As a linguistics expert with a focus on regional languages and dialects, I've spent considerable time studying the linguistic landscape of various regions around the world. The Swat Valley, located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, is a region with a rich linguistic heritage. It's known for its diverse languages and dialects, which are a reflection of the area's complex history and cultural influences.
The Pashto language is indeed the most widely spoken language in the Swat Valley, as it is in much of the broader region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond. Pashto is an Indo-European language and part of the Eastern Iranian group, closely related to languages like Dari spoken in Afghanistan. According to the 1981 census you mentioned, Pashto was spoken by approximately 90.28% of the population in the Swat Valley. However, it's important to note that census data can become outdated, and language use can shift over time due to various factors such as migration, education policies, and cultural changes.
Another significant language spoken in the Swat Valley is Kohistani, which is a group of closely related languages rather than a single language. Kohistani languages are part of the Northwestern branch of the Indo-Aryan languages and are spoken by various communities in the region. The 1981 census indicated that Kohistani was spoken by about 8.67% of the population. These languages are known for their unique phonetic and grammatical features that distinguish them from other languages in the area.
In addition to Pashto and Kohistani, there are a few other languages that are spoken by smaller fractions of the population in the Swat Valley.
Kalami is one such language, which is also part of the Indo-Aryan language family. It's known for its distinctive vocabulary and is spoken by a community that resides in the upper parts of the Swat Valley.
Torwali is another language spoken in the region. It's a part of the Dardic subgroup of the Indo-Aryan languages and is unique to the Swat Valley. Torwali speakers are concentrated in the northern areas of the valley, and the language has been influenced by its geographical isolation and the socio-cultural context of the region.
Lastly, Urdu is a language that has national significance for Pakistan and is widely understood across the country, including in the Swat Valley. Urdu is a register of the Hindustani language and is written in the Perso-Arabic script. It's the national language of Pakistan and is often used in government, media, and formal education, which contributes to its widespread use.
It's important to recognize that language use is a dynamic and evolving aspect of any culture. The Swat Valley's linguistic diversity is a testament to its rich history and the various influences that have shaped the region over time. While the data from the 1981 census provides a snapshot of the linguistic landscape at that time, it's crucial to approach the topic with an understanding of the complexities and nuances that are inherent in the study of languages and their usage.

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According to 1981 census, Pashto is main language and spoken by 90.28% of population while Kohistani is spoken by 8.67%. Kalami, Torwali and Urdu are also spoken by a fraction of population.read more >>