This refers to the importance of preserving our mother-tongue. Kashmiri language had become popular long before the time of Kalhana (12thcentury A.D). Language and culture are inseparable. Kashmiri language is an identity of Kashmiris. It is the soul of Kashmiri culture. With the dawn of modernization, the communication and technological development has led to dilution of Kashmiri culture. There is a growing trend of imbibing western culture, as majority of the people prefer to speak foreign languages and are feeling inferiority complex while speaking in their mother tongue. The modern educational institutions too are least bothered about the deterioration of Kashmiri language which is our identity. Although government has made Kashmiri a compulsory subject up to 8th standard but at practical level least attention is paid for the development of the language. Edward Said has rightly remarked: “those who speak foreign language at the cost of their mother tongue are psychologically colonized.” Thus there is a serious challenge of preserving our identity in this era of Globalization. The need of the hour is to popularize Kashmiri language by innovative measures. Many programs and strategies should be formulated in a well-conceived manner so that this language can be developed at par with other languages.  In this regard the J&K Cultural Academy, Education Department, Civil Society, Department of Kashmiri, University of Kashmir can play dynamic role by formulating softwares, establishing Kashmiri language specific libraries and by organizing writing competitions in Kashmiri language across the valley from primary school to college level. The signboards of markets and all departments should also be placed in Kashmiri language along with English.
Aushaq Hussain Dar
Research Scholar
Department of History
University of Kashmir

Lastupdate on : Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
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