THERE was a time when Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television were considered national institutions, where, besides other official responsibilities, language proficiency was an important domain.

Lexicographers and linguistic experts used to be hired for training the newcomers and keeping an eye on the staffers. The same pattern was followed in the newspapers. The silver screen was another medium where efforts were made to educate the masses by using correct language and correct pronunciation.

As a result of that, both listeners and viewers, while enjoying high-class language, also learned the correct pronunciation of various words. People who are now in their 40s would still remember the quality language, dotted with idioms and couplets, by actors like Begum Khurshid Mirza, Arsh-e-Munir, Mahmood Ali, Subhani Ba Yunus, etc. Of course, they were not the script writers, but their mannerism, delivery and pronunciation made many a lifelong learner of the language.

Those days are gone now, and it seems difficult, if not impossible, to restore the language to its true form. In the fast-changing scenario, probably neither we have the time, nor the need to take care about the language; even if it happens to be the national language.

Most people think it is more than enough that the language is at least still alive. That the people are still using it is good enough for many. They are not bothered about the ‘how’ part of the equation. Frankly, the language is the biggest victim of the modern era. And, contrary to what some would like to believe, there is no attack on our language from the outside. We, the insiders, are the real culprits in this regard. We do not have the time or the inclination to find out why the language is being victimised by none other than ourselves.

True, there should be easy communication, but in the name of ‘easiness’, there should be no murder of the language. To preserve our national language in its true form and sound is our responsibility. If we fail to accomplish the task, the history will not forgive us.

Dr Syed Qamar Abbas
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2021