Domaaki language facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Domaaki |
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| Native to | Pakistan | |||
| Region | Nager and Hunza Valleys | |||
| Native speakers | ca. 350 (2004) | |||
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Domaaki is a special language spoken in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. It is also known as Dumaki or Domaá.
Contents
What is Domaaki?
Domaaki is the traditional language of a small group of people called the Dóoma. The Dóoma people live in different family groups among larger communities. Long ago, Domaaki speakers often worked as blacksmiths, making things from metal, and as musicians. Today, they have many different jobs.
Who Speaks Domaaki?
The Dóoma people are all Muslims. In many places where they live, they have stopped speaking Domaaki. Instead, they now speak the language of the bigger communities around them. This means Domaaki is not spoken by as many people as it used to be.
Where is Domaaki Spoken?
Today, Domaaki has only survived in two main areas: the Nager Valley and the Hunza Valley. These valleys are both in the northern parts of Pakistan.
Different Ways of Speaking
Because Domaaki is spoken in two different places, it has two main types, or dialects. These are called Nager-Domaaki and Hunza-Domaaki. Even though there are some differences between these two types, people who speak one can usually understand people who speak the other.
Is Domaaki in Danger?
Sadly, Domaaki is a highly endangered language. This means very few people speak it today. In 2004, there were fewer than 350 speakers. Most of these speakers are older people. About 300 speakers are from the Hunza Valley, and around 40 are from the Nager Valley. Because so few people speak it, Domaaki is at risk of disappearing forever.
