International Mother Language Day observed in city

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 21

International Mother Language Day was celebrated in the city on Thursday. Many language lovers discussed various aspects of mother language Punjabi, correct way of its promotion, its richness and other aspects.

The day is meant to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

An evening dedicated to the language was held at District Library by the Amritsar Sahit Chintak Manch, a collective forum of different literary organisations in the city.

Talking about promoting Punjabi among younger generation, Malwinder, convener, Amritsar Sahit Chintak Manch, said, “The language has to be part and parcel of lives. One can create mini-libraries at home, speak in Punjabi with kids. It has to begin at home.” Representatives of various literary groups recited their poems, creations.

Another seminar was held at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) titled Punjabi Bhasha Te Sabhyachar: Sarhad De Aadhaar. Dr Surjit Singh Lee, former professor and head, department of anthropological linguistics and Punjabi language, Punjabi University, Patiala, and Dr Parminder Singh, former professor and head of department, department of English, presided over the seminar.

The seminar talked about Punjabi language reaching beyond borders with migration of Punjabi speaking people, impact of songs, current-day media language.

Raminder Kaur, head, School of Punjabi Studies, Guru Nanak Dev University, said, “The idea of holding the seminar is to discuss upon our mother language –Punjabi going to places and also the kind of Punjabi showcased through songs and other media is not authentic form of language”.