Consequences of Cultural Exclusion in Pakistan’s Saraiki Region
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Keywords

Cultural Exclusion, Language and Politics, Identities, Cultural Diversity.

Abstract

In this paper, we have developed an analytical and empirical case study of the Saraiki region based on Kymlicka's understanding of cultural exclusion.11 The study discusses that the Saraiki nation suffers cultural exclusion along with economic and political exclusions in Pakistan. In particular, the paper focuses on the aspects of cultural exclusion. To materialize the claims made in this paper, we have argued that the Saraiki people have started to disregard their language and they are becoming passive to exhibit their identity. Their language, culture, history, art and heritage are badly affected due to suppression of their identity. Consequently, they are beginning to infer that their culture and language are inferior. The members of Saraiki community feel discomfort in practicing their culture and values. The parents hesitate to speak their indigenous language the Saraiki language with their children. The school students lack self-confidence while speaking Saraiki in public domains. Consequently, these people are deviating from their cultural heritage, heedlessly ignoring their festivals and funfairs. Their cultural representation on national-level has been marginalized, whereas their art, culture, and handicrafts are being disregarded. Thus, state should take serious measures to promote cultures and languages of people in general and Saraki region in particular.

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