TL England 10. Spoken and Unwritten

This episode looks at the origins, characteristics, and generational evolution of Pothwari, an oral-only language with no written form.

You’ll also delve deeper into some of the hierarchy and class differences that are associated with Pothwari when compared to Urdu or Punjabi. Including the dilemma of modernisation and preserving the ‘mother tongue’.

“There were letters too” – hear about some of the struggles of letter writing for those who could not read or write in Urdu. Cassette tapes offered a more efficient and personal solution, while also providing an insight into the traditions of an oral culture.

A Modus Arts Production. Audio Production and Sound Design by Oliver Sanders, Producer Leona Fensome, Executive Producer Lucia Scazzocchio, Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council of England.