This investigative study 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.
The paper identifies 26 words and terms designated for children, daughters, sons, and lovers, each reflecting a nuanced expression of affection. 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. It presents a glossary featuring 50 words and phrases, showcasing the diversity of linguistic expressions for conveying love and affection in Khowar. 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.
Additionally, the paper briefly examines the incorporation of these love-centric words and phrases in Khowar folklore, specifically in the realm of poetry. Selected excerpts from folk songs and verses by anonymous poets and notable figures like Khuda Rahmat provide insights into how these linguistic elements are skilfully employed to convey emotional nuances. The study hints at the rich tapestry of love-related vocabulary present in Khowar folklore, suggesting avenues for further exploration and analysis in both classical and modern Khowar poetry.
A Glossary of Fifty Lexical Items Expressing Love and Affection
- SHIRIN (Sweet) for mother/father/brother/sister, etc.
Translation: Tender - BULBUL (Nightingale) for kids
Translation: Chirper - CHULAK (Singing bird) For kids
Translation: Melodious Nestling - DUNYA (World) For close relative
Translation: Universe for Kin - MAYUN (Golden oriole) for kids
Translation: Avian Darling - SHAREKI (starling) for kids
Translation: Melodious Companion - YOR OCHE MAS (Sun & Moon) for daughter
Translation: Sun-Moon Beloved - GHECHAN ROSHTI (Eye sight) for relatives
Translation: Gaze of Kinship - LIGINIO ZAHI (Taste of tongue) for relatives
Translation: Palatable Bond - SOM GHECHA TIP (Eye full) for relatives
Translation: Glimpse of Affection - XANO ZAHI (Joy of soul) for relative
Translation: Soulful Bliss - KOLAN KHAWUN (Custodian of body) for son
Translation: Guardian of Bones - GULABU CHAN (Rose petal) for kids
Translation: Rosy Bud - DURDANO KAN (Mine of pearl) for kids
Translation: Pearl Mine - SORMO KAN (Mine of Gold) for kids
Translation: Golden Mine - KHOSH (Beloved) beloved
Translation: Cherished One - XAN (Soul) Beloved
Translation: Soulful Beloved - XANO SUM BARABAR (Equal to soul) beloved
Translation: Soul's Equal - XANO NAS (Part of soul) beloved
Translation: Integral Soul - HARDIO BATIN (Cardiac valve) Kids
Translation: Heart Valve Offspring - BIOGH (Flesh & blood) relative
Translation: Flesh Kin - DUR (Home) relative
Translation: Homely Kin - CHULENI (Soul) relative
Translation: Soulful Relation - AFAS (Cherished) beloved
Translation: Treasured - XANO AFAS (Soul’s cherish) beloved
Translation: Soulfully Treasured - DUNIO AFAS (Cherished for the world) beloved
Translation: Worldly Treasured - GHAZEENA (Treasure) kids
Translation: Little Treasure - YOR MAS (Sun & Moon) daughter
Translation: Solar Luna - CHEK (ailment) beloved
Translation: Endeared ailment - SHARBALANG (starling) beloved
Translation: Black-haired Beloved (Black and shiny hair is a prized feature of feminine beauty in the Khow culture of Chitral.) - NAN ISPUSAR (Motherly sister) lady
Translation: Mother-like Sister - TAT BRAR (Fatherly brother) gent
Translation: Father-like Brother - PARI (Fairy) beloved
Translation: Enchanted Beloved - HARDI (Heart) beloved
Translation: Heartfelt Beloved - XANO NASTU NERU (Part of soul) kids
Translation: Soul's Offspring - LAGHAL (Gem) kids
Translation: Precious Gem - XAN ROI (Soul in person) beloved
Translation: Embodied Soul - KHONZA (Queen) daughter
Translation: Royal Daughter - XANO YAR (Companion of soul) beloved
Translation: Soul’s Companion - SOM GHECHA TIP (Filled in both eyes) friend
Translation: Endeared Friend - QUAT (Energy) friend
Translation: Energy-like Companion - SAYURJ (Eagle) kids
Translation: Eaglet - SHAHIN GHECHI (Hawkish eyes) beloved
Translation: Visionary Hawk Eyes - DINAR (White falcon) beloved
Translation: Ivory Falcon - DUST (Friend) beloved
Translation: Beloved Companion - MERXURI (Fairy’s daughter) lady
Translation: Exquisitely Pretty Lady - PARI (Fairy) lady
Translation: Ethereal Lady - KAPALA NOGHOR (Castle on one’s head) for an erudite or dignified person
Translation: Highly Venerable - GHAM (Grief)
Translation: Anguish/Heartache - CHEK (ailment)
Translation: Endeared ailment
Evidences in Khowar Folksongs and Poetry
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.”
A song associated to the Cheq Mitar in Yasin extols a cherished one as "MA XAN":
PIYALO MI DANGERIK MA XANO SUM KIA SHARIK
“How can the denizens of Piyal compare to the grace of my beloved, who is akin to my very soul!"
Yet another Khowar refrain echoes:
GHAM SAILOTE GOYAN KAUSH DUZOT ROR MA DINARO KOUSHAN SHOW SUI ANZER
"The hour of my Anguish’s (Love's) stroll approaches. Let it be known to the cobbler to hasten the crafting of shoes for my Cherished Treasure."
Here, the poet employs the terms "GHAM" (anguish) and "DINAR," (cherished treasure) for his beloved.
In summary, a concise exploration of Khowar folk tales and songs illuminates the vast repertoire of love words within the language. A comprehensive technical report on this subject would undoubtedly unveil numerous facets showcasing the profound significance of love in both classical and modern Khowar poetry.