Pahari (Poonchi)

پونچھی, پہاڑی
Punchhī, Pahāṛī
Pahari
Geographic
distribution
Poonch Division of Azad Kashmir
Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir
Native speakers
1,000,000
500,000
Linguistic classificationIndo-European
Subdivisions
Language codes
GlottologPahari

Pahari (پونچھی, also known as "Poonchi") is an language variety specifically spoken in Poonch Division of Pakistan-admistered Azad Kashmir and in Poonch District of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.[1] This Poonchi Pahari dialect has been seen either as a separate dialect from the one known as known as Pothwari.[2][3] The term "pahari" or "pahadi" originates from the word "pahad", denotes "mountain" or "hill", and collectively describes the inhabitants of mountainous areas.

The Poonch Jagir in the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir (1946)
Pahari
Districts map of Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir with Poonch and Sudhanoti highlighted in (yellow)
Poonch district in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir; with Azad Kashmir territory to its left.

Pahari speakers, focusing on language choices during social interactions and the pattern of language shift in the Poonchi dialect of Pahari. It also aims to find out the linguistic preferences and shifts within the Pahari-speaking community. Using a stratified random sampling technique, data were collected from 300 respondents through a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire, designed in a multiple-choice format, facilitated the collection of relevant information from the informants. The major findings reveal a notable trend towards the adoption and promotion of Urdu and English among Pahari speakers, influenced by the increasing exposure to Urdu in academic and social settings and the global prominence of English. The linguistic landscape in Rawalakot, district Poonch reflects a pattern of multilingualism, where individuals possess varying levels of proficiency in Pahari, Urdu, and English. The fourth generation shows a pronounced shift towards bilingualism in Urdu and English, signaling a diminishing proficiency in Pahari. The study suggests a trajectory of language shift from Pahari towards Urdu and English, driven by socio-economic factors and changing societal norms.[4]

  1. ^ "30.", Each and Her, University of Arizona Press, p. 30, 2022-05-03, doi:10.2307/j.ctv2jhjw5h.31, retrieved 2024-11-11
  2. ^ Abbasi 2010, p. 104.
  3. ^ Grierson 1919, p. 505 and corresponding map.
  4. ^ Kashmiri, Naveed Sarwar Shad; Rashid, Haroon Ur (2023-09-30). "Language Dynamics among Pahari Speakers: Trends in Language Use and Shift over Time". Pakistan Languages and Humanities Review. 7 (3): 996–1013. doi:10.47205/plhr.2023(7-III)86 (inactive 2024-11-13). ISSN 2708-6461.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of November 2024 (link)