Heterogeneity in Linguistic Behavior While Maintaining Identity Among the Users of Different Dialects of the Brahui Language

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by  Al-Burz

Al-Burz
2021, 13(01), pp 1-13; ISSN: 2071-9477 (print); ISSN: 2521-408X (online)
http://journal.uob.edu.pk/journal/index.php/alburz

Heterogeneity in Linguistic Behavior While Maintaining Identity
Among the Users of Different Dialects of the Brahui Language

Sehrish Rabbani1
1Lecturer, Mir Chakar Khan Rind University, Sibi.
Mehwish Malghani2
2Professor, Mir Chakar Khan Rind University, Sibi.
Mehwish Ali Khan3
3Lecturer, SBK Women’s University, Quetta.
Fahmeeda Manzoor4
4Lecturer, Sardar Bahadur Khan University, Quetta.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54781/abz.v13i1.213

KEYWORDS ABSTRACT

Heterogeneity, This study explores the lexical variation among Brahui dialects in
Dialectology, general and, three main dialects of Brahui language Sarawani,
Isogloss, Rakhshani, and Jalawani, in particular. The aim was to find out how
Convention
far lexical variation marks the existence of identity and regional
Depersonalize
boundaries. The data was collected through interviews from 12
participants. In this study the social identity theory by Tajfel and
Turner (1979) was used. The study reveals that lexical variety exists
among the three Brahui dialects showing heterogeneity in the
participants’ linguistic behavior to keep up their identities which
separates the inhabitant of one region from another region also
showing the presence of regional boundaries.
Received: May 05, 2021; Accepted: October 08, 2021; Published: December 25, 2021

languages, Brahui is also spoken in many
Introduction
areas of Balochistan.
Balochistan is an ethnically and
Brahui a Dravidian language basically
linguistically diverse province. In this
spoken in Pakistan in the central part
province, not only many languages are
of Balochistan by the Brahui speakers and
spoken, but also within one language there
is also spoken in some parts of
are many varieties. However, among these
Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Iran. This
language is also spoken in Iraq, the United
1 | Page
Heterogeneity in Linguistic Behavior... Dialects of the Brahui Language. Al-Burz. Vol.13(1) 2021

