Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh : Linguistic Predicament

Contents: 1. Kashmiri and the linguistic predicament of the state/P.N. Pushp. 2. Kashmiri language: roots, evolution and affinity/S.S. Toshkhani. 3. The Sharada script: origin and development/B.K. Kaul Deambi. 4. The Dogri language/Ved Kumari Ghai. 5. Gujari language and identity in Jammu and Kashmir/R.P. Khatana. 6. Sanskritic impact on the speech of Ladakhi Garkhuns/Malvika Bandyopadhyaya. 7. The Balti language/Syed Mohammad Abbas Kazmi. 8. Generic affinity of Balti, Bodhi, Spiti and Lahuli speeches/S.K. Pathak. 9. Urdu in Jammu and Kashmir/Nishat Ansari. 10. Hindi in Kashmir/R.K. Sharma. 11. Language and politics in Jammu and Kashmir: issues and perspectives/K. Warikoo. Appendices. Select bibliography.

"Understanding the complex dynamics of language development in a multi-lingual state like Jammu and Kashmir, is not only a challenging task but also important for creating informed opinion about the status of languages and their role in identity formation. Often described as a three-storeyed edifice founded upon bonds of history and geography and linked by a common destiny, the J & K State presents a fascinating mosaic of cross-cultural interaction.

This study delves into the cultural moorings of various mother tongues of the state and the problems encountered in their development. It presents local as well as specialists\' perspectives on issues relating to the linguistic predicament in all the regions of the state. The book brings into focus the neglected state of the indigenous languages (Kashmiri, Dogri, Gujari, Ladakhi, Balti etc.). It also spells out ways and means to redress the present anomalous situation." (jacket)