Balochi language

Balochi, a north-western Iranian language, is the principal language of Balochistan. There are several other minor languages which are spoken at the ethnic borders of united or Greater Balochistan. The speakers of minor languages (Brahui, Saraiki, Sindhi, and Persian (Dehwari dialect)) are bilingual. Persian and English were used as official languages in western Balochistan (Iran-Afghanistan), the Khanate of Balochistan, and British Balochistan. In 1947 the independent Khanate of Balochistan announced Balochi as an official and national language, a policy which was continued until March, 1948.

Related Topics:
Iranian language - Language - Balochistan - Brahui - Saraiki - Sindhi - Persian - English - Iran - Afghanistan - 1947 - 1948

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In 1948, with the incorporation of Balochistan into Pakistan, Balochi was replaced as the official language and Urdu as the national language. The official language in the areas of Gwadar (occupied by Sultanate of Oman until 1958) was Arabic.

Related Topics:
Pakistan - Urdu - Gwadar - Oman - 1958 - Arabic

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Balochi has several dialects. Linguists agree on the following two major dialects: Eastern Balochi and Western Balochi.

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