Punjabi: A Tolerated Language Young generations’ attitude

Abstract

Language is one of the important symbols of identity and status for the speakers of that language. Pakistan is a linguistically heterogonous country where speakers do not share a single language.  A large population in Pakistan speaks Punjabi. In the recent years, Punjabi language is losing its status in Punjab, Pakistan, because people are shifting their language from Punjabi to Urdu according to their needs and requirements of modern age. People are having different attitudes towards their mother tongue, especially the young generation; they have stopped speaking this language. They are not interested in the preservation of the language of their forefathers. This paper seeks to investigate different attitudes of people of Punjab towards Punjabi language. To explore this phenomenon, a survey research was conducted.  The data was gathered from Government College University Faisalabad to explore the attitudes of young generation towards Punjabi. The sample consisted of 60 young graduate and post-graduate students. The results have shown that the Punjabis have not a very positive attitude towards this language. Punjabi language is losing its place and shifting towards Urdu. This study concludes that Punjabi is a tolerated language as it is neither promoted nor proscribed according to young generation’ opinion.

Keywords: Punjabi, status, tolerated, young generation