THE BALTI LANGUAGE

The Balti language has always been at a disadvantage. As mentioned earlier it had to change the script from the original to an artificial one (Persian) which never corresponded with the letters and requirements of the Balti with the result that it lost its standard and Tibetan originality. Its folk-literature is not yet available in written-shape; but continues to be orally transmitted. On the contrary the Balti has been quite promising in the sense of literature in category, aptitude and profundity. It is worth mention here that, despite all handicaps the Balti language has retained may honorific words like all the Tibetan dialects and many other languages. A man from Baltistan,”Ghulam Hassan Lobsang” has great contribution in Balti language. He is the first man who has written a Balti grammar (in Persian version) which of course, a milestone in Balti language. Below are a few examples:

Ordinary Balti	Honorific	Ladakhi	Meaning
Ata	Baba	Aba	Father
Ano/Amo	Zizi	Ama	Mother
Kaka	Kacho	Acho	Brother (elder)
Bustring	Zung	Nama	Wife
Momo	Jangmocho	Ajang	Maternal uncle
Nene	Nenecho	Ane	Aunt
Bu	Bucho	Tugu	Son
Fru	Nono	Busa	Boy
Apo	Apocho	Meme	Grandfather
Api	Apicho	Abi	Grandmother
Ashe	Ashcho	Singmo	Sister (elder)
Zo	bjes	Zo	Eat
Thung	bjes	Thung	Drink
Ong	Shokhs	Yong	Come
Zer	Kasal-byung	Zer	Speak/Say
Ngid tong	gZim tong	Ngid tong	Sleep (go to)
Lagpa	Phyaq-laq/g	Lagpa	Hand/Arm
Khyang	Yang/Yari-phyaqpo	Khyorang	You
Kama	gzok-po		Leg