Attitude of Shina Speakers towards English and Urdu: A Threat for their Linguistic Identity

Abstract

The current study was carried out to explore the influence of English and Urdu on Shina and its possible threats for the linguistic identity of Shina speakers. It also attempts to find out the attitudes of the people of three successive generations towards the changes in Shina and its influence on their identity. A questionnaire was designed to study the attitude of people of different generations towards the changes in Shina and its possible repercussions. The analysis of the data revealed that English and Urdu have influenced the young Shina generation to a great extent. It also became evident that they are more open to change and have a positive attitude towards the changes in Shina. The middle Shina generation showed a neutral attitude and the variety of Shina spoken by them seems to be less affected by English and more by Urdu. The old Shina generation appeared to be apprehensive about the future of Shina and expressed the fear that Shina will die out as a result of large scale borrowings from Urdu and English. The inclination of the younger generation towards English and Urdu indicates a threat to the linguistic identity of Shina speakers. The current research recommends the inclusion of Shina in curriculum to inculcate a positive attitude towards it.