The Language Shift Phenomenon: A Critical Analysis of the Existing Literature

Authors

  • Sharif Khan Lecturer and a Ph.D scholar at the Dept. of Pashto, University of Balochistan Quetta
  • Dr. Barakat Shah Kakar Supervisor, and Chairman of the Dept. of Pashto, University of Balochistan Quetta
  • Dr. Naseebullah Seemab Co-supervisor, and Professor of the Dept. of Pashto, University of Balochistan Quetta

Keywords:

Socio-linguistics, Language Shift, Critical Analysis

Abstract

This research article critically evaluates the multi-dimensional perspectives of language shift (LS), a key topic of socio-linguistics.  The literature review of this vital topic revolves around the two significantly established notions of (i) deserting primary speech domains of a mother or first language to the dominant second language, and (ii) disruption in the intergenerational language transmission process. However, there are scores of political, economic, social and cultural factors which causes this socio-linguistic phenomenon in bi-or multilingual societies. While, renowned American linguist Joshua Fishman is considered to have contributed more in this academic field. As for as, the methodology of this paper is concerned, a critical analysis approach was applied to the evaluation of language shift phenomenon.

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Published

2026-01-12

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 01 (2025): Malakand University Research Journal of Pashto (Palatana)

Section

Articles