Peristan Vol: 5

۲۰۲۳ vol: 5

PERISTAN

بِسْمِ اللهِ

Faithful friend

come

come closer

Let go

of “you” and “I”

Come

quickly

You and I

have to live

as if

you and I

never heard

of a “You” and

an “I”

Rumi

Lexical Manifestations of Affection in Khowar Language: A Linguistic Exploration

By Dr. Inayatullah Faizi

Cultural historian Dr Inayatullah Faizi delves into the linguistic intricacies of Khowar, a Dardic language within the Indo-Aryan family, predominantly spoken in Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and various regions in Gilgit Baltistan (GB). The language exhibits distinctive features in grammar, morphology, topology, and conversational style, with a notable emphasis on expressions of love and affection. The study sheds light on the linguistic nuances associated with addressing individuals based on their relationships, ages, and societal statuses, exemplifying the unique lexicon utilized in Khowar.

This lexical richness extends to addressing mothers, fathers, and other esteemed family members and social figures. These expressions are akin to adjectives, pre-fixed or attached to names or relationships, illustrating profound levels of love, respect, and personal attachment. The list encompasses terms such as "SHIRIN" (Sweet) for various familial relations, "BULBUL" (Nightingale) for children, and "XANO YAR" (Companion of the soul) for beloved individuals. This comprehensive compilation serves as a glimpse into the myriad ways Khowar speakers articulate affection.

Exploring the folk literature of Khowar promises an intriguing investigation into how poets have incorporated the aforementioned words and phrases into their enchanting love songs. One such instance is found in a line from an anonymous poet's folk song:

AWA NADANI ARETAM, MA DINAR TAKLO SORA FAN DERU BERAI

"Amidst the dance of folly, I misconstrued her pledge; my Dinar (love) betrayed me with words hollow."

Khuda Rahmat, a maestro of the 20th century, paints a picturesque scene of his beloved's trail:

RAHEN BOGHAWA RAHO BAND ARER MA SHAHIN GHECHI TA CHEER GOLO VORI

"Oh my eagle-eyed, when I traversed thy pathway, the aroma of your resplendent neck did enrapture the path.”

YOR OCHE MAS (Sun & Moon) for daughter

Translation: Sun-Moon Beloved

DUNYA (World) For close relative

Translation: Universe for Kin

KHOSH (Beloved) beloved

Translation: Cherished One

PARI (Fairy) beloved

Translation: Enchanted Beloved

DURDANO KAN (Mine of pearl) for kids

Translation: Pearl Mine

CHULENI (Soul) relative

Translation: Soulful Relation

DUNIO AFAS (Cherished for the world) beloved

Translation: Worldly Treasured

GULABU CHAN (Rose petal) for kids

Translation: Rosy Bud

XAN ROI (Soul in person) beloved

Translation: Embodied Soul

HARDI (Heart) beloved

Translation: Heartfelt Beloved

LAGHAL (Gem) kids

Translation: Precious Gem

Chitrali Shu: Starting the journey of documenting an endangered craft in Chitral, Pakistan

By Adil Iqbal

In December 2022, project lead Adil Iqbal and his team went on their first field trip to the valley of Garam Chashma in Chitral, northwest Pakistan, to document the preparation of wool for the weaving of the renowned Chitrali shu fabric. Adil reflects on the two weeks the team spent in Garam Chashma, meeting individual makers and understanding the ways of life inherent to the creation of Chitrali shu.

Project funded by EMKP

EXPLORE STORY

She says: When will we meet?

I say: After a year and a war

She says: When will the war end ?

I say: When we meet!

Mahmoud Darwish

🇵🇸

PERISTAN

a tapestry, woven of wild dreams

no rules, no themes,

where beauty blooms in surprise

crafted with love,

whispered in art's embrace

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