ETHNOLINGUISTIC VITALITY OF GUJARATI LANGUAGE IN PAKISTAN: SUCCESS, FAILURE AND CHALLENGES IN LANGUAGE MAINTENANCE

Abstract

Language is one of the most important identity markers of any ethnic community. Different minorities face multifarious problems in the effort to maintain their identities. This paper investigates the challenges related to ethnolinguistic vitality and the struggle to maintain linguistic identity faced by the Gujarati speech community and the future of the Gujarati language in Karachi, Pakistan. For this purpose, an exploratory qualitative study was conducted though semi-structured interviews to collect data. The sample population included 25 people representing all the sub-groups, with at least 04 participants from each one (Sunni, Bohra, Ismaili, Hindu and Parsi) who speak Gujarati as their first language. The data was analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings are eye-opening and deviate from the findings of most of the previous quantitative research conducted on the Gujarati language. The findings revealed that the original Gujarati script, Abugida, is prone to slow death, but an alternate script (Dawati) written in Naskh is flourishing. Gujarati speakers face various challenges in order to preserve their linguistic identity. Current, educated generation in mainstream Gujarati community code switch in Urdu and English more than ever before.The study also revealed that the core problem lies with the government’s inappropriate language and education policy.