Maimanis and Memonis: Akin Ethno-linguistic Groups Shifting from the (M)other Tongue to the Other Tongue (Published)
The linguistic situation in Oman and Pakistan symbolizes a wide diversity reflected in an array of languages spread over their different parts, with some indigenous ones and others used in nearby or distant proximities. Few of these languages originate from the same linguistic affiliation with speech communities found in both countries. Exotic among these communities are Maimanis in Oman and Memonis in Pakistan, who appear to have certain commonalities worthy of exploration. Their ethnic appellations (Maimani vs. Memoni) are so alike that they suggest two variants of the very appellation. Apart from their ethnic designations, the resemblance between the two communities includes historical, cultural and linguistic aspects. Communal narrations of both groups cite two parallel recitations regarding their ancestral pedigrees, which could trace them back to the same kinfolk. The languages of both ethnicities appear to share a considerable amount of lexical items that ensure a decent rate of mutual intelligibility. Besides the linguistic aspect, both ethnicities share cultural commonalties represented by their adherence to a local system called ‘Jamaat’, and their evident involvement in trade and mercantile activities. Such resemblance seems to go further to encompass other nearby ethnicities like Lawatis and Khojas who have had a certain contact with Maimanis and Memonis respectively.