By: Jafar Qambrani
Many people believe that the Brahui language is endangered and has been neglected for decades. While this perception holds some truth, there is actually a dedicated group of individuals working on the preservation and promotion of this significant language from Balochistan. Dr. Liaqat Suni, a Brahui researcher, poet, author, and associate professor in the Brahui Department at the University of Balochistan in Quetta, is currently pursuing his Post-Doctorate degree in Tokyo. He is teaching Brahui at two prestigious universities in Japan: “The Tokyo University” and “The Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.”
A recent video went viral showcasing the progress of one of Dr. Suni’s Japanese students speaking Brahui fluently during their first semester. This remarkable development is an encouraging step towards reviving the language and preventing its extinction.
When asked about his Brahui language classes in Tokyo, Dr. Liaqat mentioned that nearly 40 students had enrolled in the first semester to learn Brahui. He expressed confidence in their ability to grasp the language quickly, noting that they already had a linguistic background and were familiar with Urdu, Hindi, and Persian. Dr. Liaqat believes that his students will eventually be able to teach Brahui themselves.
Regarding his students’ reaction to Brahui, Dr. Liaqat mentioned that they found the language fascinating. Brahui, being a rare language, was a new experience for them, but they could draw comparisons between Brahui and other languages, such as Arian and Dravidian, based on various linguistic features.
Brahui is considered an endangered language, but Dr. Liaqat holds the view that if a language becomes digitized and attracts the attention of foreign linguists, it can shed its endangered status. He proudly shared that he had collaborated with a host professor to create a 700-page digital text in Brahui called “Carpus.” This significant resource will aid linguists in conducting research on Brahui linguistics. Previously, the work of Denys Bray had provided some assistance to linguists, but it lacked sufficient Brahui text.
Additionally, Dr. Liaqat and his host supervisor have embarked on a project to develop Brahui Grammar, and one of their chapters has been approved for publication in the Oxford University Press Textbook of Dravidian Languages.
Dr. Liaqat further emphasized the need to develop a unique orthography (writing system) for Brahui, as languages lacking their own writing systems are often marked as endangered. Creating a new orthography for Brahui would contribute to its distinct identity in the world.
This achievement deserves recognition and congratulations for the Baloch people, and heartfelt appreciation goes to Dr. Suni, an esteemed literary figure from the mountainous region of Balochistan. His remarkable efforts not only promote his mother tongue within Balochistan but also extend to countries like Japan.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Balochistan Post or any of its editors.