Where it began and why it still matters today?

Punjabi is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world — but many people don’t know where it actually comes from or how it developed.

Understanding the origins of Punjabi helps parents and learners appreciate why the language sounds the way it does, why it’s so expressive, and why learning it is about more than just words.

Where Did Punjabi Begin?

Punjabi originated in the Punjab region, an area historically known as the Land of Five Rivers. Because this region was a crossroads for travel, trade, and cultures, language here naturally evolved through constant interaction between communities.

Punjabi developed as a spoken language of everyday people — farmers, families, poets, and spiritual teachers — rather than as a formal or elite language. This is why Punjabi feels natural, expressive, and conversational even today.

How Old Is the Punjabi Language?

Punjabi belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family and evolved from older languages like Prakrit and Apabhraṃśa, which were spoken over a thousand years ago.

Over time, Punjabi absorbed influences from:

• Sanskrit

• Persian

• Arabic

These influences shaped vocabulary, pronunciation, and expression, but Punjabi remained rooted in daily life and oral tradition rather than rigid grammar rules.

One Language, Different Scripts

Punjabi is unique because it is written in more than one script:

• Gurmukhi – commonly used in Indian Punjab and by Sikhs

• Shahmukhi – used in Pakistani Punjab

While the script may differ, the spoken language remains largely the same. At Punjabi Palette, we focus on Gurmukhi, as it is widely used in education and cultural texts.

Punjabi and Cultural Expression

Punjabi became widely used through poetry, music, and spiritual teachings. Many poets and thinkers chose Punjabi because it allowed them to communicate clearly with everyday people.

This is why Punjabi is known for being:

• Emotional

• Direct

• Honest

• Expressive

It’s a language that communicates feeling just as much as meaning.

Why Learning Punjabi Still Matters Today

For many families, Punjabi is a bridge between generations.

Learning Punjabi helps children:

• Communicate with grandparents and extended family

• Understand cultural values and traditions

• Build confidence in their identity

• Stay connected to their roots in a modern world

Punjabi isn’t just a subject — it’s part of family history and cultural continuity.

Our Approach at Punjabi Palette

At Punjabi Palette, we believe learning Punjabi should be:

• Clear, structured, and age-appropriate

• Focused on understanding, not memorization

• Connected to real-life use and culture

Knowing where the language comes from helps students respect it — and enjoy learning it.

Up next: How we teach Punjabi at Punjabi Palette — our teaching method and learning resources.