Indigenous Languages and Oral Traditions’ Preservation.

What is your indigenous language, is it your country's official language and can your kids speak the language?

My name is Afifa Noor, and I belong to Punjab, Pakistan. Pakistan is a country where each province has its own language, customs, and traditions. Similarly, the people living there have their own unique way of living and cultural practices. My mother tongue is Punjabi, but it's not my national language. I can understand Punjabi but can't speak it fluently. Since childhood, I've been speaking Urdu, which is Pakistan's national language. Urdu is a rich language that has adopted words from various languages, which is why my upbringing in the city and my husband's language is also Urdu. That's why my children also speak and understand Urdu.

What are some of your country's traditions and how do you preserve them orally?

Pakistan is rich in cultural heritage, and you'll find a diverse range of cultures here. As I mentioned earlier, each province in Pakistan has its own language and unique way of living, and similarly, their traditions are also distinct. We celebrate Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Azha with traditional foods, clothes, and family gatherings.

Additionally, Pakistani weddings are unique due to traditional functions like Mayoon, Mehndi, and Walima. Our cuisine is famous worldwide for its flavors, and traditional dishes like Biryani, Karahi, and Kebabs are an essential part of special occasions. Moreover, Sufism and poetry hold great significance in our culture. During national celebrations like Independence Day, classical performances are specially featured in mushairas (poetic gatherings).

To preserve our traditions, we emphasize family gatherings where traditional foods are preferred. Moreover, we share stories of our national heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country with our children. Occasionally, musical gatherings are organized where the poetry of Sufi saints is sung. Additionally, traditional activities are organized among students to create awareness and promote our cultural heritage.