Languages Of Afghanistan
The two official languages of Afghanistan are Pashto and Dari. Both are Indo-European languages from the Iranian languages sub-family. Other important regional languages, such as Uzbeki, Turkmen, Balochi, Pashayi and Nuristani are spoken by minority groups across the country. In 1980, these languages were granted official status in the regions where they are the language of the majority.
Article 16 of the 2004 Afghan Constitution states that "The Turkic languages (Uzbaki and Turkmen), Baluchi, Pashai, Nuristani and Pamiri (alsana) are – in addition to Pashto and Dari – the third official language in areas where the majority speaks them. The practical modalities for implementation of this provision shall be specified by law."
Minor languages may include Ashkunu, Kamkata-viri, Vasi-vari, Tregami and Kalasha-ala, Pamiri (Shughni, Munji, Ishkashimi and Wakhi), Brahui, Hindko, Kyrgyz, etc. Harald Haarmann believes that Afghanistan is home to more than 40 languages, with around 200 different dialects.
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“The very natural tendency to use terms derived from traditional grammar like verb, noun, adjective, passive voice, in describing languages outside of Indo-European is fraught with grave possibilities of misunderstanding.”
—Benjamin Lee Whorf (1897–1934)