6+ Punjabi-Speaking Countries: An Exclusive Peek
Original blog post: https://ling-app.com/pa/punjabi-speaking-countries/
Have you ever heard of the language Punjabi (sometimes spelled Panjabi)? No! Well, several countries speak this language. What are some Punjabi-speaking countries? Let’s find out!
Whenever I hear the word “Punjabi,” my shoulders start moving up and down in their traditional dance move, all the while in my mind saying, “balle balle!” That means hooray or shows happiness! Punjabis are highly hilarious and fun-loving people. If you don’t believe me, check out this link of funny Punjabi phrases.
Words like “hadippa!” and “oi teri!” will come up, meaning “hooray” and “oh you.” Oi teri is more like a frustrated expression and can also be used rudely. But picture big Sikhs laughing together and saying these words — I bet you’d want to know more about the language once you are around them.
Punjabi Language
The Punjabi language is a widely spoken language and is the most widely spoken language in Pakistan, with the official language being Urdu. It is well-spoken in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Punjabi speakers usually use Urdu in a more formal setting because it’s official, and people are taken a bit more seriously!
Long ago, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh were one nation. Together they were called Hindustan. War and division happened to create a separation between the Punjabis as well. Indian Punjabi are mostly Hindus. Their version of Punjabi is spoken similarly but written in Gurmukhi script. It is shocking how many speak Punjabi. Many have gone west and settled there for generations.
As their native language in the west, Punjabis have brought their culture, tradition, and ways to countries like Canada and Australia. Believe it or not, Punjabi is the world’s eleventh most widely spoken language!
Names Of Punjabi-Speaking Countries
Here are the names of Punjabi-speaking countries:
- Pakistan
- India
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Australia
Pakistan
It is the most widely spoken language in Pakistan. The population of Punjabi speakers here is about 45%. Most are Muslims and speak Punjabi similarly to in India, but written Punjabi is different. The Shahmuki scripts look like this شاہ مُکھی. In Pakistan, Punjabi is more like a dialect.
India
Indian Punjabi, as mentioned earlier, has a Gurmukhi script that looks like this ਸ਼ਾਹਮੁਖੀ. The country itself has numerous dialects and official languages as it is so diverse and massive! Hindus are in high population, which is why the Gurmukhi script is followed in India.
Western Punjabi Speaking Countries
Many people of the Punjab Province, both from India and Pakistan, emigrated to other nations. Although they are widespread all over the world, most choose these particular countries to call their home.
If you happen to see Sikhs in the west, you are sure that he has brought their native language, culture, dressing, food, habits, and jokes! A Punjabi wedding, for example, can be a perfect demonstration of how grand Punjabis are — which brings diversity to the west.
Canada
In the year 2021, the population of Punjabi speakers in Canada was 0.67 million. Ontario has the most Punjabis, followed by British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba.
Australia
About 1.3 million Punjabi speakers live in Australia, most in Victoria, followed by New South Wales. Tarneit, Canning Wale, and Cairns are some of the famous suburbs with Punjabis. There will be wonderful food shops and groceries with several Punjabi goods for sale.
United Kingdom
There are almost 3 million Punjabi speakers in the United Kingdom. Most live in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
United States
0.28 million Punjabi speakers live in the USA. New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and California are some of the major cities in the USA where Punjabis reside.
Other countries also have numerous Hindi, Urdu, and Punjab speakers, which are widely spoken in these nations. They are Southeast Asian countries, the Middle East, and New Zealand. All these languages bring people and cultures together!
Introductions In Punjabi Speaking Countries
Suppose you find yourself if any of these countries, it’s best to prepare. Here are some introductions that you can make to adapt well among Punjabis.
Learn Punjabi With Ling
Punjabi speakers are fun-loving and joyful people. With their numbers increasing worldwide, understanding vocabulary, words, phrases, and scripts might become necessary, especially if they are close friends, family, or at work. Speaking like a native may need a bit of time, but it is not impossible. The correct pronunciation and words are essential. It may also be handy to write Punjabi. So, how about you use Ling?
Ling is a wonderful gamified app with free lessons in over 60 languages — just for you! With your own method of learning, thrive and enjoy getting to know languages and learning Punjabi in this unique and effective way. So what are you waiting for? Chat with Punjabi speakers fluently by learning now using the Ling App!