Arab Emirates, and Qatar by emigrant regional dialects can separate the occupant
Brahui communities as well (Sabir,2002). of one region from those of different
Brahui is predominantly spoken in different regions (Wardhaugh, 2015). In this way, all
areas of Balochistan such as in Khuzdar, speakers have a social and regional
Mastung, Noshki, and some parts foundation (Chambers and Trudgill, 2004).
of Quetta district. Trudgill (2003) clarifies at whatever point a
The Brahui possess a reduced square of speaker talks he can't abstain from
the nation around Kalat, for the most part, providing his audience some insight about
lying high and extending from Quetta in the his inception and his identity. For the most
north to Las Bela in the south, isolating part, our pronunciations and discourse
Eastern Balochi locale from the Western demonstrate where we are from
Balochi. geologically and what kind of social
(a) Kambarni, isolated into Ahmedzai foundation we have.
(the ruling class of ex-Kalat State); This is one aspect that opens venues for
(b) Mirwani; research on this language. In addition, there
(c) Gurgnarhi; are many dialects of Brahui language out of
(d) Sumalani; which Jalawan (center and south of
(e) Kalandarani. Khuzdar) & Sarawan ( center, North
Other than the above clans, Zarakzais of of Kalat) are the two well know. Generally,
Jalawan, the Raisanies of Sarawan, the no important dialectal differences are
Mengals of Naushki, and the greater part of assumed in different dialects but only that
the Rinds and Magassis of Kachi, speak the dialects are separated by the
Brahui. Hence, the Brahui speaking pronunciation of *h, which is only available
comprise of Kalat State including Sarawan in the north. In this connection, the present
and Jalawan, Kirthar-at the southern mouth research would investigate the
of Mola Pass, Larkana District and different heterogeneity in linguistic behavior in
parts of Sindh in West Pakistan, and in maintaining their identity Boundaries in
Afghanistan around the Helmand Valley of Brahui Language in Balochistan.
Iran. As per the Census Report of 1961, the
all-out Brahui talking population is
Literature Review
365,772. However, this is particularly on
Khan, Zaidi, and Rauf, (2017)
the low side. Right off the bat, the statistics
investigated the negotiation among dialect
review in Balochistan was not sufficient,
and ethnicity by investigating the job of
besides, the presence of bilingualism or
dialect as a segment and marker of ethnic
rather multi-lingualism made trouble in the
identity in a linguistically different ethnic
count, and opened the path for problems:
gathering, Baloch who talk somewhere
lastly, no enumeration report is accessible
around four distinct dialects which make
of the Brahui-speaking population of
one single ethnic individuals. The
Afghanistan and Iran (Bray, 1934).
investigation explicitly asked if the dialect
About 4 million people speak Brahui
is the fundamental belief part of Baloch
languages, in Balochistan Province of
ethnicity. For this reason, one hundred and
Pakistan (Kausar & Sarwar,
twenty-four youthful educated Baloch from
2015). UNESCO (2009) reported Brahui is
various universities were purposively tested
one of the 27 endangered languages of
for unstructured interviews while
Pakistan. The Classification is "unsafe", the
observation was additionally utilized as a
less endangered position out of the 5 levels
vital instrument for ethnography. The
of limited (Unsafe, accurately Endangered,
collected data were analyzed through the
Severely Endangered, Critically
theoretical system of Smolicz Cultural Core
Endangered, and Extinct) (Regan, Colyvan,
Value Theory (1981). The examination of
& Burgma, 2000).
the gathered information appeared that the
Dialectology, as an efficient order, was
majority of the standard participants were
the primary concern of the linguists in the
monolinguals with one of the four dialects.
second half of the nineteenth century. For
Some were bilingual with Urdu, the most
the most part, dialectologists are worried
widely used language or with at least one
about syntactic, lexical and phonological
dialects of the gathering. The investigation
highlights that compare on regional
uncovers that whichever dialect the
premise. Each dialect has a number of
individuals from Baloch ethnic gathering
vernaculars. Dialects are both local and
communicate in, Balochi dialect holds an
social; Social dialect or sociolect can check
important place for them and it goes about
the social class of the speaker. Thus,
as a solid ethnic identity marker and a
pg. 2
Heterogeneity in Linguistic Behavior... Dialects of the Brahui Language. Al-Burz. Vol.13(1) 2021

guiding principle part of ethnicity for this in Sarawani vernacular, Sindhi, Jathki, Last
linguistically assorted ethnic gathering
in Jalawani dialect. Towards the end a few
(Khan, Zaidi, & Rauf, 2007).
suggestions are given for anticipating such
There are numerous authentic occasions,
spots, identities, and establishments, which colloquial changes in Brahui dialects. In the
have assumed an amazing job for the event that the lingual changes proceed with,
improvement of countries on the planet. it would be perilous for the Brahui dialect
The place where there is Balochistan
(Sani, Ahmed, & Razzaq, 2014).
additionally has the same stories, occasions
and above all a foundation, which changed
Problem statement
the life and belief system of the general
Balochistan is being home of ethnic
population. Maktaba-e-Durkhani is a
groups and also has a vast linguistic
renowned foundation and known for the
repertoire with each ethnic group speaking
gigantic administrations performed amid
a different language. The Brahui
the British occupation in Balochistan. In
community has been living in different
1839 the British assaulted and caught
parts of Balochistan since ages. Brahui
Balochistan for the satisfaction of her
language has many dialects. The dialects
forward strategy and after the settlement of
are formed on the basis of regional
Mastung 1876, they had a total direction
boundaries. The areas where most of
and all-out impact in the undertakings of
Brahui communities reside are Quetta,
Kalat. At that point, they concentrated on
Kalat, Mastung, Khuzdar, Zehri, and
religion. The Britisher's plan was to
Noshki. Their dialects consist of a variety
advance Christianity in Brahui and Baloch
of words which marks the difference
talking territories so morally it was not
between there dialect. The study brings to
reasonable for British experts to move such
the forefront of the significance of their
a development, which could specifically
dialect in creating identities within the
influence the religion of the general
Brahui community. The study processes
population. Baloch individuals were not
that identity formation tends to make one
able to raise their voices against such a
community feel superior to others.
demonstration since they had no school of

