Thank you for this contribution about the language status of Khowar [khw] in Pakistan.
The information in the Ethnologue states that Khowar is a Language of Wider Communication (LWC). This means that it is a lingua franca (or trade language) that is used throughout the region. The statement reads: "Lingua franca in Chitral and adjacent areas of Gilgit and Swat districts since the 17th century. Also spoken in Peshawar and Rawalpindi. Used at home and in literature."
A developing language is simply a language that is spoken by all generations that is written (i.e. it has literature in a standardized orthography). This language is also used in radio and newspapers. A LWC takes precedence over a developing language.
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Dear Parvez,
Thank you for this contribution about the language status of Khowar [khw] in Pakistan.
The information in the Ethnologue states that Khowar is a Language of Wider Communication (LWC). This means that it is a lingua franca (or trade language) that is used throughout the region. The statement reads: "Lingua franca in Chitral and adjacent areas of Gilgit and Swat districts since the 17th century. Also spoken in Peshawar and Rawalpindi. Used at home and in literature."
A developing language is simply a language that is spoken by all generations that is written (i.e. it has literature in a standardized orthography). This language is also used in radio and newspapers. A LWC takes precedence over a developing language.
Best regards,
Charles Fennig
Managing Editor, Ethnologue
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