Amid the diversity of languages spoken and written in Jammu and Kashmir, the new generation is picking the non-native languages to manage better livelihoods in the Middle East, and Europe, reports Muskan Fatima
In the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state, a region known for its cultural, geographical, and linguistic diversity, Kashmiri continues to be the most widely spoken language. It, however, was not the only language. There are Urdu, English, Dogri, Ladakhi, Kargil, Gojri and Pahari languages in vogue in different areas. It was Urdu connecting people within and English connecting the region with the larger outer world.
Off late, Kashmir is witnessing a new trend. Driven by both personal and professional motives, a section of the young generation is exhibiting a keen interest in acquiring foreign language skills. A section of the students embark on this linguistic journey during their schooling years, while others pursue it in public or private institutions after completing their formal education.
Apart from English, Urdu, Dogri, Kashmiri, and Ladakhi, the non-native spoken languages being taught in schools are limited – Arabic, Persian, and Sanskrit. Interestingly, the Jammu region is exhibiting a huge deficit at the faculty level in the Sanskrit language. The issue was flagged recently at a function in Jammu, which led LG Manoj Sinha to assure that all the vaccines will be filled within a year. There is a strong movement in Jammu that the region must have a Sanskrit university. In the tenth standard results announced in June by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE), only 618 candidates had taken Sanskrit as their language subject.
The Arabic
Arabic, an expansive and linguistically rich language, holds a prominent position on the global stage. According to Ethnologue, it ranks fifth among the most spoken languages in the world, with approximately 319 million people considering it their mother tongue. Around 420 million people communicate in Arabic globally. More than 2000 students had Arabic as their language subject in the tenth class examination, the results of which were declared in 2023 spring of 2023.
The demand for the language is beyond the school classrooms. Catering to the increasing demand for Arabic language education, some private sector players have joined the sector. ZAAD Academy is one of them. It offers “comprehensive courses” in two modes: online and offline. Founded by Owais Ahmed Khan, the Academy has become a bridge between scholars and the general public. Khan’s journey of learning Arabic, which commenced in 2012, culminated in the establishment of the academy in 2018.
“My ultimate goal with the academy is to bridge the gap between scholars and the wider community. I aspire to empower people to read Islamic literature in its original Arabic form, allowing them to comprehend it without relying on translations,” shared Owais. “Beyond its religious significance, learning Arabic enables us to explore and understand history more deeply. A vast amount of historical knowledge remains confined to Arabic texts that are yet to be translated. Additionally, many individuals seek to learn Arabic as they prepare to embark on journeys to foreign lands.”
While some people pick up Arabic to understand Islam in its actual scripts, the language also plays a vast role in managing better livelihoods in the vast Arabic-speaking region. Right now, Saudi Arabia, for instance, is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The peace-making in the region is expected to add to the growth rate in the coming years.
The Persian
Persian, Kashmir’s very own Farsi, the court language for more than half a millennium, shares a substantial portion of its lexicon with Arabic, albeit with notable distinctions. The arrival of Persian in Kashmir can be traced back to Muslim missionaries, artisans, and merchants who introduced the language to the region.
In due course, Persian ascended to the esteemed position of a courtly language in the fourteenth century, earning Kashmir the moniker Iran-e-Sagheer (Little Iran). It is worth noting that Kashmir witnessed a remarkable flourishing of splendid Persian literature during the medieval era. Kashmir produced generations of Persian poets, not a fraction of which could be produced after Urdu replaced Persian by the fall of the nineteenth century.
Apart from Jammu and Kashmir schools offering Persian as a subject, almost all colleges at the University of Kashmir offer master’s and doctoral degrees in the Persian language.
“The luminaries of Persian literature, the likes of Rumi, Hafez, and Omar Khayyam, with their resplendent poetic tradition, enraptured my imagination,” Dr Nusrat, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Persian at Abdul Ahad Azad Memorial Degree College in Bemina, said. “Their words possessed an irresistible allure, beckoning me to immerse myself in their language and unravel the depths of their literary creations.”