thought and no such an initiative which
could accumulate them against the British Significance of the study
connivance. At the point when individuals By highlighting the regional variations in
were sad, the Maktaba-e-Durkhani the three major dialects of Brahui, the study
assumed the liability and approached for benefits the Brahui community in general
the protection of Islam and drove the and Brahui language in particular as there is
Baloch individuals towards anchored no evidence of similar research conducted
confidence. Maktaba-e-Durkhani satisfied in the existing literature. The study is also
its obligations by distributing various significant with regard to identity
Books in Balochi and Brahui dialects and construction within the Brahui community,
paid its administrations for appearing as it would focus on the convention of
acceptable way to the general population of regional dialects with the identity formation
Balochistan. The accompanying that in one community.
examination work depends on the writing

work and different administrations of this
establishment (Raza, Baloch, & Razzaq, Theoretical Framework
2017).
Social Identity Theory (SIT; Tajfel,
This research depicts the dialect 1978; Tajfel & Turner, 1979) starts with the
variety of phonetic changes, discourse introduction that persons define their own
style, vocabulary changing and acquiring particular characters as to identification
work to ensure self-personality. Production
expressions of Brahui dialects. This article
of gathering characters includes both the
would attempt to demonstrate the reasons
arrangement of one's "out-gathering” “in-
for variety in tongues of Brahui. One of the gathering" concerning the inclination to
most compelling motivations with respect view one's own particular gathering with a
to colloquial variety is; the Brahui dialect is positive predisposition opposite the out-
gathering. The outcome is an identification
largely etymologically influenced by the
with a group, depersonalized character in
neighboring dialects, similar to Balochi in
view of gathering participation and instilled
Raxshani dialect, Urdu, English, and Pashto with constructive viewpoints (e.g., Turner,
pg. 3
Heterogeneity in Linguistic Behavior... Dialects of the Brahui Language. Al-Burz. Vol.13(1) 2021

Hogg, Oakes, Reicher, and Wetherell, Question No 1.
1987).
Interviewer: Numa qaom ant e?

Research Objective (What is your cast?)
To investigate the heterogeneity in
linguistic behavior in maintaining identity
among the user of different dialects of Interview Rakhshan Sarawan Jhalawan
Brahui. ee #

1 Mengal
Research Question
2 Sasoli
How heterogeneity as a linguistic
behavior is used to maintain Brahui 3 Mohammad
identity? Hasni

4 Mengal
Delimitation
5 Sarparra
The study is delimited to 12 interviews
for qualitative data analysis. 6 Sarparra

7 Mengal
Research Methodology
8 Sumalani
The present research adopts Qualitative
approach. 9 Gurgnarhi
Qualitative data can be observed and
recorded. This data type is non-numerical 10 Jattak
in nature. This type of data is collected 11 Mohammad
through methods of observations, one-to- Hasni
one interviews, conducting focus groups, 12 Shahwani
and similar methods. Qualitative data in
statistics is also known as categorical data –
data that can be arranged categorically
based on the attributes and properties of a Analysis
thing or a phenomenon, in which researcher The researcher has interviewed 12
collect, analyze qualitative data in the study participants of three different dialects of
of inquiry to address their research Brahui language (Rakhshan, Sarawan and
question. Jhalawan) who belong from different castes
of Brahui language.
The first person, who was interviewed
Data Analysis
was from Rakhshani dialect and belonged
In order to analyze qualitative data, the
to Mengal caste, the second person was
researcher has conducted semi-structured
from Sasoli caste, the third one was
interviews to know heterogeneity linguistic
Mohammad Hasni by caste and the forth
behavior as used to maintain Brahui
was from Mengal caste. The fifth
identity. The interviews have been analyzed
interviewee was from Sarawani dialect who
through coding method. The researcher
belongs to Sarparra caste, the sixth was
used the theoretical framework of Tajfel
again from Sarparra caste, the seventh one
and Turner (1979) of social identity theory.
was from Mengal caste, and the eighth

