Professor Henrik Liljegren’s Contributions to Pakistani Languages Recognized at Workshop Conclusion

Professor Henrik Liljegren’s contributions to linguistic preservation in Pakistan have been widely recognized as scholars and language advocates call for him to be honored with Pakistan’s highest civilian award, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz. This demand was voiced by Dr. Kamal, Head of the English Department at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), during the closing ceremony of a week-long linguistic workshop focused on Pakistan’s undocumented and under-documented languages. The audience expressed their agreement with enthusiastic applause, acknowledging Dr. Henrik’s dedication to preserving Pakistan’s linguistic heritage.

The five-day workshop, coorganized by the Forum for Language Initiatives (FLI) and AIOU, brought together nearly 40 participants, including PhD scholars, university faculty members, and representatives from indigenous language communities. A total of 16 languages were represented, highlighting the rich linguistic diversity of Pakistan. The event also showcased the active participation of women, who constituted one-quarter of the attendees, furthering inclusivity in the initiative.

Renowned linguist Professor Henrik Liljegren, Head of the Department of Linguistics at Stockholm University, Sweden, led the sessions covering language documentation methodologies, typology, linguistic variation, and classification. His expertise allowed participants to refine their skills in analyzing and preserving endangered languages, many of which face increasing threats due to institutional neglect and limited resources.

Participants engaged in practical exercises using databases, literature, and specialized linguistic software, ensuring that they are equipped with essential tools for further research and documentation efforts. The workshop emphasized the significance of collaboration between universities, local communities, and linguistic experts in safeguarding Pakistan’s diverse languages.

Dr. Kamal’s call for national recognition of Professor Henrik’s contributions resonated strongly with attendees, who praised both FLI and the workshop facilitator for empowering them with new skills and perspectives on Pakistan’s linguistic landscape.

The collaboration between FLI and AIOU reflects a long-term commitment to language documentation, with aspirations to extend preservation efforts beyond northern Pakistan. As the workshop concludes, participants carry forward renewed motivation and concrete strategies to further linguistic research and advocacy, ensuring that undocumented and under-documented languages receive the attention and preservation they deserve.