Language is one of most important segments of any culture and it is the most effective and attractive tool for communication and national identity. It plays an important role to highlight cultural and traditional values of people in society and introduce a nation to other cultures of the modern world.
Baloch is one of the biggest nations in the region and the majority lives in Balochistan (Province of Pakistan), Seestan-Balochistan (Province of Iran) and Helmand and Nimroz (Provinces of Afghanistan). A big number of Baloch live in Sindh and Punjab Provinces as well. Baloch are more than 10% of the total population of Pakistan. Baloch not only reside in Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan but also a sizable community of Baloch lives in Turkmanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kenya, Europe and Middle East etc.
According to estimates, 50% of the Baloch Speak Balochi, 30% speaks Brahvi and remaining 20% speaks Seraiki, Sindhi & Kethrani etc. Balochi is spoken in three dialects in Balochistan; Rakhshani, Mashriqi-Bugti/Marri and Makkrani. Balochi is considered as one of the oldest and sweetest languages of the region.
The Balochi language has not been given due attention in past and this language and culture has traveled a long journey through folk stories and poetry of famous poets of Balochi Language. Shay Mureed-o-Hani, Shadad-o-Mahnaz, Beebarg-o-granaz, Izzat-o-Mehrok, Sassi-o-Punnu are the most famous folk love stories.
The Balochi available literature is derived from the poetry of legendary Baloch poets and since 1930 the attention towards the literature of this language has got momentum. Today there are thousands of Books on Balochi Language, Culture and history in the markets and libraries throughout world.
The number of Balochi writers and readers is increasing day by day and the Provincial Government of Balochistan has included Mother Languages in the syllabus of Schools to be taught to the children, as it is their basic right. It is a very good initiative and need further attention; the government, NGOs and literary organizations need to organize trainings for teachers on teaching different dialects of Balochi to students.
Mother languages are used as medium of instruction in different developed countries because children can better understand their mother language and this can improve the standard of education.
Nationalist Baloch Parties should establish Balochi Language and culture centers in different areas where majority of Baloch live throughout country to fulfill their national obligation and play their role in promotion of Balochi culture and language.
Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage. All attempts to promote the dissemination of mother tongues will serve not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education but also to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue.
The General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed International Mother Language Day in November 1999.
International Mother Language Day has been observed every year since 21 February 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism
So it becomes the responsibility of Governments to promote mother languages and multiculturalism.
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