interviewee was from Sumalani cast.
Analysis of Interviews Moreover, the other four interviewees
The method, which is used to analyze the belonged from Jhalawani dialect, the ninth
interview data, is the thematic approach of interviewee was from Gurgnarhi caste, the
Clark and Broun (2006). There is many tenth one was from Jattak caste, eleventh
other software to analyze the Qualitative was Mohammad Hasni by caste, and
data like (CAQDAS), NVIVO and ATLAS twelfth was from Shahwani caste.
TI, but the researcher used Coding method
of data analysis both automatically and
manually. Following are the coding details
of interviews.
pg. 4
Heterogeneity in Linguistic Behavior... Dialects of the Brahui Language. Al-Burz. Vol.13(1) 2021

Question No. 2 Jhalawani dialect the ninth interviewee
belongs from Khuzdar and lives in Khuzdar
Num Balochistan na ara jagaghaan taluk
district.
tikhere aur ara jagha ti rahengire? The tenth one belongs from Khuzdar
and lives in Khuzdar.
(Which area of Balochistan do you belong
The eleventh interviewee was from
to and reside in?)
Surab and lives in Khuzdar.
And twelfth is from Khuzdar and lives
in Khuzdar district. Most people are living
Interv Rakhshan Sarawan Jhalawan in their basic birthplaces but some of them
had shifted to new cities for betterment in
iewee
# their future and we also found that there are
many interviewees who belong to same
1 Noshki
castes but living in different regions.
Rakhshan

2 Noshki
Rakhshan Question No 3.
3 Noshki Nume laggik ke Balochistan ati Rahengok
Rakhshan
inga Brahuik girha na girha as, asi warh
4 From Noshki
at asi ailo an jita arer?
lives in
Quetta (Do you think Brahui people living in
5 From different areas of Balochistan are
kardigap
different from each other in any way?)
lives in
Quetta
6 Mastung
7 Mastung Yes people living in Balochistan
Rakhshan 1 are different by their look and
8 From Kalat
culture
lives in
Quetta Yes they are different by caste by
Rakhshan 2
area
9 Khuzdar
All Brahuis are same all are
10 Surab Rakhshan 3
Brahuis
11 From
There is a difference between
Surab Rakhshan 4
Brahui people
lives in
Khuzdar They are different by caste and
Sarawan 1
culture
12 Khuzdar
Sarawan 2 No comments
Specially their culture Tone and
Analysis Sarawan 3 Gestures way of talking are
different
The first person who was interviewed
belongs to Rakhshani dialect and living in Sarawan 4 Yes off course they are different
Noshki District. from each other
The second interviewee who belongs to Jhalawan 1 In some way Different
Noshki and living in Noshki District. Jhalawan 2 Yes there is Difference
The third interviewee also belongs to
Jhalawan 3 Little bit difference
Noshki and living in Noshki district.
Their Culture and castes are
The fourth interviewee belongs from Jhalawan 4
Different
Noshki but lives in Quetta.
The fifth interviewee was from
Sarawani dialect who belongs from
Kardigap but lives in Quetta district. Yes No No comment
The sixth interviewee belongs from 75% 17% 8%
Mastung and lives in Mastung district.

The seventh one also belongs from
Mastung and lives in Mastung district.

