On Punjabi as a language

These are some of the dialects of Punjabi - certainly much more than commonly identified- Malwai, Majhail and Doabia.

"One of the main problems with designating the exact number of Punjabi speakers is the presence of a large number of distinct dialects that are spoken across the large geographical area of East and West Punjab. There are some recognized dialects of Punjabi according to Language Department of Punjab:

1. Pothohari
2. Jhangi
3. Multani
4. Dogri

5. Kangri
6. Pahari
7. Majhi
8. Doabi

9. Malwai
10. Powadhi
11. Bhattiani
12. Rathi


According to Linguistic Department of Punjabi University, Patiala there are following dialects of the Punjabi language.

1. Bhattiani
2. Rathi
3. Malwai
4. Powadhi

5. Pahari
6. Doabi
7. Kangri
8. Chambiali

9. Dogri
10. Wajeerawadi
11. Baar di Boli
12. Jangli

13. Jatki
14. Chenavri
15. Multani
16. Bhawalpuri

17. Thalochri
18. Thali
19. Bherochi
20. Kachi

21. Awankari
22. Dhani
23. Ghebi
24. Hindki

25. Swaen
26. Chacchi
27. Pothohari
28. Punchi


One of the more interesting facts about the Punjabi language is that where it is numerically the most widely spoken, in Pakistani Punjab, it is hardly written at all. Punjabi is most often written in East Punjab in the Gurmukhi script. It is also possible to write the language in the Persian script often referred to as Shahmukhi in this context."