialogue reflects a collective commitment to preserve and promote Punjab's rich linguistic heritage, aiming for a more inclusive and vibrant society.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th, 2024.