Schooling and Students’ Linguistic and Cultural Identity in Baltistan: Silencing the Local Music

Main Article Content

Dr. Zakir Hussain Zakir
Dr. Haji Karim Khan
Dr. Muhammad Issa

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of the schooling process in shaping the linguistic and cultural identity of secondary school students in Baltistan, a region in Northern Pakistan known for its unique culture and the Sino-Tibetan language 'Balti'. Specifically, the study examines the impact of excluding local music from school activities on students' linguistic and cultural identity. Previous literature highlights the significant value of local music in Baltistan, which serves as an integral part of cultural life, rituals, and ceremonies, contributing to a strong sense of identity among students. However, over time, music has been discouraged for various reasons. Surprisingly, the data reveals that neither private nor public schools offer music lessons, reflecting a growing conservative attitude towards music and its negative implications for students' linguistic and cultural affiliation. Consequently, students are alienated and distanced from their local musical traditions, which poses policy challenges in fostering an inclusive learning environment that supports the positive development of linguistic and cultural identity.


 

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How to Cite
Zakir, D. Z. H., Khan, D. H. K., & Issa, D. M. (2023). Schooling and Students’ Linguistic and Cultural Identity in Baltistan: Silencing the Local Music. Linguistic Forum - A Journal of Linguistics, 5(1), 29–33. https://doi.org/10.53057/linfo/2023.5.1.5
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Articles
Author Biographies

Dr. Zakir Hussain Zakir, Department of Educational Development, University of Baltistan, Skardu, Pakistan.

Dr. Zakir Hussain Zakir is an PhD in education, and is currently serving as Director Academics at University of Baltistan, Skardu. His research interest revolves around Pedagogy, Classroom Issues, and Teaching Methodologies. He is passionate about synthesizing culture and education and teaching.

 

Dr. Haji Karim Khan, Department of Educational Development, University of Baltistan, Skardu, Pakistan.

Dr. Haji Karim Khan is an PhD in education, and is currently serving as Controller of Examination at University of Baltistan, Skardu. He has done his two Post- Docs from Oxford University and Boston University. He is a prolific researcher, and has penned down several research papers theming around Educational Psychology, Management Styles in Education, Early Child Education and Educational Philosophy. Currently he is working on a project, SLO Based Teaching: Challenges and Issues Faced by the Teachers.

 

 

Dr. Muhammad Issa, Assistant Professor, Department of Languages and Cultural Studies, University of Baltistan, Skardu, Pakistan.

Dr. Muhammad Issa is an PhD in Linguistics, and is currently serving as Assistant Professor and Head of the Department in the Department of Languages and Cultural Studies at University of Baltistan, Skardu. His area of interest is Language and Politics, Historical Linguistics, Indigenous Languages and Phonetics and Phonology.

 

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