The eighth interviewee was from Kalat
and lives in Quetta. The interviewees of
pg. 5
Heterogeneity in Linguistic Behavior... Dialects of the Brahui Language. Al-Burz. Vol.13(1) 2021

Analysis Question No 4.
This question is regarding variation Nume laggik ke Balochistan ti Brahui
among people who speak Brahui; actually,
lehja asi elo an jita o?
this question states that there is some
difference between people who are living in (Do you think Brahui dialects are
Balochistan?
different from each other?)
The first person who is from Rakhshan
was interviewed said that "yes people who
are living in Balochistan are different from Yes all Brahui dialects in
Rakhshan
each other by caste by culture exactly all Balochistan are different from one
1
people cannot belong to the same caste and another
culture cannot be same geographically, like Rakhshan Yes all Brahui dialect in Balochistan
Noshki has its own culture which is totally
2 are different from one another
different from other regions like Khuzdar
Rakhshan There is a big difference among
and Mastung.
3 Brahui dialects
The second person said that there is a
Rakhshan There is a difference between
difference by area by caste they are
4 dialects
different from each other.
Sarawan 1 Yes there is a difference
The answer of the third person is
interesting and changed from other Sarawan 2 Yes there is a difference
participants he says that all Brahui are same Sarawan 3 Yes there is a difference
and there is no difference between them, his Sarawan 4 Yes there is a difference
answer is an outlier and strange. Moreover, Jhalawan 1 Accent difference dialect difference
the fourth person said yes, there is a
Jhalawan 2 Yes there is a difference
difference.
Jhalawan 3 Not too Much Difference
The first person from Sarawani dialect
Big Difference among Brahui
also said there is a difference between all of
Jhalawan 4 dialects
them. In addition, the second person from

Sarawani dialect did not comment on this
issue. The third person said off course there
is a difference between them.
The first person from Jhalawani dialect Big difference among Not a big difference
said that not all Brahui speaking people are Brahui dialects
too much different from each other but in (92%) (8%)
some cases, they are different.
The third person said that they are
different from each other at a smaller level.
Analysis
And the last person from Jhalawani
The answers of all twelve interviewees
dialect said that all Brahui speaking people
revealed that there is a big difference
are different from each other whether they
between all three dialects (Sarawani,
are living in Rakhshan Sarawan or
Rakhshani and Jhalawani) of Brahui
Jhalawan there is a way of lifestyle culture
language in Balochistan. The answers also
and Castes are different from each other.
revealed that 92% people think that there is
Overall 75% of people said that Brahui
a big difference in all three dialects of
speaking people are different from each
Brahui language and only 8% people think
other in many cases.
there is a small difference in these dialects
Like social identity theory the
of Brahui Language in Balochistan. This is
researcher also found that there are many
clearly presented in the graph above.
differences between the groups.
The first person from Rakhshan region
Their caste their culture their lifestyle is
said that all Brahui dialects in Balochistan
different. They could not be called the same
are different from each other he also gave a
in any case.
logic that at every 40 kilometers dialect
Only 17% said that they are not different
changes, their language their culture their
from each other.
way of spending life also varies. The
second person from Rakhshani dialect said
that all Brahui speaking people are different
from one another he said if a person talks in
Khuzdar dialect we laugh at many words of
them, though they are right according to
pg. 6
Heterogeneity in Linguistic Behavior... Dialects of the Brahui Language. Al-Burz. Vol.13(1) 2021

