Potwari Language

Potwari Language

Potwari (پوٹھوهاری, also known as Pothohari پوٹھواری or Pahari-Pothohari) is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by inhabitants of the Pothohar Plateau and Azad Kashmir in Pakistan, including the cities of Rawalpindi, Kahuta, Gujar Khan, Jehlum, parts of Gujrat in the south-west; Chakwal in the west, Hazara in the north, and Azad Kashmir in the east. A large overseas population is found in the UK. Potwari is considered a transitional variety between Lahnda, Pahari, Hindko, and Punjabi. Speakers understand much of Punjabi, but comprehension in the reverse direction is difficult. The name Pahari-Potwari is sometimes used, where pahari (mountain) refers to Azad Kashmir. There are slight variations in the vocabulary between the Potohar Plateau in the west and Azad Kashmir in the east.