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Basic Punjabi Words
Punjabi, often spelled Panjabi, is spoken in the Punjab, the historic region now divided between India and Pakistan. The variety spoken in India is similar to Hindi, but dialects vary as one moves westward. There are approximately 60 million speakers in Pakistan and about 15 million in India.
The Punjabi language is closely associated with the Sikh religion. It was the vehicle for recording the teachings of the gurus, the ten great founders of Sikhism. The Punjabi alphabet was invented by the second of the gurus in the 16th century. It is known as the Gurmukhi script, Gurmukhi meaning, "from the mouth of the Guru".
The alphabet is relatively easy to learn, easier than Hindi, since spelling is usually consistent. Punjabi is a vigorous language, spoken by vigorous people, involving vigorous movements of the lungs and jaw. You may be able to speak English with a pipe between your teeth, but you certainly cannot speak Punjabi this way!
Make a Punjabi speaking friend today by saying kee ale (U° y~s y„) when you see him!