Punjabispeaking

Punjabispeaking refers to people who use Punjabi as their first or primary language, or who regularly communicate in Punjabi. It also denotes a linguistic community within the broader Punjabi identity. Punjabi-speaking populations are concentrated in the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan, with substantial diaspora communities abroad. In India, Punjabi is mainly spoken in the state of Punjab and, to varying degrees, in neighboring states and urban centers. In Pakistan, Punjabi is the most widely spoken language in daily life, especially in the Punjab province, though Urdu serves as the national lingua franca. Worldwide, Punjabi is spoken by migrant communities in Europe, North America, the Middle East and beyond.

The language belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European family. It has a number of dialects, with Majhi often treated as the basis for standard written Punjabi. There are two primary scripts: Gurmukhi, used in the Indian state of Punjab, and Shahmukhi, used in Pakistan. Some dialects differ in phonology and vocabulary, including Doabi, Malwai, Puadhi and Pothohari, among others.

Official status and education vary by country. In India, Punjabi is an official language in Punjab and is used in education, media and administration within the state. In Pakistan, Punjabi is widely spoken and culturally dominant in many areas but is not the national official language; Urdu is widely used in government and media. The language has a rich oral and literary tradition, including poetry, folk storytelling and modern prose.

Culturally, Punjabi speaking communities are known for music, song, Sufi poetry and a vibrant folk heritage. Diaspora communities contribute to its preservation and ongoing evolution through media, literature and education.