Languages are not only a mode of communication.No doubt their first objectiveis communication among individuals, communities or countries. But languagesaround the world such as Chinese, Japanese, French, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Marathi, and Punjabietc. arean element of prestige besides mode of communication. These languages are notconsidered a measure of modernity or development. But, in Kashmir, english language is considered an element of modernity. In the quiet, picturesque valleyof Kashmir, a silent cultural crisis is unfolding. Increasingly, parents are insisting that their children learn english before they learn Kashmiri, their mother tongue. English, perceived as a gateway to global success and modernity, is overshadowing a language that has for centuries been the lifeblood of Kashmir’s identity and cultural heritage. This trend among most of the Kashmir reflects a troubling mindset that treats Kashmiri language less valuable—almost irrelevant—in a rapidly globalizing world. Many parents believe that fluency in english equates to better opportunities, ignoring the profound loss that comes with distancing children from their linguistic roots. But is this pursuit of global competenceandin perceiving english language as an element of modernity worth sacrificing the soul of one’s identity, i.e. the mother tongue – a prestige? Imagine a child who excels in english language but cannot communicate with their grandparents in Kashmiri. The stories of the past, the wisdom of elders, and the cultural essence embedded in their mother tongue become inaccessible. Over time, this disconnect deepens, eroding the very foundation of Kashmir’s rich oral traditions, folk literature, and collective memory. This is not just the loss of a language—it is the loss of identity, a silencing of the voices of generations. Take, for instance, Ireland, where the Irish Gaelic language suffered a similar fate. For decades, english overshadowed Gaelic, as parents prioritized it for perceived economic benefits. Today, the Irish government is pouring resources into reviving a language that nearly disappeared, realizing too late that language is more than just words—it is a cultural treasure and prestige. Kashmiras a nation must not walk the same path of regret. Research proves that teaching children their native language first does not hinder their ability to learn other languages. In fact, it strengthens their cognitive abilities and deepens their sense of identity.
“If we fail to act now, future generations may speak English fluently but lose the ability to understand who they are, where they come from, and the stories that make them Kashmiri. The onus is on today’s parents to ensure that their children inherit not just the tools to succeed globally but also the roots to remain firmly connected to their homeland. Mother tongue or natural language is not just a mode of communication—it is belonging, identity, and pride.”
Bilingualism can empower children, enabling them to navigate the world while remaining grounded in their heritage. This debate is not to choose between kashmiri and english but to embrace both. Parents must realize that teaching their children Kashmiri is not a step backward; it is a step towards preserving their cultural essence and roots. Schools and policymakers, too, must play their part by integrating kashmiri into curricula alongside english. Policymakers please don’t fool us by keeping Kashmiri language paper as an optional but make it compulsory main stream subject. Let our children learn Kashmiri language in its all forms (reading/writing/speaking) side by side of any other language. Those who say that languages don’t die are living in fools paradise. Ireland’s Gaelic language is an example. The real measure of cultural richness, regional identity, prestige and modernity is in valuing, nourishing, polishing the mother tongue. China and Russia touched the moon besides America , Chinese and Russians are not learning science and technology in english but in their natural languages. In India, especially in south Indian states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, people consider it pride to communicate in their natural languages. They walk and talk, they eat and drink, they dream, conquer and getexcited only through their natural languages. Their natural language won’t die a natural death like the Chinese, French or German languages. My all fellow Kashmiri’s read following lines couple of times and get them etched in the highest spheres of mind and heart. This is my prediction. “Kashmir is of Kashmiri’s, OK, but only till we value and propagate our mother tongue in its all forms among our present and future generations. We have non local brothers and sisters of many faiths who reside in Kashmir, earn livelihoods, got married and have families since 40,30,20,10 or 5 years and are proficient in Kashmiri language speaking. We have thousands of Kashmir’s who can’t speak, read or write in Kashmiri language. Now imagine the situation after another 10-20 years if this trend accelerates. You are wise. You can figure it yourself”. If we fail to act now, future generations may speak English fluently but lose the ability to understand who they are, where they come from, and the stories that make them Kashmiri. The onus is on today’s parents to ensure that their children inherit not just the tools to succeed globally but also the roots to remain firmly connected to their homeland. Mother tongue or natural language is not just a mode of communication—it is belonging, identity, and pride.
(The author is a teacher at Govt Degree College Khansahib, Budgam. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Dr. Ashraf Zainabi
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