Summary and Discussion of Impacts of Bilingualism

Summary
5.1 Language Use and Fluency
5.2 Language Skills
5.3 Language Use in Different Domains
5.3.1 Language use in Family Domains
5.3.2 Youth Domain
5.3.3 Formal Domain
5.3.4 Professional Domain
5.3.5 Informal Personal Domain

5.4 Comparison of language use in all domains

5.5 Analysis of ideas about language

5.7 Questionnaire

5.8 References

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 Chapter 5

Discussion

The purpose of this research is to explore the attitude of youth towards Urdu language working as a national

language of Pakistan and working as a Lingua Franca throughout the country the attitude towards English and

Punjabi is also one of the major objectives of the study. This discussion chapter is divided into three parts. The

first part of the discussion consists of level of fluency in major languages of Punjab according to all the four

skills. Second part discusses the attitudes of respondents towards three languages Urdu, English, Punjabi either

in the pure form of languages or in the form of mixture of two languages (code switching or bilingualism) in

their routine use in different situations. Third part’s discussion comprises of the discussion of hypothetical

situations which were provided to the respondents in order to analyze their attitudes towards language users in

Punjab.

Domain analysis technique has been employed to collect data for this part. The language use patterns in three

different domains have been analyzed separately as well as collectively

5.1 Language Use and Fluency

To observe the usage of language in the province of Punjab, the respondents are asked about their usage of

language. Majority of the respondents explored that English, Urdu and Punjabi as a mother tongue while only

some of them answered about Mewati and Balochi language as their mother tongue. The responds of the

respondents claimed that 44.8% have Urdu as their first language, 44% claimed Punjabi as their mother tongue

and only 4.3% have English as a first language. The results indicate the factual figures that in the province of

Punjab especially in the institutes of the capital of Punjab Lahore, their major first language is Urdu and with

little difference Punjabi is the 2nd major first language in the province of Punjab.

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5.2 Language Skills

To investigate the language fluency respondents are asked about the fluency of three languages Urdu, English

and Punjabi in all their four skills. The responses of the respondents explore the Linguistic diversity in the

province of Punjab. The Multilingualism is the main key factor in the province of Punjab. All the four skills are

given three closed ended answers. First option excellent shows full command and confidence in using of

language upon its usage. Second closed ended answer is good shows that the user has ability in that aspect of the

language to use for their routine work while the last option is average indicates that respondent to some extent

can observe and use the language in specific ability of that language.

1. When the respondents were asked about the most proficient language which they listen, their response as

excellent in listening Urdu 68.1%, English 39.7% and Punjabi 46.6%. The response of good for Urdu

25.9%, English 46.6% and Punjabi 31.9% explored that the fluency of the listening skills of Urdu language

is the prominent feature of the people of the youth of Punjab. Punjabi as a local language of Punjab as well

as the identity of the province of Punjab places at second number in the listening skills of language. The

results indicate the majority of the literate youth belongs to the mix linguistic background of Urdu and

Punjabi while having more command in Urdu listening skill than Punjabi and also from English.

2. When the respondents were asked about the most proficient language which they speak their response as

excellent in listening Urdu 56.9%, English26.7% and Punjabi37.1%. The response of good for Urdu 38.8%,

English 48.3% and Punjabi 30.2% and the response of average for Urdu 4.3%, English 25% and Punjabi

31.9% indicates that the fluency of the speaking skills of Urdu language is a highlighting feature of the

people of the youth of Punjab. Punjabi as a local language of Punjab as well as the identity of the province

of Punjab places at second number in the speaking skills of language but English is the language which in

speaking skill has no so much command which is required for any language fluency. Majority of the literate

youth uses and having more command upon Urdu. In speaking people are used to use Punjabi in every day

conversations but their excellency level is less than Urdu but more than English. Youth use English but

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 after a long educational background they don’t have too much able to show the excellency of language in

speaking of English.

