Chitral; Shandur Pass to Fupis in Ghizr Valley,
Yasin and Ishkhoman valleys in Gilgit Agency, Ushu in
northern Swat Valley, and large communities in Peshawar
and Rawalpindi.
The northern dialect is considered to be more 'pure'.
Related to Kalasha, but different. 86% to 98% lexical
similarity among dialects. Urdu schools; some girls
go through fifth grade or higher. Different second languages
used in different areas: Pashto in the south, Shina
and Burushaski in the Gilgit Agency, Kalami and some
Pashto in Swat, Urdu and English among the educated.
The most important language of Chitral. Monthly journal
in Khowar. 'Kho' means 'people', 'war' means 'language.'
Trade language. SOV. Literacy rate in second language:
15% to 20% men, 1% women. Radio programs. Mountain valleys.
Sunni and Ismaili Muslim.