Respect your language

A senseless hype has been created in the media about the grave threat to Urdu because of a notice that was issued by the University of Sindh. Sindhi is indigenous language of Sindh and the mother tongue of a majority of population dwelling in Sindh. While concrete efforts are being made to preserve and promote local languages, there are opposing forces as well. Sindhi has a rich linguistic tradition and neglecting it would be tantamount to causing a severe damage to the nation.

Many other local languages are on the verge of extinction. Steps are needed to be taken to preserve and promote all indigenous languages. The notice to make signboards in Sindhi along with English is an effort that should be lauded. Instead it is being criticised. The step is no threat to Urdu. From the linguistic lens, all languages are equally worthy. Besides, Urdu is the national language of Pakistan and the nation owns it. Foreign influences intend to disintegrate Pakistani nationalism and are against the unity of the nation. We need to learn to ignore those factors and support each other to smoothly tread on the path to development.

Mahrukh Memon

Hyderabad