3. When the respondents were asked about the most proficient language When the respondents were asked

about the most proficient language which they read their response as excellent in reading Urdu 65.5%,

English 35.3% and Punjabi 19%. The response of good for Urdu 25.9%, English 49.9 and Punjabi 36.2%

and the response of average for Urdu 8.6%, English 15.5% and Punjabi 44.8% shows that the fluency in

reading skills of Urdu language is a highlighting feature of the youth of Punjab. Punjabi creates a

contradiction in this skill that instead of having 44 % of the people of the mother tongue only 19% are able

to achieve the excellency level in reading of Punjabi language maximum of the Punjabi are in average of

reading skills of Punjabi. English as a reading capabilities gave better excellency level and majority of the

youth of Punjab falls in the category of good in reading skills of English language. Majority of the literate

youth use and having more command upon Urdu. Youth having English in their educational background

have better ability than listening and reading skills of English.

4. When the respondents were asked about the most proficient language which they write their response as

excellent in reading Urdu 50%, English31% and Punjabi 12.9%. The response of good for Urdu 37.1%,

English 47.4%and Punjabi 27.6% and the response of average for Urdu 12.9%, English 21.6% and Punjabi

58.6% shows more excellency in Urdu while writing indicates that the fluency in reading skills of Urdu

language is a highlighting feature of the youth of Punjab. Punjabi in the aspect of writing give more

contradictory result in writing skill that instead of having 44 % of the people of the mother tongue only

12.9% are able to achieve the excellency level in writing of Punjabi language maximum falls on the

category of the Punjabi in average of writing skills of Punjabi. English in writing capabilities gave better

excellency level and majority of the youth of Punjab falls in the category of good in writing skills of

English language. Majority of the literate youth Use and having more command upon Urdu writing. Youth

having English in their educational background have better ability than listening and reading skills of

English.
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5.3 Language use in different domains

5.3.1 Language use in family domain:

For analyzing usage of language the family domain is the main key feature and an integral part for observation

of every language’s attitude. Duan, in 2004, indicates that it is main and most prominent domain of

communication. Any language changes which occur in this domain may reflect the changes occurring in other

domains.

In this research the results indicate that the usage and preferences Punjabi language within family domain is a

prominent feature while in pure form or in the form of bilingualism with Urdu language. The percentage

increases when the interlocutors are elders or grandparents. The results clearly illustrate that language shifting

process which has been actuated among youth of Lahore. It is prominent from this study that 29.3% of the

respondents speak Punjabi with their parents as compare to this percentage increases to 37% with grandparents

35.3% with relatives and 53.4% when they communicate with elders. When the use of Bilingualism is observed

that 37% of the youth use Urdu+English with grandparents a high result in code switch form while

communicating with elder 19% Urdu+ Punjabi shows code switching in both forms are the second main feature

while communication with elders. When they communicate with parents’ main language use is Urdu and

percentage shows that second main language for communication is Punjabi language and code switching of

Urdu+English and Urdu+ Punjabi in this respect preferred at 3rd and 4th number and with grandparents’ pure

language Urdu and Punjabi are more preferred than code switching. Therefore, it will be no wrong in

concluding that a language shift process has been initiated in Punjab which may affect the language use in other

domains as well. It’s clearly indicated that Punjabi language is not too much considered as a formal language

even within family structure Punjabi is not preferred for communication.

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5.3.2 Youth domain:

In this research the results indicate that the usage and preferences Urdu language within youth domain is a

prominent feature while in pure form and English is mixed with Urdu for code switching is the highlighting

feature of the communication among the youth.

In results, communication with siblings 43.1%, with youngsters 34.5% and with youngsters 40.5 % pure Urdu

usage indicate that the youth like to use Urdu language for the communication with youth and second

highlighting factor is the usage of bilingualism Urdu+English siblings 25%, friends 34.5 %and youngsters

36.5% indicates that youth of institutes of Lahore give second preference to the code switching of Urdu with

English indicates the purity of the languages used in Punjab do not have a formal preference while

communicating with youth. The results indicate the local and language Punjabi mother tongue of the maximum

of the youth of Punjab has not given such preference either in pure form or code switching. That shows the

declining function of the Punjabi language in the society of Punjab, Pakistan. That declining results indicates the

alarming situation of the Punjabi language need to be addressed on administration level because Language is not

only a way of communication but also the path of culture preservation and protection. The result also indicates

the decline of the usage of languages in pure form because the youth increasingly prefer to use code switching

in communication.

5.3.3 Formal Domain:

In this research the results indicate that the usage and preferences Urdu language within formal domain is a

prominent feature while in pure form and English is mixed with Urdu for code switching is the highlighting

feature of the communication in formal situation.

