Languages of Pakistan facts for kids
Pakistan is a country with a rich history and many different languages! While English is the official language used by the government, Urdu is the national language. This means Urdu is important for bringing people together, even though it's not the first language for most people in Pakistan.
Besides English and Urdu, many other languages are spoken across Pakistan. These include important provincial languages like Balochi, Pashto, Saraiki, Sindhi, and Punjabi. There's also a special state language called Kashmiri.
Pakistan has a very old history, just like countries such as Iraq and Egypt. This means its languages also have deep roots from long ago. Over time, many different groups ruled these lands, like the Persians, Greeks, Arabs, Turco-Mongols, and the British. Each of these groups added new words and ideas to the local languages. This made the languages of Pakistan very rich and diverse!
When people in these areas became Muslims, words from Arabic and Persian became a big part of their language and identity. These words are still used today. The way most of Pakistan's 75 languages are written, using an Arabic-based script, also helps unite them culturally.
Pakistan's languages connect it to two main regions. First, to India, because some of its languages come from ancient Dravidian and Indo-Aryan language families. Second, to the Middle East, because many words and writing styles come from Arabic and Persian. For example, Pakistan's national anthem, the Qaumī Tarāna, uses a lot of Persian words in Urdu.
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Languages of Pakistan
Pakistan is home to a wonderful variety of languages. Each one tells a story about the people and their history.
Official and National Languages
- English: This is the official language. It's used for government work, business, and higher education.
- Urdu: This is the national language. It helps connect people from different parts of Pakistan. It's taught in schools and used in media.
Major Provincial Languages
These languages are spoken by large groups of people in specific regions:
- Balochi: Spoken in the Balochistan province.
- Pashto: Spoken by the Pashtun people, mainly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Punjabi: Spoken in the Punjab province.
- Saraiki: Spoken in the southern parts of Punjab.
- Sindhi: Spoken in the Sindh province.
- Kashmiri: This is a state language, spoken in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Other Languages You Might Hear
Besides the main languages, many smaller languages are spoken across Pakistan. These include:
- Burushaski
- Balti
- Domaaki
- Gawar-bati
- Erina
- Shina
- Brahvi
These languages are important parts of Pakistan's cultural heritage. They show how diverse and unique the country's people are.
Images for kids
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Map showing some of the minor languages in Pakistan as of 1998.
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An English-Urdu bilingual sign at the archaeological site of Sirkap, near Taxila. The Urdu says: (right to left) دو سروں والے عقاب کی شبيہ والا مندر, dō sarōñ wālé u'qāb kī shabīh wāla mandir. "The temple with the image of the eagle with two heads."
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The phrase zubān-e-Urdū-e-muʿallā ("the language of the exalted camp") written in Nastaʿlīq script
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Lashkari Zabān title in Naskh script
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Percent speaking a minor language (not collected on the census) natively in 1998.