standard of their language but their words Question No 5:
are not acceptable for us and make us laugh
Interviewer: Acha num Kane girha as
on their words and tone of language. The
third person from Rakhshani dialect also anuno loaz paning kere arate num
verified that there is a difference among istemal kere aur o baki Brahui paroka
these three major Brahui dialects, all of
ilaqa te ti istemal mafassa?
these are different from each other in some
cases, not at all. (Can you tell me some words that you use
The fourth person also said that there is are different from the people living in
a difference among these dialects we are not
other regions of Balochistan?)
familiar with other dialects of Brahui
language like Sarawani and Jhalawani.
The first person from Sarawani dialect
said that there is a difference between all Some Brahui words which are
Codes
Brahui dialects spoken in Balochistan. and different by area
the second person also said that there is a Rakhshan
Noshki Zund, Mastung Toolh
big difference between all Brahui dialects 1
of Balochistan, the third person from Rakhshan
Sarawani dialect also confirmed that there 2 Zund Toolh
is a variation between dialects of Brahui
Rakhshan Mastung Dangi barak. Noshki
languages of Balochistan all of them are
3 darhe barak
different from one another. The fourth
Rakhshan
person from Sarawan said that all Brahui Rahi Mohn, Garho Deg,
4
dialects are not the same there are some
differences among them in their vocabulary Sarawan 1 Toolh Zund , Narra Rum ka
and dialects.
Sarawan 2 Peshtammaa, Peshtingane
The first person from Jhalawani dialect
said that there is a difference between their Sarawan 3 There is a difference
accent and their culture also all people who Borhchikhana, Dalaan,,,,
Sarawan 4
are living in a region are not the same and Balghurh Taata
especially if we look at Brahui speaking
Jhalawan 1 Chaaik Tiaaik
people, Rakhshani Brahui speaking people
are totally changed from Brahui speaking Jhalawan 2 Lohi and Garho
people of Jhalawan, because Brahuis of
Lohi in Jhalawan and Deg
Rakhshan are different by their accent is Jhalawan 3
Mastung Sarawan
like Balochi Rakhshani.
There are two major Mengal groups in Jhalawan 4 Toolh Zund
Balochistan one group is living in Waddh

Khuzdar and Naal area another is living in
Noshki region, though both are from one
Analysis
caste Mengal both are totally changed from
each other. The second person from In the answer to the 5th question, the
Jhalawan also confirmed the difference researcher found so many words which
among these three main dialects of were changed in all three dialects of Brahui
Balochistan Rakhshani, Jhalawani, and language in Balochistan.
Sarawani. The first interviewee of Rakhshan dialect
The third person from Jhalawan said that mentioned toolh and zund, he said in
there is no difference between all dialects of Noshki people use word zund to sit while in
Brahui language, according to his opinion Sarawan people use toolh word for the
there is only one language of Brahui in same purpose, and said there are many
Balochistan and all of them are same their other words which are not common
way of speaking and tones are same. The between us the second interviewee
fourth person said absolutely there is a big mentioned the same difference in words
difference among them and not all Brahui toolh or zund. Where people from
dialects are the same. Thus, thorough the Rakhshan area use zund and people from
lenses of social identity theory people Sarawani dialect use toolh for sitting
define their identity according to their purpose. The third interviewee of Rakhshan
social group. dialect told us that people from Sarawan
say dangi barak for "to come here" but
people of Rakhshani dialect say darhe
pg. 7
Heterogeneity in Linguistic Behavior... Dialects of the Brahui Language. Al-Burz. Vol.13(1) 2021

