Language Death: A Collaboration of TOOP and Peshawar Circle (30th Study Circle)

On the 10th of June, The Order of Pen, in collaboration with Peshawar Circle, hosted a beautiful and articulate book discussion on ‘Language Death’ written by David Crystal.

The discussion was held at Archives Hall, in Peshawar Library. The setting was academic and evoked a sense of inquisitiveness and joy in the hearts and minds of those who were attending it. Most of whom were students belonging to an array of academic disciplines.

The book, in discussion, holds immense value in the world of linguistic texts. Hamza Anees, a lawyer by profession and a fan of literature and linguistics at heart, was moderating the talk. The guest speaker was Dr. Amjad Saleem, serving as the current Chairman of the Department of English and Applied Linguistics at the University of Peshawar.

Peshawar Circle is the brainchild of Shafeeq Gigyani, and is a well-known platform in the academic sphere of Peshawar.

The Order of Pen is a global literary organization. It aims to marry literature with art and vice versa. The Founder CEO of this organization, M. Noman Saleem, has always wanted to promote the admixture of literature and all other forms of art. The most essential motive of TOOP has always been to polish and promote potential writers and poets.

Both these organizations and ideas are of a rather unique fabric. Especially when one comes to think of the fact that they have emerged in the smothering air of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The discussion began with Hamza, the moderator, expounding on the nature of the event; what it would entail, and the mind that had come up with the idea of it. This was followed by a formal introduction of the guest speaker, and his academic distinctions. Academia enthusiasts started pouring into the hall by that point. After all the general introductions, the speaker delved right into the heart of the discussion i.e. ‘Language Death’.

The speaker elucidated on not only the essential postulates of the book, but also went on to explain and define basic linguistic terms that were not an integral part of the book, so as to make sure everyone understood the importance and need of the discussion.

Sir Amjad Saleem’s elucidation flowed with a beautiful simplicity and witty comprehensiveness, which is what made this study circle enjoyable and extremely informative for all those who were present. Multifarious questions were asked by the ones sitting in the hall, and all the responses by the guest speaker were spot on.

TOOP’s Role and Goal

Fatima Ali Shah represented TOOP and gave a terse introduction of the organization. She urged the attending lot to embrace the world of academia, and to become a part of the organization that gave her immense confidence in her own voice. Fatima’s representation portrayed how the platform had given her the sky that she’d always wanted to soar in. Budding writers and poets registered themselves with TOOP so as to rise in the same sky of confidence and knowledge.

The event lasted for three hours, on an approximation, and time flew as smoothly as ever!

The discussion ended with a group photo. Individual and informal mini-talks with the speaker regarding literature and its position in our community occurred. Dr. Amjad Saleem appreciated the efforts made by TOOP for the promotion and preservation of literature. He urged TOOP to never cease doing what it is currently doing, and asserted that the English Department at UOP would be highly willing to collaborate with TOOP.

The head of Peshawar Circle, Shafeeq Gigyani, promised future collaborations between TOOP and Peshawar Circle. We can never be eager enough for such ventures!