SILENCING THE MOTHER TONGUE: PRESTIGE, POWER, AND THE SOCIOLINGUISTIC DECLINE OF PUNJABI AMONG URBAN YOUTH IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This paper analyzes the causes of the loss of the Punjabi language by the Pakistani youth especially in the urban densities of Lahore. The study is based on a mixed-method approach, which implies the use of questionnaires and interviews to examine the language use in the home, school, social, and online environments. The results indicate that Punjabi is becoming more connected with informal contexts, whereas Urdu and English are more likely to be used in schools, institutions and in communicating with other people because of its prestige, academic and social mobility. The language choices of parents, institutional neglect, media representation and social pressure contribute greatly to the slow transition away of Punjabi. The study finds that downfall of Punjabi is directly related with identity, status and policy support and suggests to promote Punjabi more in education, media and in day-to-day life to help preserve and revive it.