Punjabi
Punjabi is one of the languages belonging to the largest language family, Indo-European In particular, it belongs to the subgroup of Indo-Iranian languages. Within this, it belongs to the Indo-Aryan or Indica family. It is a language derived from the Prakrit dialects, such as Hindi, although it is characterised by being more archaic and irregular than Hindi. It is also closely linked to the Sikh religion, as the Gurmukhi alphabet (“from the mouths of the gurus“) is often used for writing.
However, it is precisely in this aspect, the writing, where the particularities of Punjabi may prove to be an added difficulty in its understanding and translation Within this language we can find the Gurmukhi alphabet. Also the Shahmukhi alphabet, a form of the Arabic alphabet. The first is the one used to write the language within the Sikh religious communities and speakers in the Indian region. The latter is used more frequently. It is the alphabet used by the Sikh and Muslim population, as well as being recognised and shared by Urdu speakers.
PUNJABI AND TRANSLATION
This is one of the fundamental reasons why the work of the translator from and into Punjabi is so important. The intervention of a professional, with sufficient knowledge and command of the language, is necessary in order to understand the differences in the writing of the language, and who also knows which alphabet to use depending on the translation required, since the Gurumukhi alphabet is usually used for strictly religious purposes, so using it in texts for other purposes would be a mistake.
It is also important to mention that it is one of the most widely spoken languages in India, one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Asian continent. Translation and interpretation from and into Punjabi plays a very important role in the tourism sector as a means of opening the doors to this cultural paradise and giving us the opportunity to get to know and immerse ourselves in these remote cultures.
WHERE IS PUNJABI SPOKEN?
It is mainly spoken in the Punjab region, a geopolitical region located in the Indian subcontinent, which encompasses both East Pakistan and North India. Although it is recognised as an official language only in this area, Punjabi is a language that is widely spoken in all modern Indian societies.
PUNJABI IN THE WORLD
However, although the majority of speakers of this language are concentrated in this region, Punjabi is a language spoken all over the world, as there are numerous communities of Sikh groups, the aforementioned religious group with which this language has a close connection, spread throughout countries such as: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States.
The total number of Punjabi speakers worldwide is therefore estimated to be around 100 million. However, 25 million are speakers of a dialect known as lahnda or Western Punjabi, although enough linguistic similarities are shared between these two languages for Lahnda speakers to be considered native Punjabi speakers.
DIALECTS
It should also be noted that in addition to the aforementioned Western Punjabi, the language has two other dialects. One is Central Punjabi or Majhi, which is known to provide the basis for the literary language, and the other is Dogri, whose core speakers are mainly concentrated in northern Punjab.
HOW CAN LINGUATRANS HELP YOU?
At Linguatrans we are experts in this language, which is present in all the services we provide, such as:
• Punjabi translation
• Punjabi transcription
• Punjabi subtitling
• Punjabi proofreading
We have excellent native professionals for each translation service and speciality. Count on a highly reputed company in the market of language services by contacting us. You can also consult our rates or request a free, no-obligation quote. We are standing by to take you far… including in Punjabi!