Language and Power Dynamics in Pakistani Society

Abstract

Language in Pakistan is more than communication because it is a tool that defines the status of the community, the political environment, and the economy in the country. Due to the ethnic and cultural diversity of people of more than seventy languages in the country, the newly emerging language policy is apparent in the domination of Urdu and English language, which are identified with political power and social status. At the same time, regional languages such as Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Balochi, and many others are deliberately excluded and perpetuate the existence of the rich and elite and the poor, dominantly illiterate populace. This paper discusses the role of language in identity and how it supports and reinforces social categorizations. It also looks into how the pervasive use of dominant languages perpetuates exclusion in facets like education, politics, and economics, arguing that language functions as a tool of regulation and oppression. By focusing on the language and power relations in Pakistani society and identifying the impact of language in constructing social relationships and identity in the context of society, the present study provides an understanding of how linguistic factors determine the structure of society.