Language, Power and Ideology
Language, Power and Ideology
In this article the author has explained about the multi-ethnicity of the Pakistan and role of different languages that are spoken in this state. English is the official language of the Pakistan and Urdu reserves the title of national language. Along with English, Urdu has always been a cause of rancor for people of different ethnicities as being a hurdle in the way to gain power and success. This article highlights that use of a particular language by a certain group of people gives power to that ethnic group, therefore both elite and minority ethnic group use their own language to define their subjective goals. If history of Pakistan is keenly observed, formation of language based ethnic movements is not a unique phenomenon. One of the most notable of these movements is Bengali language movement that in due course became an important factor that culminated into the formation of Bangladesh. Some analogous movements have been observed especially in the Sindh province. This movement is a result of domination of Urdu speaking elite. During Bengali movement west Pakistani people believed that it was Hindus who were propagating enmity amongst the two wings. However it should be noted that this newly born nation of Pakistan comprised of ethnic groups that had strong ethnic identities. The determination of holding onto these identities is a major reason that has deprived the people of the Pakistan from being able identify themselves as a Pakistani.
Furthermore in this article, the author has given reference to a study conducted by Tahir Amin on ethno national movements. According to his study it can be argued that these movements were just a façade for a share in goods and services between two wings of the country. Also he did not provide much reference about the language. Similarly many other authors studied these ethno national movements and presented their views however there are numerous studies which highlight the role of language
In this article the author has explained about the multi-ethnicity of the Pakistan and role of different languages that are spoken in this state. English is the official language of the Pakistan and Urdu reserves the title of national language. Along with English, Urdu has always been a cause of rancor for people of different ethnicities as being a hurdle in the way to gain power and success. This article highlights that use of a particular language by a certain group of people gives power to that ethnic group, therefore both elite and minority ethnic group use their own language to define their subjective goals. If history of Pakistan is keenly observed, formation of language based ethnic movements is not a unique phenomenon. One of the most notable of these movements is Bengali language movement that in due course became an important factor that culminated into the formation of Bangladesh. Some analogous movements have been observed especially in the Sindh province. This movement is a result of domination of Urdu speaking elite. During Bengali movement west Pakistani people believed that it was Hindus who were propagating enmity amongst the two wings. However it should be noted that this newly born nation of Pakistan comprised of ethnic groups that had strong ethnic identities. The determination of holding onto these identities is a major reason that has deprived the people of the Pakistan from being able identify themselves as a Pakistani.
Furthermore in this article, the author has given reference to a study conducted by Tahir Amin on ethno national movements. According to his study it can be argued that these movements were just a façade for a share in goods and services between two wings of the country. Also he did not provide much reference about the language. Similarly many other authors studied these ethno national movements and presented their views however there are numerous studies which highlight the role of language