the Kunar, a share homeland for several Aryan Languages

Abstract

Abstract:

Kunar is one of the eastern provinces of Afghanistan. The common language for educational, preaching, Jirga, market, commercial and other related affairs is Pashto; however, in the mountainous valley of this province, the names of several other languages are observed. These languages include Pashto, Digani, Gujari, Guri, Paluri (Sawi Accent), Nuristani, Shumashti, Pashayee, Kurangi, Nanglami and Chalsi, which are being spoken in different areas of the province.

It is difficult to account some of the languages as independent language; in some references, Shomati is introduced as an independent language; however, as per my information, Shomati is an accent of Pashayee Language, not an independent one.

The residents of Shomat and Arait villages speak the same accent with very little difference. Therefore, we claim that it is an accent of Pashayee Language. Chalsi has some differences with Shomati; however, the speakers of both language can make conversation to each other. Kerangi is spoken in a small valley in Paych. Kurangi language has not been investigated so far, but as per some information, it is also an accent of Pashayee Language.

Some of these languages are very small, which are spoken in limited villages. For instant, Paluri (Sawji) Language is only spoken in one village of Nawar district. The people in the village call this language as Sawji. Digani/ Watapori Language is spoked by few people in one village (Kata Kala). Shomati is spoken in Mazar Valley in Shomat and Arit Villages.

Some of these languages loses its speaker every day and its speakers choose to shift to Pashto Language; therefore, it is important to systematically study these language and provide essential information to the interested people.