Vanishing Voices

Dear All,

The following article “Vanishing Voices” by Aziz Ali Dad, source “The News- 27-02-2010”.

There is no document of civilization that is not at the same time a document of barbarism." Walter Benjamin

Because of the compression of time and space under the influence of technology the contemporary age is known as "Global Village". This is the first time in the history of mankind that local, national, regional and international events influence one another in various ways. Gilgit-Baltistan is also not immune to globalisation. My main focus here would be to take stock of the tripartite challenges posed by globalisation, communication and modernity for the survival of indigenous languages of Gilgit-Baltistan. Examining the current situation of indigenous languages in the region vis-à-vis exogenous forces, which include, market forces and their repercussions on local vernaculars.

For more details: http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/feb2010-weekly/nos-27-02-2010/pol1.htm#3