Khowar
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A language of Pakistan
351,000 in Pakistan (2018). Total users in all countries: 379,100.
Gilgit Baltistan province: Gilgit district, Ghizr valley, Shandur pass to Gupis; Khyber Pakhtunkwa province: Chitral and Peshawar districts; Ishkhoman and Yasin valleys, north Swat valley, Ushu; probably in Rawalpindi and other northern cities.
3 (Wider communication).
North Khowar, South Khowar, East Khowar, Swat Khowar. Northern dialect considered more pure. Related to Kalasha [kls] but different. Lexical similarity: 86%–98% among dialects.
SOV.
The most important language of Chitral. Most also use Urdu [urd], especially among the educated, and in schools. Some also use Burushaski [bsk], especially in the Gilgit District. Some also use English [eng], especially among the educated. Some also use Gawri [gwc]. Some also use Northern Pashto [pbu]. Some also use Shina [scl], especially in the Gilgit District. Used as L2 by Burushaski [bsk], Dari [prs], Gawar-Bati [gwt], Kalasha [kls], Kamviri [xvi], Kati [bsh], Palula [phl], Wakhi [wbl], Yadgha [ydg].
Literacy rate in L2: 15%–20% men, 1% women. Taught as subject in some primary schools. Newspapers. Radio. Dictionary.
Muslim.