Maintaining Pashto and Losing Punjabi: Family Language Policy and Ideological Contrasts in Multilingual Punjab

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This study examines how family language policy shapes the maintenance, transmission, and omission of heritage languages among Pashtun and Punjabi families in Punjab. It explores how parental language ideologies influence children’s language practices and why Pashtun families maintain their heritage language in migrant settings, while Punjabi families shift away from theirs despite living in their native environment.

Methodology: A qualitative research design is adopted, using semi-structured interviews with parents from both communities. Non-participant home observations are also conducted to capture natural parent–child interactions and actual language use. The data is analyzed thematically, focusing on language ideologies, practices, strategies, and social and institutional challenges.

Findings: The findings reveal a clear contrast between the two groups. Pashtun families maintain strong and consistent language policies, transmitting Pashto to their children due to its close association with cultural identity. In contrast, Punjabi families tend to prioritize Urdu and English, leading to the gradual omission of Punjabi in parent–child interaction. While Pashtun families face institutional and social pressures, they continue to resist language shift. Punjabi families, however, align with dominant language ideologies, accelerating the shift away from their heritage language.

Conclusion: The study concludes that heritage language transmission is shaped more by parental ideology than external conditions, highlighting the central role of family language policy in determining linguistic outcomes across generations.