In Iran, the Baluchi language confronts a multitude of challenges, each posing a barrier to its survival and flourishing. Among these challenges is the limited recognition and official status, as Baluchi remains marginalized within the linguistic landscape in different countries, as Baluch people are divided in three main countries: Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The dominance of the monolingual education system in Iran , with Farsi as the sole language of instruction, further compounds the marginalization of Baluchi and other non-Persian languages. This systemic neglect not only deprives Baluchi speakers of access to education in their native language but also undermines the transmission of cultural knowledge and heritage from one generation to the next.
According to Uppsala University Baluchi Language Project it is likely that the total number of Baluchi speakers amounts to around 10 million or even more, however, the absence of standardized Baluchi presents a significant hurdle in efforts to teach, document, and promote the language effectively. Without a standardized form, Baluchi faces fragmentation and inconsistency across dialects, hindering cohesive efforts for its revitalization and preservation.
Despite these considerable challenges, the Baluchi Language program at Uppsala University has emerged to support the Baluchi community in this regard.
Through its pioneering efforts to standardize the Baluchi language, the program aims to establish a unified literary form that can serve as a foundation for educational initiatives, literary production, and cultural revitalization. By providing resources, expertise, and collaboration, Uppsala University empowers Baluchi scholars, researchers, and activists to reclaim their linguistic heritage and assert their cultural identity on a global stage.
UNPO collaborates with the University of Uppsala and commends them for the great work they have done in order to preserve and standardize Baluchi. In tandem with academic endeavors, Branz online magazine plays a crucial role in amplifying the voices and experiences of the Baluch community. Established as a collaborative project of the Iranian Baluch community, Branz serves as a digital repository of Baluchi culture, language, and identity. By providing a space for individuals to share their stories, perspectives, and creative expressions.
Each month, five articles are published in three languages, Baluchi, Farsi and English. The articles published in Branz span a spectrum of topics, from addressing social and cultural issues to exploring literature and humor. Through these publications, we aim to foster understanding not only among the people of Iran but also on the global stage connecting Baluch people in Iran with Baluchi individuals in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Supported by the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO), Branz started its first edition in 2021. Branz is deeply committed to its mission of promoting the revitalization, standardization, and preservation of the Baluchi language. Through its monthly editions and multimedia content, Branz seeks to bridge divides, foster understanding, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Baluch community. In doing so, it endeavors to inspire a renewed sense of pride and resilience among Baluchi speakers, ensuring that their language and identity endure for generations to come.