Punjabi Language and Literature

Like other many languages Punjabi flourished in free environment during the past centuries. Punjabi literature contains literary works both in prose & poetry. However, more poetry is written than the prose. Topics of Sciences & knowledge are discussed in prose, in several languages of the world. So is needed in the Punjabi language.

Punjabi language is one of those languages which are written in different scripts and spoken in several dialects, yet all its speakers can comprehend it with a little or more effort. It is a language that contains diversity in it.

Punjabi language is rich in literature and poetry. The epic poem composed by Waris Shah can be placed with the masterpieces of world literature. And it is not the only instance from the centuries old Punjabi language and literature.

Punjabi language by its name seems limited to the areas of Punjab and the Punjabi people, however, with the increasing mobility during the 20th century, the Punjabi language has reached in several other parts of the present day world. In this era of sciences & technologies, inventions & innovations are increasing vocabularies of all languages. Punjabi language is no exception. It has assimilated words such as television, telephone, computer, railway, etc. like several other languages.

Punjabi language has all the capacities and potentials to be developed into a language of learning and knowledge. However, it is imperative to assimilate global outlooks into the language for transforming it into a language of sciences and technologies.

By: Ashraf Naushahi

(Educator, Writer, Book-Reviewer, Specialist in English Literature, Translator)