The results with guests who visit you 44.8%, when you visit some institute 28.4%, with special person

33.6%, with high profile people 32.8%, with highly educated people 25% and in formal situation 44.8% indicate

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one of the dominant feature of the communication in formal situation. That situation indicates that the Urdu Is

given more preference in Formal situation than Punjabi. The most dominant factor is the result of bilingualism

Urdu+English in formal situation exposes the trend of the youth in any formal situation is converting towards

code switching. The results of the guests who visit you 43.1 %, with high profile people 50%, in an institute

51.3%, with special persons 50%, with highly educated 53.4% and in formal situation 32.8% shows that the

attitude of the youth in formal and caring situations is converting towards code switching of English+Urdu. That

shows not only the dominance of the Pure Urdu but the changing attitude of the youth towards the mixture of

the language is a key to change the society language as a whole. The alarming result of the usage of the pure

Punjabi and in the form of code switching with Punjabi highlights the decline of the Punjabi language in the

society. The national language in pure form or code switch in both forms is given preference highlights the

power of national language of Pakistan.

5.3.4 Professional Domain:

The research’s given results indicate that the usage and preferences English is mixed with Urdu for code

switching is the highlighting feature of the communication in professional domain. Urdu language within

professional domain is a prominent feature while in pure form is the second main medium of communication.

The results of the research while communication with teachers 44.8%. With doctors 44.8%, with journalist

39.7% and with policeman only 20.7% in English+Urdu indicates that the mixture of the English with Urdu is

thought to be more comprehensive medium for the communication with professionals. The youth thought it to

be preferred more in formal professionals while usage of code switching with teachers 7.8%, with doctors 1.7%,

with journalists 4.3 % and with policeman 12.1% how that the youth of the educational institutes do not think

that Punjabi’s code switching with Urdu can be a better way to communicate. The results of Pure Urdu with

teachers 35.3%, with doctors 41.4%, with journalists 44% and with Policeman 50.9% exposes the Urdu is a

medium of preference to communication with processionals. The results indicate that in Pure form Urdu is

preferred as a medium of communication. English although a dominant language in Pakistan but in pure form it

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is not as powerful mode of communication as Urdu is. Punjabi is also not thought it to be the language to

communicate with professionals show the declining situation of the Punjabi language in the society of Punjab,

Pakistan. The results indicate that Punjabi is thought to be a language on used in informal situations.

5.3.5 Informal Personal Domain:

In this research the results indicate that the usage and preferences Urdu language in personal domain is a

prominent feature while usage of English is mixed with Urdu for code switching, Usage of mix language of

Urdu Punjabi and the pure language of Punjabi is also a key feature of the communication in personal domain.

In the informal personal domain, the results of using language in big shopping malls 37.9%, in fruit and

vegetables market 49.1%, with common people 54.3%, with low profile people for you 49.1%, with illiterates

38.8% and in informal situation 47.4% indicates that the usage of Urdu language is varied by percentage

according to the situation in personal domain. The first preference as a whole in this domain is given to pure

Urdu language. In big shopping malls round about fifty percent while in fruit and vegetables market lesser result

show the less formality in the attitude with illiterates, in local markets and in informal situations. While the

result of code switching in Urdu+English in big shopping malls 38.8%, in fruit and vegetables market 17.2%,

with common people 25%, with low profile people for you 23.3%, with illiterates 17.2% and in informal

situation 20.7% indicates that in that informal situation that youth give second preference to the code switching

of Urdu and English. That result indicates the lesser result than formal situation. From the results it can be

concluded that the youth of Punjab thought Urdu and code switching of Urdu+English associated with formality

level of the situation. The results of code switching of Urdu+Punjabi in big shopping malls 8.6%, in fruit and

vegetables market 16.4%, with common people 10.3%, with low profile people for you 14.7%, with illiterates

19.8% and in informal situation18.1 is here also a third powerful factor in that situation. The situation favors the

code switching level of Punjabi and Urdu indicates Punjabi is thought to be the language of informality. Usage

of pure English is decreasing with the decreasing level of formality and Punjabi usage is increased with

decreasing level of formality either in pure form or in the form of code switching.

