Abstract: Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the most culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse areas of Pakistan. Unfortunately, almost all the languages used in Gilgit-Baltistan exist only in spoken form and lack proper orthography. Furthermore, the lack of patronage from government and educational sectors has directly affected the significance and value of these languages. The only institutionalized languages in this area are Urdu and English like the rest of the country. Keeping in view the present scenario, this study was an attempt to explore the language attitudes of a group of fifty native adolescents of Shina speech community living in Gilgit. Matched guised technique was used to elicit the unconscious responses of the respondents toward the different languages under investigation (English, Urdu and Shina languages). A brief language attitude questionnaire was also used to enhance the authenticity of the research. The collected data was statistically analyzed by using the SPSS software. The result clearly showed that the respondents were instrumentally inclined to learn English and Urdu as these languages offer more privileges and benefits as compared to Shina language. Different reasons related to the low evaluation and ratings of Shina were discussed along with the consequences. It was concluded that the vitality of Shina language may be threaten if such negative attitudes persist. Finally, some recommendations were given to uplift and safeguard the status of Shina language.Abstract: Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the most culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse areas of Pakistan. Unfortunately, almost all the languages used in Gilgit-Baltistan exist only in spoken form and lack proper orthography. Furthermore, the lack of patronage from government and educational sectors has directly affected the significance and value o...Show More
