Punjabi’s future hinges on reforms
Published on: Jan. 20, 2026, 2:19 a.m. | Source: The Tribune
Refer to ‘Punjabi language needs a new lease of life’; English, driven by global capitalism and national policy, drives access to higher education, technology and mobility. Regions with weak industrial and research bases see their languages confined to culture rather than being intertwined with production and knowledge. Punjab’s linguistic stagnation reflects this material reality. In this way, a language is not able to advance beyond institutions sustaining it. The future of Punjabi cannot be reduced to policy mandates or cultural appeals. Without comprehensive reforms in education, science, industry and public institutions, linguistic revival will remain symbolic.