barak which shows the graph phonic Question No 6:
difference between dialects and also said
Interviewer: Nume antae laggik numa
there are many other words between us
which are different from one another. The qaom na bandagh aak pen ilaqa ti
forth interviewee spoke briefly of two rehengira ofta zuban numa warh e ya
different words one was Rahi ka that is
nume an jita e?
spoken in Rakhshani dialect which means,
"To send" and in Sarawani dialect people (Do people of your cast use the same
use mon ete or rahi karte. dialect all over Balochistan or dialects
The first interviewee of Sarawani dialect
vary due to the region they reside in?)
mentioned two words one was toolh, zund
which was also mentioned by two
interviewees of Rakhshan dialect
Rakhshan
previously and the second word was narra Speak same language
1
it is used in Sarawan and in Rakhshan
Rakhshan
people use rum ka which means "run" for No their language is change
2
the similar word nary. The second
Rakhshan
interviewee told us another sound level No their language is change
3
different word he said the people of
Sarawan use peshtam, which means, "get Rakhshan
Their language is change
out" while the people of Jhalawani dialect 4
use instead of peshtam, Peshtingane, the Sarawan 1 Their language is change
third interviewee did not mention any word.
Sarawan 2 Their language is change
While the fourth interviewee said two
different words one was Borhchikhana There is a difference between
Sarawan 3
which means "kitchen" which is spoken by languages
the people of Sarawan and people of Sarawan 4 Speak our language
Jhalawan use word Dalaan for kitchen and
Jhalawan
she further said people of Jhalawan use Speak according to region
1
word Balghurh for "Mother in law" but
Jhalawan
people of Rakhshani dialect use word Taata Their language is change
2
for same purpose.
The first interviewee from Jhalawani Jhalawan
Their language is change
dialect mentioned the word Chaaik and 3
Tiaaik, he said the people of Sarawan and Jhalawan
Their language is change
Jhalawan use word Chaaik which means, 4
“To know" while people of Rakhshan use
word Tiaaik instead of Chaaik. The second
interviewee mentioned Lohi and Garho Analysis
people from Jhalawani dialect use loi and
When the interviewer questioned
the people of Rakhshani dialect use the
either people of their caste used the same
word Garho for "cooking or cooking pan".
dialect all over Balochistan or the dialects
The third interviewee told us that people of
varied to the regions they resided?
Jhalawan use Lohi but in Sarawan people
The first interviewees of Rakhshani
use word deg, so, the second and third
dialect answered that the people of our
interviewees of Jhalawani dialect
caste speak the same dialect all over
mentioned three different words for
Balochistan, if they go to any other region
"cooking or cooking pan" in three different
or country they prefer to talk in their own
dialects of Brahui language. Moreover, the
native language but this answer is
fourth interviewee again mentioned the
somewhat strange for example in Dubai or
word toolh and zund. Therefore, in
England how they can use their own
conclusion, it is clear that many
language for communication. While the
vocabularies among these geographic areas
other three interviewees of Rakhshani
are different from each other. There is a
dialect said that no their language changes
difference among these three main dialects
according to their regions where they
of Balochistan. Therefore, through the lens
reside. Because they think their relatives
of social identity theory people through
who belong from their own caste but living
their language identify their group or their
in other regions are not talking in the same
dialect.
dialect, their language is affected by the

circumstance of their residing area.
pg. 8
Heterogeneity in Linguistic Behavior... Dialects of the Brahui Language. Al-Burz. Vol.13(1) 2021

The first three interviewees of Sarawani Analysis
dialect said that they do not speak own
Majority of the participants think
dialect, their dialect is changing according
Sarawani dialect is superior because mostly
to their regions but the fourth interviewee
literature and writings are in Sarawani
answered that the people of their caste
dialect and mostly writers belong to this
speak the same dialect no matter where they
dialect. but according to some interviewees,
reside. On the other hand, all four
Jhalawani dialect is superior, because they
interviewees of Jhalawani dialect said that
said, the real Brahui language of
the people who belong to the same castes
Balochistan comes from Khuzdar region
but reside in different regions of
and it is pure and not affected by other
Balochistan their dialect would be changed
languages. It is clearly mentioned in the
according to the region.
above graph that 50% people think
However, 83% people think their dialect
Sarawani dialect is superior, according to
would change according to the region while
33% people, Jhalawani dialect is superior,
only 17% people think that the people of
and 17% people did not comment on this
same caste speak same dialect, their dialect
question. So, it is clearly mentioned that
would not change according to the region.
most people think that Sarawani dialect is
That is clearly presented in the map below.
superior because mostly literature and

writings are in this dialect.
Speak the same Their language is

language change
17% 83% Question No 8:

