News Desk
Islamabad, April 14: A five-day linguistic workshop focusing on Pakistan’s undocumented and under-documented languages kick started at the Allama Iqbal Open University on Monday, according to a presser issued by the Forum for Language Initiatives (FLI) which is hosting the workshop in collaboration with AIOU.
Facilitated by Dr Henrik Liljegren, Head of the Department of Linguistics at Stockholm University, Sweden, this collaborative effort aims to preserve Pakistan’s rich linguistic heritage,
During the opening session, Dr Liljegren outlined the objectives and structure of the workshop, paving the way for an intensive learning experience.
Director of Administration Dr Amir, the event’s chief guest, commended FLI for its dedication to promoting linguistic diversity across Pakistan.
Fakhruddin Akhunzada, Executive Director of FLI, underscored the urgency of preserving Pakistan’s nearly 80 languages, many of which face endangerment due to limited institutional support.
“Universities play a critical role in safeguarding linguistic diversity. We hope to see them establish research centers dedicated to indigenous languages,” he remarked.
He further emphasized the importance of collaboration between universities, local communities, and linguistic experts to ensure the documentation and preservation of endangered languages for future generations.
Earlier Dr Kamal, Head of the English Department at AIOU, in his welcome speech, lauded the efforts of FLI in preserving and promoting endangered languages.
Bringing together nearly 40 participants, including PhD scholars, university faculty members, and representatives from FLI’s target regions, the workshop celebrates the diversity of Pakistan’s indigenous languages.
Notable languages represented include Urdu, Pashto, Hindko, Saraiki, Pahari-Potohari, Shina, Kohistani Shina, Khowar, Burushaski, Torwali, Indus Kohistani, Dameli, Mewati, Brokskat, Palula, Wakhi and Gojri.
Impressively, women constitute one-quarter of the attendees, reflecting the event’s inclusive approach.
The workshop equips participants with essential skills to analyse and document the linguistic structures of under-documented languages. Topics include typology, language variation, contact patterns, and classification. Participants also receive hands-on training with key resources, including databases, literature, and specialised software.
This collaboration between FLI and AIOU underscores a shared commitment to building sustainable frameworks for language documentation across Pakistan. While primarily targeting northern regions, FLI aspires to extend its impact nationwide.
The workshop will conclude on April 17.
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