Article about Native/local language
(Syeda Maha Qadri, Karachi)
History reveals that people had
never been dependent on single language in order to travel another country. They
would be fully aware of the languages of their neighboring localities quite
easily, even if someone wanted to learn any other language, he had to move to
that specific country, without any institutional help or assistance, yet could
learn it in a good order. Languages were never learned from the institutions
before; rather those were parched to the children since their birth. Contrary to
the situation, now everywhere a plenty of institutions are seen which tend to
make us learn different languages especially English. There isn't any detriment
in learning English language, but what is being done with our regional languages
after taking it over, is creating an alarming situation.
We celebrate the 'World languages Day', whose purpose is depicted as to promote
and protect the local languages all around the world. Here the question arises
"Who is eradicating those local languages?", "Why do they need to be protected?
“ Why is the day being celebrated?" as a day is always celebrated for the things
that have passed away or are about to. So, who is behind the scene? We all know
that which language is foraging and devouring the others, and it is pretty
obvious. If we talk about our national language 'Urdu', there are a lot of words
which have been the mess of English; even Chinese is getting racked now
including many others as well. If the United Nations really wants local
languages to be spoken and speeded in the world, it will have to control English
language and stop imposing it in its countries.
It is the only way by which the languages can be promoted. Otherwise, English
will have devoured all of them.
Our native language is critical to our identity. Maintaining this helps us to
value our culture and heritage, which contributes to a positive self-concept.
Like many localities, if we don't practice our own language, we will lose it
soon and our identity as well.