Alternate Names: Kalash, Kalashamon
Dialects: Northern Kalasha (Birir, Bumboret, Rumbur), Southern Kalasha (Urtsun). Very little contact between northern and southern dialects of Kalasha, so there are difficulties in communication now. Lexical similarity: 75% southern dialect with northern dialects.
Genealogy:
Demographics: 5,000 (Heegård Petersen 2006). 3,200 in Northern Kalasha area; unknown and decreasing number in Southern Kalasha area.
Language Use: In the south, Kalasha is being supplanted by Khowar [khw] or Kati [bsh]. Home, in-group communication in the north. In the south Kati [bsh] sometimes used in the home for in-group communication. Speakers have proficiency in Khowar [khw]; in Birir, some men do not speak Khowar. Women are learning Khowar. In the south Khowar sometimes used in the home for in-group communication. Women are learning some Urdu [urd].
Language Development: Poetry. Dictionary.
Typology: SOV.
Writing System: Arabic
Nation of Origin: Pakistan
Other Comments: Originally Kalasha was the language of most of the southern Chitral district. Now Khowar , is the predominant language, with earlier languages just used in villages of the side valleys. Traditional religion, Muslim.