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5.4 Comparison of language use in all domains:

The analysis of the three languages usage and preference in Punjab in different domains illustrate the clear

differences between the usage of all the three language Punjabi language. The language usage is different in

different domains according to the formality level of the domain. Data illustrate that Punjabi is considered to be

most informal and unsophisticated language, then formality level increased by the usage of Urdu and English. It

is also evident that thought of the youth supports code switching either Urdu+Punjabi or Urdu+English with the

level of sophistication and formality according to their thought. For more sophistication it is evident that

Urdu+English is used at highest level of sophistication. According to family domain there is has even a drastic

language shift from Punjabi to Urdu than to English either in pure form or in the form of bilingualism.

Therefore, the dominant language in all these domains is Urdu and code switching of Urdu and English.

The language shift that today’s generation instigate can lead to serious consequences for the future generations

as local languages will loss the status of mother tongue instead of being a part of child’s personal, social and

cultural identity. It is fundamental aspect in developing the intellectual, physical and moral aspects of education.

Mother tongue shapes the habits, morals, values, conducts, beliefs and customs of the nations. That’s why, the

weakness of local languages as mother tongue would lead to paralysis of all thoughts and power of expression

of the nation or society.

5.5 Analysis of ideas about language:

5.5.1 Worth of English language:

Statement SA A N D SD
English is a valuable language 37.9% 50% 7.8% 3.4% 0.9%
I prefer to speak English over other languages 29.3% 28.4% 19% 20.7% 2.6%

English is the symbol of highly literate person 20.7% 36.2% 27.6% 12.1% 3.4%

Table 5.1

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Table 5.1 highlights the attitude of the respondents from youth towards English language. English language

thought to be the way to get prestige in the society because of an international exposure and it has a global

acceptability in the world. Moreover, to compete with the modern world English is thought to be the only way

which can help for their success. The English is considered as their identity of the educated society i.e. in

Pakistani society the person who have ability to use English is considered educated only. That’s why the

respondents have positive inclination towards English. Mansoor (1993) identified through her research study

that Punjabi and Urdu language users have highly positive attitudes towards English language.

Those respondents who don’t consider English as a prestigious status in Pakistan they have to learn English

language because our society and market for jobs demands it. To kept away from the feeling of dejection about

the stereotypical notions, they have to accept the respect and status of users of English in a cultured and well-

mannered in Pakistani society. There is a point of view that there is no harm in learning English language but

we should not forget our Pakistani culture and traditions. The new language should be accepted but not upon the

price of our native traditions, culture and languages.

5.5.2 Preferences of Urdu& English language:

Statement SA A N D SD

It’s a matter of pride for me to speak English mix 19.8% 29.3% 29.3% 12.1% 9.5%
with Urdu

It’s a matter of degradation for me being a 12.9% 25.9% 24.1% 26.7% 10.3%
bilingualism

I like to use bilingualism in my conversations 25% 37.9% 30.2% 6.9% 0%

Most of the people like to speak mix English and 24.1% 54.3% 18.1% 3.4% 0%
Urdu languages

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Mostly youth like to mix English with Urdu 31.9% 44.8% 17.2% 5.2% 0.9%
language while speaking

A bilingual is thought to be well educated person 17.2% 50.9% 22.4% 9.5 0%

Table 5.2

Table 5.2 shows that the widely spreading concept of bilingualism is caused by the mental inclination of the

respondents towards English language. To kept upgraded and to get a respected position in the society, English

either in pure form or in form of code switching is thought to be the only way of success. Due to the colonial

background and globalism Pakistan is one of the country widely dependent upon nations and societies which

were English spoken like USA and UK. Another reason is the inclination of the elite and administrative class

towards English culture and towards English society. So it is thought that to cope within the English is the key

path. Due to that cultural attitude youth thought it pride to use English and code switching of English with their

local languages. The concept of identity of the nation as its language is taken far much behind leads to the

diminishing of their culture aspects and culture identities.

