142267 UE Introduction to Punjabi (2024S)

Punjabi is the language of over 140 million Punjabis living in the Indian state of Punjab and Pakistani province of the same name as well as of the Punjabi diaspora in UK, Canada and other parts of the world. It is a vibrant, robust and colourful language with a rich and long tradition of literature.
Coming from the Indo-Aryan family of languages, Punjabi is closely related to Hindi and Urdu, still it has its distinct features and characteristics.
It is written in two entirely different scripts: In Perso-Arabic script in Pakistani Punjab whereas in Gurmukhi letters in the Indian Punjab.
Punjabi is the sacred language for Sikhism – the latest religion emerged in South Asia.
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The course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to Punjabi language in four different, but interconnected parts:
1. The first part will make an overall survey of the language by taking in account its brief history, its varied dialects, its different and at times asymmetrical identities with its speakers: Hindu, Muslim, Sikhs etc.
2. The second part will focus on the script of Punjabi language. For the fact that the language is more identified and revered by its Sikh speakers, we will learn the Gurmukhi script in the class.
3. Apart from learning Gurmukhi alphabet, we will understand basic rules of Punjabi grammar and acquaint ourselves with the elementary vocabulary.
4. We will practice speaking the language.
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The knowledge acquired through the class will enable students to read simple texts and form their own sentences in the normal colloquial speech. Furthermore, they, after the successful completion of the course, should be in a position to find an easy excess to Punjabi language, literature and the cultural repertoire.