Afghanistan is home to more than 40 languages,[1] with around 200 different dialects. The two official languages of Afghanistan are Persian Dari (lingua franca) and Pashto, also known as Pakhto or Afghani. Both are Indo-European languages from the Iranian languages sub-family. Other important regional languages, such as Ōzbēkī (Uzbek), Torkmanī (Turkmen), Balūčī (Baluchi), Pašaī (Pashayi) and Nūrestānī (Nuristani) (Kati) are spoken by minority groups across the country. In 1980, these languages have been granted official status in the regions where they are the language of the majority.[2] Other minor languages may include Ashkunu, Kamkata-viri, Vasi-vari, Tregami and Kalasha-ala, Pamiri (Shughni, Munji, Ishkashimi and Wakhi), Brahui, Hindko, Kyrgyz, etc.
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Due to Afghanistan's multi-ethnic character, language variety as well as bilingualism and multilingualism are a common phenomenon.
Persian is the native tongue of various Afghan ethnic groups including the Tajiks, Afghanistan's second largest ethnic group, the Hazara, and Aimak.[3] Pashto is the native tongue of the Pashtuns, the single largest ethno-linguistic group and founders of modern-day Afghanistan.
Exact figures about the size and composition of the various ethnolinguistic groups are unavailable since no systematic census has been held in Afghanistan in decades.[4] Estimates, which are often disputed, suggest the following primary languages, there is much bilingualism:
| Language | CIA World Factbook (2010)/Library of Congress (2008) |
|---|---|
| Dari Persian | 50 % |
| Pashto | 35 % |
| Uzbek and Turkmen | 11 % |
| 30 minority languages | 4 % |
According to a 2006 opinion poll survey involving 6,226 randomly-selected Afghan citizens by the Asia Foundation, Dari was the first language of 49% of the polled people, while an additional 37% spoke it as a second language. 42% were able to read Dari. Pashto was the first language of 40%, with an additional 28% stating the ability to speak Pashto as a second language. 33% were able to read Pashto. Uzbek was the first language of 9% and a second language for 6%. Turkmen was the first language of 2% and a second language for 3%. English could also be spoken by 8% and Urdu by 7%. The number of Pashto speakers is probably higher because the Survey excluded certain Pashto-speaking regions for security reasons. [5]
In another survey called Afghanistan: Where Things Stand (2004 to 2009), 39-51% of the polled people were able to read Persian, while 29-43% were able to read Pashto. With 66-71% the majority of the polled people preferred to be polled in Dari, while 29-32% preferred Pashto. The polling took place once per year within that period resulting in a range of responses.[6]
