A Case Study of Pahari Migrant Speakers on Their Language and Cultural Identity in Abbottabad City

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the impact of internal migration on the linguistic practices and cultural identity of Pahari-speaking migrants from the Galyat region now residing in Abbottabad City. The research focused on understanding the patterns of language shift, cultural transformation, and the preservation of minority language within an urban context. A quantitative research methodology was employed, using a structured questionnaire distributed among 55 respondents from migrant Pahari-speaking families. The data collected was analyzed to assess language usage across generations, social settings, and educational domains, as well as attitudes toward cultural traditions and identity retention. The findings reveal a noticeable decline in the use of the Pahari language among younger generations, particularly in formal and educational contexts, with a preference for Urdu and English in urban social environments. The study identified significant shifts in cultural identity, including reduced engagement with traditional practices, oral folklore, and inter-generational transmission of language. Results also highlighted how sociocultural and economic pressures in urban settings contribute to the marginalization of the Pahari language and a growing disconnection from ancestral roots. This research underscores the urgent need for targeted preservation efforts and inclusive policies that support linguistic and cultural diversity. It contributes valuable insight to the field of sociolinguistics by documenting the localized effects of rural-to-urban migration on minority language communities in Pakistan. The study is significant for policymakers, educators, and cultural preservationists working toward the sustainable safeguarding of endangered languages and identities.

Keywords: Pahari Migrant Speakers, Language Identity, Cultural Identity, Abbottabad City, Language Shift, Cultural Transformation