The Historical Context and Cultural Significance of the Kashmiri Language

• The Kashmiri language, spoken in the picturesque region of Kashmir, boasts a history spanning centuries. Despite its cultural richness, a startling fact emerged in 2013: only about 5% of Kashmiris could write in their native script. This decline primarily resulted from the oral tradition of the language, overshadowing its written form.
• Kashmiri, traditionally passed down orally, faced challenges in its written form. Many Kashmiris, like the Srinagar poet Azar Nazir, grew up fluent in spoken Kashmiri but unable to write it. They often resorted to using English alphabets to pen down Kashmiri words, a workaround not quite capturing the language’s essence.

The Digital Revolution in Preserving Kashmiri

• In a significant turnaround, Microsoft and Google have taken pivotal steps to bring Kashmiri into the digital age. Microsoft’s MS Translator has integrated Kashmiri, and Google Translate is set to follow. This technological intervention is a milestone for over 7 million Kashmiri speakers in Jammu and Kashmir, including those in Pakistan-administered areas.
• Previously, entities like Radio Kashmir and cultural academies played crucial roles in keeping Kashmiri alive through mediums like folk music. Now, the digital efforts of Microsoft and Google, coupled with the advocacy of groups like the Adbee Markaz Kamraz (AMK), are instrumental in reviving the language. AMK’s campaign, mobilizing 17,000 people to petition Google, significantly contributed to these advancements.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change

• Kashmiri’s journey has been fraught with challenges. Influenced by languages such as Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic, it faced neglect in educational curriculums for nearly five decades.
• Urdu’s dominance as the official language during the Dogra monarchy further marginalized Kashmiri. However, efforts by groups like AMK gradually reinstated Kashmiri in educational institutions, from primary schools to universities.
• The Kashmiri community itself sometimes viewed the language as less prestigious, hindering its proliferation. Nevertheless, recent developments have sparked a positive change. Thanks to influences like music and the internet, over 30% of Kashmiris now can read and write in their language, signaling a resurgence in its popularity and usage.