How to Type in Punjabi
English to Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ) typing is possible by using our online Punjabi typing app. It converts English to Punjabi easily by using pc keyboard or mobile phone. This is with the help of Google free translation. After typing in English, press the keyboard Space or Enter button, so that the English word will be converted into Punjabi instantly. All this will happen in real time.
For example: After writing a word Punjabi in English and then pressing space will convert your word into ਪੰਜਾਬੀ. After writing each word, pressing space will convert the whole word. The whole sentence will not be converted at once. For Example, On typing “Tuhaḍa nama ki hai?”: will convert to ਤੁਹਾਡਾ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਹੈ? Fonts will also change to Punjabi.
In case there is a spelling mistake, then by pressing the Backspace button, you can select the most appropriate word from the list that will appear and enter it. This makes typing easy and quick.
Punjabi Typing Tips
- Type normally using keyboard and make use spacebar after typing each word which will convert text to Punjabi and this process is called transliteration. Here Punjabi pronounced words are written in English and focus is entirely on the sounds of the language.
- Transliteration process is used for several languages around the world and is different from translation as its dependent upon sound of language.
- While writing you may like to have both English and regional language in final transcript. Use “Ctrl G” command, this switch language as written without making change after pressing “Space” button. Press “Ctrl G” command, again to continue with transliteration.
- After writing, you can copy, print, Gmail your texts with click of button.
- While typing from English to Punjabi in desktop mode a drop down list of suggestions will appear when you use Backspace button and from there you can select from one most matching word. While in mobile mode all word suggestion will appear on top horizontal row from where you can select precise word suitable for written text.
About Punjabi Language
Punjabi, an Indo-Aryan language, is one of the most widely spoken languages in South Asia and beyond. Originating from the Punjab region, which is divided between modern-day India and Pakistan, Punjabi carries a rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
Origin and Historical Development
The Punjabi language evolved from the Prakrit languages spoken during the ancient and medieval periods of South Asia, with significant contributions from the Shauraseni Prakrit in its development. The language started to take its distinct form around the 10th century CE. Punjabi is deeply rooted in the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of the Punjab region, including the influence of Sikhism, which emerged in the 15th century.
Number of Speakers
Punjabi is spoken by over 135 million people worldwide, making it one of the most spoken languages globally. It holds official language status in the Indian states of Punjab and Haryana and is widely spoken in Pakistan, where it is the most spoken native language, although it does not have official status. Punjabi also has a significant diaspora presence in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia.
Scripts
Punjabi is written in multiple scripts:
Punjabi is written in two scripts: Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi.
Gurmukhi is the script used predominantly in India, particularly in the state of Punjab, and is the official script for Punjabi. It was standardized by the Sikh Gurus, with Guru Angad Dev, the second Sikh Guru, being credited with its creation in the 16th century.
Shahmukhi is used in Pakistan and is a variant of the Persian script. It is written from right to left and is used for writing Punjabi in the regions of Pakistan, particularly in Lahore and surrounding areas.
Both scripts represent the language’s phonetic richness, but they cater to different communities and cultural contexts.
Dialects: Punjabi is not a monolithic language but a collection of diverse dialects, including:
- Majhi: Considered the standard dialect, spoken in central Punjab, including Amritsar and Lahore.
- Doabi: Spoken between the Beas and Sutlej rivers.
- Malwai: Native to the Malwa region in Indian Punjab.
- Pothohari: Common in northern Pakistan.
- Multani/Saraiki: Spoken in southern Punjab (Pakistan), it has significant lexical differences from standard Punjabi.
Phonology
Punjabi is a tonal language, a rare feature among Indo-Aryan languages. It uses three distinct tones:
a) High tone
b) Low tone
c) Neutral tone
These tones are essential in distinguishing meanings. The language has a rich consonant system, including retroflex and aspirated stops, and a vowel system that accommodates both short and long vowels. The tonal nature of Punjabi adds a unique dimension to its phonology, making it distinct among related languages.
Cultural and Linguistic Significance
Punjabi serves as a bridge between the past and present, carrying influences from ancient Indian traditions, Persian courts, and modern cultural movements. Its vibrant use in music, cinema, and poetry continues to expand its global appeal and preserve its linguistic heritage.