Kashmiri Language

Native became non-native language among Kashmiris

We have observed from past decades, parents speak with their children in different non- native languages but not in their own mother language. The majority in present times are either speaking in Hindi, Urdu or English. Even new baby born is also taught to cram things in non-native languages. The irony is that holly solely westernization had reached to certain level where a parent compels their children to stumble in English.

The question is that has the westernization taken us to a definite stage where we are shy of expressing our own language. As an anonymous writer writes, “No one can exude that magic of emotions which our mother tongue can.” The saddest part is that most of the kids these days are unable to say “what is your name” in their mother language Kashmiri. As a Kashmiri who has studied outside the state of Jammu and Kashmir strongly feels that there is nothing to feel shy on speaking your own mother tongue. The literature in native language is as rich as the literature produced by foreigners.

This always bothers me when I see our generation losing the skills of speaking Kashmiri. And I strongly believe that the parents are supposed to play a vital role in teaching their native language. Family is supposed to be the first institution for any child. I was only born in this divine Valley and brought up in Delhi but I speak in Kashmiri language whenever I get a chance without any hindrance and feel proud while in speaking in my mother language, the only reason is my parents they never forced me to speak in Hindi, Urdu or English language even we are living outside. But here our new generation is forced to speak in multiply language.

Now a day’s it has became a trend to speak in English, Hindi or Urdu even Urdu or Hindi feels awkward. “Why” because we have to find a place in outer world, but is it obligatory/ stake that we had to forget our mother language. We had forgotten who we are and inadvertently following western culture and forgotten that we are Kashur. We have unwittingly forgotten our mother language. My friend once gave an interview in a company the interviewer asked him “Can you speak anything in Kashmiri” he said I can but not properly and asked him why he said I have not spoken in Kashmiri since my childhood, when you cannot speak in your mother language than how come I expect a positive benefits from you. Now it has become a parent dream that their children could speak in Kashmiri language but it looks like that they are now impelling them to learn their mother language and that’s the biggest worry because we unknowingly playing a big role cease our own culture and expecting other’s to respect it.