Beyond the intellectual voyage, learning Persian has woven a tapestry of connections. Meaningful ties form with Persian-speaking individuals and communities, transcending borders and fostering enduring friendships. The path of cross-cultural exchange unfolded, offering glimpses into different worlds and nurturing a sense of interconnectedness. The pursuit of Persian has proven to be a gateway to both personal growth and a profound appreciation for the richness of human connection.
“Learning Persian has enriched my life beyond measure, unearthing treasures that were once hidden,” Dr Nusart asserted. “It has bestowed upon me the gift of transformation and unlocked a universe of possibilities.”
Kashmir history would require Persian scholars for a long time as countless chronicles are yet to be translated into English. An effort to locate Kashmir in the Persian-speaking belt’s culture and history is yet to start seriously. Persian, at the same time, opens up promising career opportunities.
Given Iran’s substantial role in regional politics, economy, and energy resources, proficiency in Persian proves invaluable for individuals interested in diplomacy, international relations, business, journalism, or academia. Such expertise enables effective engagement with Iran and the broader Persian-speaking world.
In the last tenth standard examination results, declared in June 2023, 1738 students had Persian as their language subject and 83 per cent of them passed it with flying colours.
German
Not just Arabic and Persian, but other foreign languages are also being taught in Kashmir. One institution offering a range of career-defining programmes is Broadway Education Hub. This academy specialises in teaching German, a capsule envisaging reading, writing, and speaking skills. Their well-designed online German classes cater to students of all backgrounds and ensure a solid foundation in the language, aligning with international standards.
“We aim to bridge the gap between high school graduation and admission to prestigious universities or colleges, as well as between college graduation and employability,” said Humera Haqani, the General Manager of Broadway Education Hub. “Proficiency in a language other than English confers a significant advantage in shaping one’s career.”
Whether it involves pursuing employment in a German-based company, teaching the German language, or further studies in a German-speaking country, knowledge of the German language is essential. The academy offers integrated learning experiences with tailored programs for different proficiency levels, ensuring success in International German Examinations.
“These examinations hold global recognition for employment opportunities, immigration purposes, and university enrolment, not only in Germany, Austria, and Luxembourg but across the world,” Humera added.
Learning a foreign language like German stimulates cognitive abilities such as memory, problem-solving, and multitasking. It expands horizons, boosts self-confidence, and enhances overall personal development. Germany, being one of the leading exporters and importers globally, presents numerous business and networking opportunities.
“Proficiency in German can facilitate business negotiations, trade relations, and networking opportunities in various industries, contributing to professional growth and international collaborations,” emphasized Humera.
Knowing German also enhances travel experiences in German-speaking countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. It enables communication with locals, understanding signs and menus, and navigating one’s way around, making trips more enjoyable and immersive.
Additionally, it allows for the enjoyment of German literature, poetry, films, and television shows in their original language, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of German artistic expressions and cultural contributions.
A number of students pursuing their education in higher institutions of learning in Turkey, the capital of the erstwhile Osmania Empire, are picking the Turkish language. This helps them score better in entry-level examinations and also assures some kind of scholarship. There are dozens of Turkish words in the Kashmiri language, which has been the impact of Turk influence in the area since the medieval era.
The University
Besides, the Institute of Foreign Languages at the University of Kashmir offers a diploma in French and German language. They are also planning to introduce undergraduate courses and MA programmes in these languages. Besides, they propose to introduce certificate courses in Chinese, Spanish, and Portuguese languages.
However, the private sector is yet to explore the possibility of the market that teaching non-native languages can offer in Jammu and Kashmir. This is apparently unlike Punjab where a chain of private sector academies teach people different languages.
Off late, there is a trend in the private sector that locates the opportunities in particular countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. These opportunities are being made public and the willing youth are trained in the local languages spoken in the areas and this helps in quick adjustments of the new generation. Though in Srinagar, there are a few centres but it is yet to evolve as a sustainable chain linked to the job markets.
