Parlons Shina, Karim Khan Saka’s second book launched

PT Report

Gilgit, March 16: Renowned linguist, Karim Khan Saka, has authored his second French Language book, Parlons Shina, this time focusing on the most widely spoken language of Gilgit – Baltistan. Earlier, Karim Khan  had written on Wakhi language, by the name Parlons Wakhi.

Launched in Paris (France) by well-known publisher l’Harmattan in February 2012, Parlons Shina is believed to be the very first international publication on the language, history and culture of Shina people.

The book is divided into four major sections. The first of these is an introduction to the origin of  Shina people and their language. According to the author’s research, around 1500 BC, a group of Pishacha or (Pisaca) people entered in Hindu Kush and Kohistan from Persia and they invaded the whole mountain region up to Kashmir. The Pishacha were not only great warriors but they were also very famous for eating raw meat.

The author’s argues that when the Pishacha invaded Gilgit, some local tribes like Yashkun and Bruzaha were already living there. The Bruzaha split into two groups; one group went to Hunza valley and the second group went to Yaseen valley. The language of Bruzahai became Brushaski while the Yashkun people of Gigit accepted the influence of Pishacha people and through their interactions emerged the Shina Language.

Shina language belongs to Pishacha Parakrit,a branch of Pali language descending from the great Indo-European languages. In the history the region of Gilgit has been known with different names like: Dardisa, Dardistan, Gulgita, Balor, and Baloristan.

Second part of the book presents 41 Romanized characters designed by the author for ‘who are eager to acquaint themselves with the written Shina language and to acquire an elementary ability to read and write in it. It also has an important conversational component’.

The third part of the book is focused on the culture, daily life and the evolution of Shina people. It also has a collection of poetries from well know poets of Shina language.

The last part of the book is a collection of important and rich vocabulary.  to split into two groups, one group went to Hunza valley and the second group went to Yaseen valley. The language of Bruzahai became Brushaski while the yashkun people of Gigit accepted the influence of Pishacha people and both they formed Shina Language.

For more details you may contact the author at wakhi.express@gmail.com

You can also purchase the book at AMAZON