5.5.3 Reasons and impacts of bilingualism:

Statement SA A N D SD
Using bilingualism a message can be conveyed in 19.8% 48.3% 18.1% 12.1% 1.7%
an expressive way

The clarification of concepts becomes more 25% 41.4% 22.4% 10.3% 0.9%
difficult while using English as code switching

Using English while speaking Urdu language, 19.8% 42.2% 25.9% 10.3% 1.7%
causes complexes among the both language users

Using bilingualism, English culture distorts the 22.4% 37.9% 27.6% 7.8% 3.4%
Urdu cultural values

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Using bilingualism, distorts the attention, focus, 19% 42.2% 27.6% 7.8% 6.4%
interest and motivation level of the first language
users

Through bilingualism a person can convey his/her 19.8% 44% 23.3% 12.1% 0.9%
message in easy way

Table 5.3

Table 5.3 indicates the reasons and impacts of bilingualism in Punjabi society. Punjabi people don’t approve

Punjabi for the studying as a compulsory subject and also as a medium of instruction. Urdu though used as a

medium of instruction for the basic education system but that language medium also shifted towards English in

basic education system also at higher level, we are already English dependent. The students in this way are

trained to use and idealize English as a medium of instruction causes behavior shift of the students as well. The

conveyance of colloquial words and social concepts of Pakistan not in a real sense can transferred to the

younger generations of Punjab, Pakistan. It not only affects the language usage but also local language users are

affected by the structure and culture of the English language culture. On the one hand, majority of the

respondents is of the view that through bilingualism, clarity of the concepts becomes ambiguous and it may put

the negative impact on the minds of the communicators which may cause some complexes, but on the other

hand, the majority of the respondents think that through bilingualism, message can be conveyed in an easy and

expressive way. It may also demotivate the listeners. English is used from decades in Pakistan the user of

English can convey their message effectively and efficiently but the cultural concepts, identities, moralities,

values, situations, thinking and language structure also are affected by the influence of English and code

switching.

5.5.4 Idea about Bilinguals:

Statement SA A N D SD

A bilingual is a highly respected in the society 14.7% 44.8% 27.6% 9.5% 3.4%

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The bilinguals are more competent than 19.8% 37.1% 27.6% 12.9% 2.6%
monolinguals

Using English while speaking Urdu demotivates 25.9% 45.7% 19% 8.6% 0.9%
users of Urdu language

Table 5.4

Table 5.4 highlights some aspects of bilinguals or code switch users. Responses of the respondents identified the

negative attitudes of Punjabis towards Punjabi language and the increasing negativity in the attitude of the

bilinguals. The pure language users either Punjabi or Urdu are disturbed and demotivated because of the

increasing influence of the bilinguals in the society of Punjab, Pakistan. They stuck in the idea of language only

and the usage of that language and its influence causes them to learn language but the real concepts of their life,

education and field are left behind which is the primary need of any education system. On the other hand, the

bilinguals not only can learn both languages but also after taking command upon both languages, the real life

concepts they achieve educational needs and comprehend that education concepts in many ways. Majority of the

respondents responds in favor of the bilinguals, their competency and their respectable position in Pakistani

society. The ideas in that specific field can be taken from both languages. In Pakistani society, bilinguals

motivated and have more influence in the society.

5.5.5 Effects of Bilingualism:

Statement SA A N D SD

Bilingualism is a big danger for either of the two 16.4% 37.9% 25.9% 16.4% 3.4%
languages

Bilingualism can cause of a huge loss for the 19% 35.3% 28.4% 13.8% 3.4%
sovereignty of the either of the language

Bilingualism eradicates the communication barriers 19.8% 45.7% 19% 12.1% 3.4%

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Bilingualism leads to language shift and gradually 19% 42.2% 25% 6.9% 6.9%
language death

Table 5.5

Table 5.5 illustrate the respondent’s attitudes towards effects of code switching or bilingualism. The

consideration of the difficulty of the language use and thought that the language has no practical future leads to

the bilingualism and code switching. In Pakistan it is thought that Punjabi a local language of Punjab is not good

for their younger generation and the people who speak were illiterate and ill-mannered. It is thought that Punjabi

and Urdu languages are not safe for their future because of the scope and to get good employment. From the

respondent’s answers, it can be concluded that the usage of that type of bilingualism upon the cost of own local

languages and a national language leads to the huge loss for the whole society. When the nation is going to be

dependent upon other languages either in pure form or a code switching own language’s influence is going to be

lessen. That type of language change leads to language dependency afterwards leads to nation’s dependency as

well. Though communication barriers are removed to some extent yet that removal of barrier leads to the other

kind of new barriers upon the progress and in-dependency of the nation and society as a whole. In Punjab, the

language shifts from Punjabi to Urdu and then English creating the same results though it mostly is used in the

form of code switching.

