Draft:Forum for Language Initiatives

Forum for Language Initiatives The Forum for Language Initiatives[1] (FLI) was founded in 2002, with its first office established in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Located in the northern part of the country, Peshawar served as the initial hub for FLI's operations. Originally known as the Frontier Language Institute, the organization underwent a transformation in 2009 when its office relocated to Islamabad, the federal capital city of Pakistan. This move led to a change in its title, with FLI adopting its current name, Forum for Language Initiatives, in accordance with new registration laws in Islamabad. FLI's target area encompasses the northern region of Pakistan, co mountainous areas, developing unique social systems, customs, cultures, languages, and, in some cases, their own religious and ethnic identities distinct from the majority. Historically, peaceful coexistence and harmony characterized relationships within and between these communities. They developed social systems rooted in indigenous wisdom, derived conflict resolution strategies from their experiences, and strove to mitigate violence. They cherished the arts and appreciated artistic expression. However, unavailability of any patronage from any side eroded these norms, and they gradually faded. Without government or external support, speakers of these languages began to distance themselves from their languages and cultures, seeing no benefit in preserving them. Excluded from the education system and media, these languages were at risk of extinction. This scenario prompted the establishment of FLI to preserve, promote, revive, and develop these distinct languages and cultures, safeguarding their oral literature and cultural heritage. FLI's target languages are following: 1. Balti

2. Bateri

3. Brokskat

4. Burushaski

5. Chilisso

6. Dameli

7. Domaaki

8. Gawarbati

9. Gawri

10. Gojri

11. Gowro

12. Hindko

13. Indus Kohistani

14. Kalasha

15. Kalkoti

16. Kam-Kataviri

17. Kashmiri

18. Khowar

19. Kundal Shahi

20. Madaklashti/ Dari

21. Mankiyali

22. Ormuri

23. Pahari-Potohari

24. Palula

25. Pashto

26. Shina

27. Torwali

28. Ushojo

29. Wakhi

30. Yadgha

What FLI does to preserve these languages is to train the mother tongue speakers under its enablement program in language documentation, advocacy, research, etc. Here is its [https://fli-online.org/newsletters/ Annual report of 2023.