Higher Education in Pakistan: A Review of Local Languages‎

Abstract

Pakistan, a nation with multiple languages, has many issues with language planning in higher education. There are issues with students' difficulty with English, the restricted role of regional languages, and the absence of necessary materials in Urdu. This study presents the results of a statewide survey that included 2136 students, 121 subject and English professors from public and private colleges and universities in Pakistan's main cities, and 63 parents who filled out the survey. The survey looks at the following topics: the students' backgrounds; their mother tongue and/or regional language proficiency and usage; their attitudes toward languages; the quality and accessibility of materials; the function of regional languages in education; and language and sociocultural results. ‎The findings show a shift in language among regional speakers who exhibit poor mother tongue/regional language proficiency and usage in both formal and informal contexts. Additionally, they have bad attitudes about their native tongues, as evidenced by their propensity to learn in English and Urdu at all educational levels. The report suggests implementing a language policy in schools that supports cultural diversity and gives Pakistani minority languages official recognition.‎