Why Punjabi Matters: Language, Identity and Education

Language is much more than a collection of words and grammatical rules. It transports memories, tradition, stories, emotions and world views. Punjabi holds significance for the Punjabi-speaking communities in cultural and social aspects. Its role in education is not limited to learning in the classroom.



Learning Punjabi helps children to effectively interact with their families and within their community. It will also provide them with a wealth of literature, poetry, folk tales, songs, and also with cultural expression. These resources enable learners to discover the heritage, culture and experiences of the Punjabi speaking community. Positive relationship with language is an important part of education. Punjabi can be learnt in a way that is interesting and respectful for students to view it as a living language, not merely a school subject. Engaging with the literature in Punjabi, creative writing, discussion in the language, listening to folk music and understanding cultural traditions can enrich language learning.


Punjabi may also be taught in conjunction with other languages. Learning English is not at any cost of giving up the first language, rather it is an alternative language that is learned. Students can have opportunities to acquire a variety of communication skills in a multilingual (mongling) setting with a strong link to Punjabi. Thus, education in Punjabi is not only classroom related but also is of significance outside the classroom. The education system can enable the continuity of language and provide children with a better sense of cultural heritage if they are encouraged to read in Punjabi, speak it, and write it, and appreciate it.

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