5.5.6 Bilingualism causes difficulties:

Statement SA A N D SD
Bilingualism shows low eloquence of Urdu as first 17.2% 42.2% 25% 11.2% 4.3%
language
Cultural concepts have no alternatives in second 26.7% 32.8% 25.9% 12.9% 1.7%
language are difficult to comprehend

The grammatical structure of both the languages is 21.6% 40.5% 21.6% 14.7% 1.7%
disturbed while using bilingualism

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The clarification of cultural concepts becomes 25% 41.4% 12.4% 10.3% 0.9%
more difficult while using English as code
switching
The cultural background of Urdu as the first 19.8% 40.5% 29.3% 10.3% 0%
language gets disturbed by bilingualism/code
switching
Table 5.6

Table 5.6 describe the point of view that the concept of code switching widely spreading in the society causes

disturbance in learning language, the identity of their own language is disturbed and the comprehension

difficulty in the Target language. Punjabi is here thought as a rude and unsophisticated language. For

sophistication they have to shift towards Urdu and then move towards English for increase in formality and

sophistication level either in pure form of English or to code switched with Urdu. The Urdu language is the

cause of progress in the country and to keep the whole society intact the respect and identity of the Urdu

language should be promoted. To learn and use the language vocabulary, structure and fluency are the key areas

but due to the influence of English language the purity of all local language including Urdu contradict with

these key factors. Because English language has totally a different culture, structure, writing style,

pronunciation and in vocabulary. The learners and users are kept stuck in learning of all these aspects of both

languages Urdu and English. That’s why the identity of structure, culture is disturbed and also the cultural

identities and its related words are difficult to find their alternatives in English language. The gradual use of

bilingualism leads to language shift furthermore lead towards the diminishing of their own cultural languages

which is not only their identity but also the savior, promoter and representative of their culture and society.

5.5.7 Purity and Identity of Urdu language:

Statement SA A N D SD
The usage of English words in Urdu reduces the 30.2% 38.8% 13.8% 15.5% 1.7%
worth of Urdu vocabulary
Pure first language users get demotivated, and 22.4% 34.5% 26.7% 13.8% 2.6%
frustrated due to bilinguals

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The purity of Urdu as the first language gets 23.3% 42.2% 26.7% 6.95 0.9%
disturbed by code switching or bilingualism

The identity of Urdu as the first language starts 25.9% 37.9% 26.7% 6.9% 2.6%
diminishing gradually by bilingualism

Bilingualism creates hindrance in developing 22.4% 38.8% 21.6% 12.9% 4.3%

Table 5.7

Table 5.7 describe the point of view of respondents as a national language of Pakistan Urdu language has to take

its identity, Purity and structural status safe in the society. Urdu is thought to be the pure, sophisticated and

polite language in Pakistani culture. The progress of the country and to keep the whole society intact the respect

and identity of the Urdu language should be safe. To learn and use the language vocabulary, structure and

fluency are the key areas but due to the influence of English language the purity of all local language including

Urdu contradict with these key factors. Because English language has totally a different culture, structure,

writing style, pronunciation and in vocabulary. The learners and users are kept stuck in learning of all these

aspects of both languages Urdu and English. That’s why the identity of structure, culture is disturbed and also

the colloquial words are difficult to find their alternatives in target language. The people who have not so much

facilities and interest in the English are stuck in language only. They cannot learn the real ideas or concepts in

the learning process creates hindrance in educational system.

5.5.8 Promotions of Bilingualism:

Statement SA A N D SD

Media usually promotes bilingualism 24.1% 44.8% 20.7% 9.5% 0.9%

Bilingualism has become just a fashion 24.1% 45.7% 21.6% 6.9% 1.7%

people feel proud of being bilinguals 19% 50% 23.3% 6% 1.7%

Table 5.8
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Table 5.8 indicates the ways of the promotion of the bilingualism. Pakistan is a multilingual society having local

languages as mother tongue of maximum of community as Punjabi is the mother tongue of the more of the

people of Punjab. Urdu used as a Lingua Franca and national language. Arabic as a religious language and

English as a global, official and a language of science due to scientific developments by English societies. In

that multilingual society code switching is the natural concept to be followed by the communities that’s why it’s

become a matter of pride and fashion to use bilingualism and code switching. The respondents point of view

about bilingualism indicates that due to that random usage and fashion in the society media also play a key role

in spreading bilingualism. The respondent’s positive attitude towards mix language media programs indicates

that Urdu TV/Radio channels show their willingness to watch/listen these programs and channels about the

usage of the mix language in the society. Moreover, 61% are of the view that there should be a Punjabi

newspaper at least within Punjab. The pride factor in the usage of English or bilingual English is also caused by

the attitude of the elite and administrative class towards English either in pure English or Bilingualism.

