Climate Change Discourse and Linguistic Vulnerability: Ecolinguistic Case Study of Spoken Balti Language at Discourse Level

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The current study aims to explore the ecolinguistic potentials of the Balti language, language preservation, climate change resilience, and support in terms of climate change knowledge in the Balti community. It also investigates the impact of climate change on the ecolinguistic and cultural heritage of the Balti community regarding climate change. It further examines the relationship between climate change and linguistic vulnerability in the Balti speech community.

Methodology: This research is based on constructivism and discourse to understand how narratives and discursive practices shape how the climate change M&A approach is perceived. In order to conduct the study, the researcher has employed the Fairclough Model of Discourse Analysis. The researchers have collected data from four districts of Baltistan; Skardu, Shigar, Ghanche, and Kharmnag. Eight groups were involved in the interviews and group discussions. Members in each group varied from ten to thirty using the Simple Random technique.

Findings: The analysis of the interviews and the discussions revealed that the Balti language does not have the linguistic capacity to meet the climate change discourse. However, the use of words/expressions from languages (Urdu/English) to describe different situations of climate change shows the Balti language to be vulnerable indicating the lack of Balti vocabulary and scientific terminologies.

Conclusion: The study reveals that the Balti community holds local knowledge and practices regarding climate change. It further states that climate change forces the people to migrate to the safe zones of the region creating further problems for the government and the communities.