Politics of Language

The book Language and Society in Gilgit-Baltistan by Ijlal Hussainpur is a timely and thought-provoking contribution to the field of sociolinguistics, especially in the context of Pakistan’s often overlooked northern frontier. The book delves deep into the complex relationship between language, identity, power, and politics in one of the most linguistically diverse regions of South Asia. Hussainpur’s work offers a scholarly analysis and a culturally rich and empathetic understanding of a region in transition.

From the beginning, the author sets the stage by introducing readers to the intricate linguistic landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), home to over a dozen languages, including Shina, Burushaski, Balti, Khowar, and Wakhi. These languages are not only modes of communication but also markers of identity, heritage, and resistance. Hussainpur’s background as a linguist and a native of the region gives him both academic insight and a personal lens through which he views the subject.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its interdisciplinary approach. Drawing from sociolinguistics, anthropology, history, and political science, Hussainpur crafts a nuanced narrative about how language functions in everyday life in GB. He addresses how colonial legacies, state policies, education systems, media, and migration have impacted the status and vitality of local languages. The book skillfully explores how Urdu, as the national language, and English, as the language of power and progress, have often overshadowed indigenous languages — a phenomenon that is both symptomatic of and contributory to broader social inequalities.

Hussainpur raises critical questions about language endangerment and preservation. He documents how younger generations are slowly losing touch with their mother tongues due to a lack of institutional support and increasing urbanization. What makes the book particularly engaging is its inclusion of personal stories, interviews, and community voices that ground the theoretical discussions in lived reality. These testimonies reflect both pride and anxiety — pride in rich linguistic traditions and anxiety about their future.

The book also deals with the politics of language. Hussainpur does not shy away from examining how language can be a tool for inclusion and exclusion in a multiethnic society like GB. He discusses how language shapes ethnic and sectarian identities, often becoming a site of contestation and negotiation. This is particularly relevant in a region that has historically seen tensions along both linguistic and sectarian lines.

Another notable section of the book discusses the role of education in language maintenance or shift. Hussainpur critiques the monolingual focus of the education system, which privileges Urdu and English while neglecting local languages. He argues for the importance of mother-tongue-based multilingual education (MTB-MLE), not just as a pedagogical strategy but as a means of cultural preservation and empowerment.

In terms of style, the book strikes a balance between academic rigor and readability. While the book is clearly aimed at scholars and students of linguistics, anthropology, and South Asian studies, it is accessible enough for general readers interested in language politics and regional studies. Hussainpur writes with clarity and passion, and his deep connection to the region shines through in every chapter.

The book is well-organized, with each chapter focusing on a specific theme — from language shift and bilingualism to language policy and media representation. The inclusion of maps, charts, and tables helps contextualize the data, and the extensive bibliography provides a valuable resource for further reading. However, one might wish for more comparative insights from other multilingual regions in Pakistan or South Asia to broaden the analytical scope.

In conclusion, ‘Language and Society in Gilgit-Baltistan’ is a pioneering work that brings much-needed attention to the sociolinguistic dynamics of a region often marginalized in national discourse. The author, Ijlal Hussainpur, has given voice to the languages and people of Gilgit-Baltistan with sensitivity, insight, and academic integrity. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in language, identity, and the cultural politics of Pakistan.