Daraban - Languages and Ethnicity

Languages and Ethnicity

Saraiki is the dominant language of Daraban and its adjoining areas. Pahsto is the 2nd most widely spoken language . Draban enjoys rare and unique position of being the melting point of cultures and languages. The coming of the Pashtoons over the centuries in this part of the land has resulted in their interaction with the local Saraikis. Now things have come to such a pass that both linguistic groups have become bilingual. Pashtoons speak Saraiki like native speakers and the Saraikis speak Pasthto fluently. It is only Nasir and Sherani people who speak only Pashto. Miankhels and other Pashtoons speak fluent Saraiki in addition to their own native tongue. Centuries of close interaction of Pasthto with Saraiki have given the former language a unique Saraiki touch. And Saraiki has under the influence of Pasthto acquired a unique flavour of its own. Although Saraiki speakers constitute the majority of the region, still their role and influence is much reduced in ratio to their population. Pashtoons own vast tracts of agricultural land and have dominant political influence in the area.Ethnic and racial strife between Pashtoons and Saraikis is non-existent,still Pashtoons like to marry only within their own community.