Antae nume laggik k da lehja kul an Juan
Question No 7: e? (Why do you think this particular
Interviewer: nume ant laggik Balochistan dialect is superior?)
na ara Brahui dialect kul an Juan e?
(Which dialect is superior among the
Rakhshan Mostly literature is in
Brahui dialects used in Balochistan?)
1 Sarawani Dialects
Rakhshan Because dialect of Jhalawan
Rakhshan 2 is pure
Sarawan
1 Rakhshan Because not affected by other
Rakhshan 3 languages
Khuzdari is original
2 Rakhshan Everyone likes his own
Rakhshan 4 dialect
Jhalawan is Superior
3 Mastung Brahui is the best,
Rakhshan Everyone thinks his Brahui is Sarawan 1 and we like to communicate
4 better in it
Because our literature is in
Sarawan 1 Mastung Brahui is the best Sarawan 2
Sarawani dialect
Sarawan 2 Sarawan Brahui is the best
Sarawan 3 Because it is our identity
Sarawan 3 Sarawan Brahui is the best
Sarawan 4 Because it is pure
Sarawan 4 Jhalawan is Superior
Because it is pure and not
Jhalawan 1
Jhalawan 1 Jhalawan Brahui is the best affected
Jhalawan 2 No comments
Jhalawan 2 No Comments
Jhalawan 3 Jhalawani is my favorite Jhalawan 3 It is pure
Literature is written in
Jhalawan 4 Sarawani Brahui is the best Jhalawan 4
Sarawani dialect

Jhalawan Sarawan Rakhshan No Jhalawan Sarawan Rakhshan No
comments Comments
(33%) (50%) (0%) (17%) (33%) (50%) (0%) (17%)

pg. 9
Heterogeneity in Linguistic Behavior... Dialects of the Brahui Language. Al-Burz. Vol.13(1) 2021

Analysis through their language and that help them
in creation of their group.
The 50% interviewees said that most
That is clearly mentioned in the
literature is in Sarawani dialects, if we
above graph that 75% people would
analyze their statements, their statements
continue with their own dialect, they would
are somehow true because major literature
not change their dialect while moving to
is in Sarawani dialect or the majority of
another region of Balochistan and only 25%
writers belong to Sarawan. 33% of
people would adopt the new dialect
interviewees said that Jhalawani dialect is
according to that area. So from this
pure or original; they think that Jhalawani
questions.
is the orientation of Brahui language and
We concluded that most people
firstly Brahui was started from
want to continue their own language in case
mountainous areas of Jhalawan. In
of shifting to another region because they
addition, 17% did not respond on this
think that the only thing which is their own
question. Therefore, it is clearly mentioned
identity in the new society is their language,
in the chart that majority of the
not their name. They feel pride in using
interviewees think that the presence of
their own dialect, their own language in a
literature in Sarawani dialect makes it
foreign country or in a new place. One of
superior.
the best examples is Pakistani community
in UK Birmingham where many Pakistanis
Question No 9: are living from decades though they are
mostly using English as a language to
Num pen jagha as hampire to num tena
communicate with the local and other
zuban a kere ya ofta zuban e arfire? people they are not unaware of their own
language, they are using their national
(Do you change your dialect in case you
language Urdu at home.
move to another region of Balochistan?)

Question No 10:
Rakhshan
We will continue our own dialect
1 Ant a ki gurha num tena zuban e kere ya
Rakhshan
I will continue my own Brahui antae kappere ta? (Why you people would
2
change your dialect if not then why?)
Rakhshan We will adopt the new language
3 according to that area
Rakhshan
The new one
4 Rakhshan
Because I love my dialect
1
Sarawan 1 The old one
Rakhshan
Sarawan 2 Continue our own dialect 2 It is easy for me
Sarawan 3 Continue our own dialect Rakhshan According to the environment
3 we will use a new one
Sarawan 4 Continue our own dialect
Rakhshan That will be easy to
Jhalawan 1 Adopt new one 4 communicate
Jhalawan 2 Continue our own dialect Sarawan 1 Own dialect comes from our
forefathers
Jhalawan 3 Continue our own dialect
Sarawan 2 It is easy for me
Jhalawan 4 Continue our own dialect
We are more familiar with
Sarawan 3
our Brahui
Because their dialect or
Sarawan 4
Continue our own Adopt new Brahui language is difficult
dialect language
Because it will be beneficial
Jhalawan 1
(75%) (25%) in a new place
Jhalawan 2 I like my Brahui
It is our basic language and it
Analysis Jhalawan 3
can’t be changed
According to social identity theory
Jhalawan 4 I like my Brahui
people would maintain their identity

pg. 10