5.6 Recommendations:

The purpose of this research is to identify the attitudes of the youth of Punjab towards code switching or

bilingualism and to analyze the gradual language shift and language maintenance. Findings of the research

revealed that the attitude of the youth of Punjab is negative towards Punjabi a local language of Punjab instead

of having the mother tongue of the maximum of the respondents, shifting attitude toward Urdu and then toward

English. Therefore, it is not wrong to say that Punjabi society is shifting their language from Punjabi to Urdu

and then to English. This gradual language shifts not only resulted in the loss of the identity and sovereignty of

Punjabi culture but also the society is moving towards the mixture of two more language resulted in the form of

bilingualism or code switching. This negativity in attitudes of youth will have to be addressed or eradicated by

changing the unbalanced and inadequate language policies of Pakistan. Following are a few recommendations

which can help in raising the status and prestige of local languages of Punjabi and Urdu language.

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1. The language policy of Pakistan should reflect cultural pluralism. It has an ability to accept social and

cultural diversity of different ethnic groups of Punjab, Pakistan. It should be aimed to create political and

cultural harmony among the people of diverse cultural background. This target can be attained by the

suggestion of Mansoor (1993) based upon three points formulas in her research study. Mansoor state a

three-language formula which can fulfill the three types of needs of Pakistani society.

I. Urdu should be used as a national language and as a bridge between diverse cultural social groups

(Lingua Franca).

II. English should be used as a global language and language of scientific development.

III. Regional languages should be used for ethnic identity and cultural representation.

2. Current language policy of Pakistan causes to create class distinctions and ethnic conflicts in the society.

Therefore, a language policy should be developed in such a way that the regional languages should also be

able to get their recognition. The regional and local languages should also be given official status at least at

provincial level to retain their value and identity.

3. These are few reasons drawn by the researcher to draw the conclusion that the youth of Punjab’s attitudes

towards Punjabi language and a gradual language shift in this process. This language shift not only shifted

in the form of other languages but also a pure language usage is also going downward. That’s why the

identity, culture, values, themes and cultural relation are disturbed because the languages are not just

working as a way of communication but also the cause of preservation and spreading the culture and its

values. The structure of the whole societies is dependent upon their language which gradually demolish the

culture of Punjab due to language shift and code switching

4. Educational system and language policy of Pakistan should be able to promote additive multilingualism

within the nation. They should enhance linguistic knowledge by learning new languages to gain power

while retaining skills and pride in our own language

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5. The gradual change in language should be supervised, the usage of language and bilingualism should be

controlled in a way that the identity and sovereignty of the cultural languages should be saved.

6. People of Punjab today wish Urdu language as their mother tongue instead of Punjabi language. It indicates

a gradual language-shifting process Initiated by the youth of Punjab. They are shifting their mother-tongue

also a language of communication form Punjabi to Urdu. It is also evident that the most proficient language

of people of Punjab is Urdu. The ironic situation is that people of Punjab are more proficient to their

national language Urdu rather than a local historical language Punjabi in spite of the fact that it is not only

their mother tongue but also the largest spoken language in Punjab province. Punjabi people are also

illiterate in their local language and mother-tongue Punjabi as they can’t know how to read or write in

Punjabi.

