This week, I researched some background knowledge related to my inquiry topic. Specifically, I explored the “PunjabiKidz” website and Britannica to expand my understanding of the Punjabi language.
Below I embedded a short and informative YouTube video from the “PunjabiKidz” website. It summarizes the importance of the younger generation continuing to speak their native language. This idea resonated with me because Jerin’s grandparents primarily speak Punjabi, his parents speak significantly less, and Jerin, his sister, and their cousins speak very little to none. Although it’s understandable for English to be dominant in our increasingly globalized society, the Punjabi language tradition should still be kept alive in areas outside of India.
Britannica also has a helpful article about the historical roots of the Punjabi language, as well as current facts and figures related to it. For example, it states that Punjabi speakers are the third-largest linguistic group in Canada and the fourth-largest in the UK. An important note is that there are regional and religious differences in how Punjabi is spoken and written, such as Indian vs Pakistani Punjabi and Sikh vs Hindu Punjabi, among others.
An interesting fact I learned from this reading is that the British spelling “Punjabi” is more commonly used than the academically precise “Panjabi”. To me, this exemplifies the colonialism we see over and over again throughout history and still in the present day. For those reading this, what is a recent example of something you saw, read, or experienced that was rooted in colonialism? Unfortunately, there are many…
1 Comment
Hello Annette,
First of all, love the monkey! Good stuff! Second, this was a very thought provoking inquiry post. I have worked with lots of students from India, and always love hearing them talk so passionately about their language! Regarding colonialism, it’s hard to pick one. It is truly all around us! One thing I have always believed it is that “formal dress” is a completely fake and colonized concept — people dress in different ways all around the world!
Thanks for making me think. Sometimes the world can be “bananas”!
Warmest wishes,
Markus Meyer
https://markusmeyer.opened.ca