Tuesday 21 February 2023

Globalization and Status of Sindhi language

 Mazhar Ali Dootio

mazhar.myresearch@gmail.com

Globalization refers to the process of increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, primarily driven by advances in communication, transportation, and trade. Therefore, it has had a profound impact on the world, connecting people, economies, and cultures in ways that were previously unimaginable. However, it has also had a profound impact on languages, leading to the extinction of many indigenous and minority languages. The effects of globalization on languages and cultures can be both positive and negative. On the one hand, globalization can lead to the spread of cultural values, knowledge, and innovations across borders, fostering diversity and cultural exchange. On the other hand, it can also lead to the homogenization of cultures and the endangerment of smaller, less widely spoken languages. The widespread use of dominant languages, such as English, can result in the decline of local languages and cultures. In short, globalization can bring benefits, but it can also lead to cultural and linguistic loss. It is important to preserve and celebrate cultural diversity while promoting global understanding and cooperation.

Sindhi language is spoken primarily in the Sindh province of Pakistan, however, it is spoken by Sindhi people in India and other countries of world. It has a rich literary history. Despite its history and the size of its speaker community, Sindhi has not been widely adopted globally and its status as a language of international communication is limited. However, the language is protected and promoted by the government of Sindh, and there is a vibrant community of Sindhi-speaking people around the world who continue to use the language and preserve its cultural heritage. The digital development of the Sindhi language has been limited, but efforts are being made to increase its presence online. There are a few Sindhi-language websites, social media pages, and online forums where people can communicate in the language and share content. There have also been some initiatives to develop Sindhi language processing tools, such as sentiment analysis application, annotation and parsing tools, spell checkers, grammar checkers, and machine translation systems. However, these tools are still in the early stages of development and have a good accuracy. Nevertheless, the increased availability of technology and the growth of the internet have opened up new opportunities for the promotion and preservation of the Sindhi language in the digital age.

There has been limited research on the Sindhi language using Natural Language Processing (NLP), computational linguistics, and machine learning. However, there have been some recent initiatives to develop NLP tools for Sindhi, such as part-of-speech taggers, named entity recognition systems, and sentiment analysis systems. These tools aim to improve the processing and analysis of Sindhi text, making it easier for researchers and developers to work with the language. In addition, there have been some studies that have applied machine learning techniques, such as classification and clustering algorithms, to analyze and understand the linguistic features of Sindhi. Overall, the research work in this area is still in its early stages, but it holds great potential for the promotion and preservation of the Sindhi language. By developing NLP tools and applying machine learning techniques, researchers can better understand the language, identify its unique features, and promote its use in a variety of applications, such as language education and digital media. The government of Sindh has made some contributions to the preservation and promotion of the Sindhi language. One of the key initiatives taken by the government has been the establishment of the Sindhi Language Authority, which is responsible for promoting and standardizing the use of the Sindhi language. The Authority works to develop new teaching materials, organize language classes, and promote the use of the Sindhi language in government and private institutions. The Abdul Majid Bhurgari Institute of Language Engineering (AMBILE) is another important organization that has made significant contributions to the Sindhi language. This institute is dedicated to the development and promotion of the Sindhi language and works to develop language-related technology, such as software and other tools that can be used to teach and preserve the language. AMBILE also conducts research on the Sindhi language and provides training to language teachers and researchers. However, more work and contributions are required to save the Sindhi language from extinction as global cultures, lingua franca and digital age are main sources to extinct the scarce resources languages.

International Mother Language Day, celebrated on February 21st every year, is a day to recognize the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingual education. This year’s theme, “Multilingual Education: A Necessity to Transform Education,” highlights the crucial role that multilingual education plays in shaping the future of education and society.

The use of language plays a significant role in a variety of settings, including markets, educational institutions, government organizations, homes, society, and private organizations. The use of a native language in the market facilitates communication and exchange of goods and services. It helps in building trust and understanding between buyers and sellers, and makes it easier to negotiate and transact. In educational institutions, the use of language is crucial for teaching and learning. It is used to convey knowledge and ideas, and to develop students' linguistic and communication skills. In government organizations, the use of native language is important for administrative and legislative purposes. It helps in the dissemination of information and the implementation of policies and regulations. In homes, the use of mother language is vital for family communication and building relationships. It helps in expressing emotions, sharing experiences, and passing on cultural values and traditions. In society, the use of native language helps in the formation of social bonds and the promotion of cultural diversity. It allows individuals to express themselves and their opinions, and to participate in community life. In conclusion, the use of mother language has numerous advantages and benefits in different settings, promoting communication, understanding, and social and economic progress as well as in saving language and its culture.

Viewing the importance of native or mother langue the use of the Sindhi language in markets, educational institutions, government organizations, homes, society, and private organizations can play a significant role in preserving the language and preventing its extinction. By using Sindhi in local markets, it helps in maintaining the language's presence and promoting its use among traders and consumers. This can also help in keeping traditional Sindhi cultural practices alive. By using Sindhi in government organizations or departments, it helps in maintaining the language's official status and promoting its use in administrative and legislative processes. This can also help in promoting the language's use in media and communications. By using Sindhi in private organizations, it helps in promoting the language's use in business dealings and internal communication. This can also help in creating job opportunities for Sindhi-speaking individuals and promoting the language's presence in the workplace. By using Sindhi in homes, it helps in passing on the language and cultural traditions to future generations. It also helps in maintaining the language's presence in daily life and promoting its use in social interactions. By using Sindhi in society, it helps in promoting the language's presence in cultural events and festivals, and in maintaining its role in community life. It also helps in fostering a sense of identity and pride among Sindhi-speaking individuals. The use of the Sindhi language in different settings in society can play a crucial role in preserving the language and preventing its extinction. By promoting its use and increasing its visibility, the Sindhi language can continue to thrive and be passed on to future generations. By including Sindhi in the curriculum of educational institutions, it helps in promoting language proficiency and cultural awareness among students.  

The future of Sindhi, is of particular concern in light of globalization and its impact on language diversity. Sindhi is a language spoken by millions of people, primarily in Pakistan and India, but it is facing threats of extinction due to the widespread use of dominant languages, such as English, Urdu and Hindi. To ensure the future of Sindhi, it is essential to promote Sindhi as the market language, medium of public and private school education in Sindh and to provide the necessary resources and support for students to develop their language skills. This can be done by creating a supportive and inclusive environment in schools, where students feel comfortable using their native language, and by providing language classes, tutors, and language exchange programs. In addition, governments must prioritize the development of multilingual education in big cities of Sindh as well as make the Sindhi the main language in whole province, investing in the necessary resources and infrastructure to make it a reality. This includes providing teacher training and curriculum development, as well as promoting the use of Sindhi language in media and other cultural platforms.

In conclusion, the future of less resource languages like Sindhi is closely tied to the success of multilingual education. By promoting linguistic and cultural diversity and by providing the necessary resources and support, we can help to ensure the future of this important language and to create a more inclusive and interconnected world. 

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