Sindhispeaking

Sindhispeaking refers to people who speak Sindhi as their first language or who identify with the Sindhi linguistic and cultural heritage. The term encompasses speakers centered in the Sindh region of Pakistan as well as Sindhi communities in India and across the global diaspora.

Language and varieties: Sindhi is an Indo-Aryan language belonging to the Northwestern branch. It has a rich literary tradition and multiple dialects, including northern and southern varieties. In Pakistan, Sindhi is primarily written in an extended Perso-Arabic script; historically, Devanagari was used by some Sindhi communities in India, and the Khojki script has been used for religious and historical texts. The language features a diverse repertoire of poetry, folklore, and oral storytelling.

Geography and demographics: In Pakistan, the majority of Sindhi speakers live in Sindh province, with large urban concentrations in Karachi and Hyderabad. In India, Sindhi-speaking communities are found in states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, among others. Globally, substantial Sindhi communities exist in the Middle East, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and various other countries, often connected to trade, migration, and business networks.

Status and culture: Sindhi is one of the official languages of the Sindh province in Pakistan. In India, Sindhi is recognized as a scheduled language of the constitution. The language supports a rich cultural life, including Sufi-influenced music, literature, and festivals. Diaspora communities maintain language through family transmission, community schools, media, and cultural organizations, though language use can vary by generation, with some shift toward Urdu, English, or other regional languages.

See also: Sindhi language, Sindhi diaspora.