7. Media should also encourage all languages via introducing more Punjabi TV and Radio channels and the

purity and identities of culture and concepts should be developed and saved. Education system would also

pay its role in promotion and preservation of the local mother tongue. This can be done via:

a. To Encourage bilingualism in education researchers’ highlights that children got early education in their

mother tongues are better in the higher levels of their education (Tomas and Colier, 1997). Moreover,

UNESCO laid a great stress to educate the students in their mother tongue for the betterment of quality

of education. Therefore, it can be recommended that Punjabi should be taught in schools at least till

primary level. And it should be offered as an optional subject from secondary schools to university level.

b. Fair and equal system of schooling

There is a dire need to develop a fair and equal system of schools. Such a system of school is needed

which teaches English, Urdu and Punjabi equally to all children without any discrimination between elite

and ordinary children. Pakistani educational system is selling “English” at exorbitant rates making it

even more worthy and prestigious at the expense of our indigenous languages. The poor are deprived

from such “Esteemed learning” that’s why they have to get education in Urdu-medium schools. This is a

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 drastic situation in the education system of Pakistan, where nation is losing the value of its own

indigenous language identities. Pakistanis are fond of learning foreign languages. This type of attitude

can only be changed by detailed changes in the educational system of Pakistan. The educational system

which equally teaches Urdu, Punjabi and English to all the children without any discrimination of the

class and social status.

Majority of the subjects claimed Urdu as a mother-tongue of the maximum of community of Punjab,

Pakistan. However, by considering census (1998) figures indicates that 45% of people of Pakistan are

having Punjabi as a mother tongue or first language.(by Mansoor, 1993 Aatika et al 2011; Nazir et al.

2012 and Gilani 2014)It is]revealed that the language trends are changing Urdu is dominating as a

language over Punjabi and English is dominating over both Urdu and Punjab languages

8. By domain analysis it is observed that to some extent in family and informal domain there is a reasonable

percentage of Punjabi language users. While when they use language in formal, Educational and

professional domain their language is shifting from Punjabi to Urdu and then English . It also resulted in the

form of code switching of the language. The aspiration of that language shift is because of the concept that

Urdu and English are more sophisticated and well cultured to their children. The dominant languages in

these domains are pure Urdu and code switching of Urdu and English. Such a drastic downfall of Punjabi

language usage also because of the unstable language policies of Pakistan. In these policies primary

importance is given to English and Urdu languages at the cost of the local and wide spread language

Punjabi. It is now become necessary to mention that how significant is the mother tongue of the people in

early childhood education. To draw attention, the language policy makers of Pakistan would also have to

towards their negligence. A child is more proficient in their mother-tongue he more efficiently and

effectively be able to learn other languages. Moreover, (UNESCO (2007) laid a great stress on the mother-

tongue in the educational carriers of the children in their basic education. So there is a dire need to review

the language polices of Pakistan and mother tongue education should be incorporated in new education and

language polices.

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9. Parents should also play their part in removing this cultural shame and respect should be attached to Punjabi

language or gradual shift with Urdu then English. They should reconsider their attitudes towards Punjabi

language and instead of rebuking them; they should encourage them to speak Punjabi language with, proud

as it is their mother tongue. Moreover, instead of giving them the impression that Punjabi is the language of

illiterate and uneducated people, they should embolden them to speak it with dignity.

10. The youth of Punjab give more prestige to English as according to their thinking English is the only

language through which they can succeed in national and international markets. It is an acceptable language

globally and a mark of the educated status in the society. There are some respondents who don’t consider

English as a prestigious language and they are also not happy with this cruel fact. They are forced to learn

English language because it is the requirement of the modern time and without English they never can be a

successful person in the job market. There is also a view that other regional languages should also be given

the status of due concern in these circumstances. The example of China and Japan who have given due

respect to their languages and culture and are now ruling the world. Though there is no harm in the learning

of new languages but they should not forget their identities while learning foreign languages.

11. It can be summarized that the attitude of the youth of Punjab is shifting towards negativity about the local

language of Punjab and Pakistan day by day. They are shifting their language towards Urdu and English.

The pure language usage is finishing at present but a new language is formed in the form of bilingualism

upon the cost of their language and cultural identities. There is a dire need to eradicate the cultural-shame

associated with local languages especially Punjabi language and with the pure language usage. Day by day

the number of Punjabi language users shifted their loyalties towards Urdu and English languages and the

mixture of these language in form of code switching. The root causes of these language shifts are numerous

for instance, lack of prestige, linguistic shame, low economic and social value of Punjabi language etc.

therefore, the need is to reconsider the unbalanced language policies of Pakistan in order to ensure the

sustainability of pure regional languages like Punjabi and Urdu.

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