On International Mother Language Day, Punjabi celebs highlight the importance of maa boli

Sheetal

What is a nation without a mother tongue? – Jack Edwards, author

International Mother Language Day is celebrated each year on February 21 to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism. This year’s theme is Using Technology for Multilingual Learning: Challenges and Opportunities. Punjab is a state which sees a sizable population youth population migrating to foreign shores, so it is the need of the hour to preserve the beautiful language for generations to come and encourage them to read, write and speak. Some Punjabi celebs share how they are doing their bit for their mother tongue…

This is how it started

First announced by UNESCO on November 17, 1999, it was formally recognised in 2002 by the United Nations General Assembly with the adoption of UN resolution. Did you know that the idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was proposed by our neighbouring country Bangladesh? In Bangladesh, February 21 is the anniversary of the day when the people of Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) fought for recognition for the Bangla language which is also celebrated in West Bengal, India.

Fun phonetics

In our country there are so many languages but phonetics in Punjabi are ear-friendly, bouncy and fun. That’s why Punjabi songs stand out. I believe music is the best way to propagate our language. Believe it or not, all our songs, be it Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan or Baby Doll, which are in chaste Punjabi, are sung by many South Indians even if they don’t know the lyrics. In my opinion after Hindi songs, Punjabi songs are widely heard across India. We are happy and lucky to always bring Punjabi tracks to Bollywood. Through technology such as streaming platforms we are being heard across the country and overseas.”

Manmeet Singh of Meet Bros

Lucky and responsible

I’m lucky to be born in a family which has their roots deep into Punjabi language. I’ve always been a fan of this language and Punjabi culture. And that’s one reason for my love for Punjabi folk music. Under my music act, The Collective Projekt, I’ve been working on reviving the Punjabi folk music. Technology is a big help in bringing us closer to our roots. There are so many apps that teach the language.

I believe Punjabi music has become huge. It’s everywhere. Every Bollywood movie has at least one Punjabi track. And the entire marketing is done on that track. Punjabi artistes are having sold out events, even in the non-Punjabi speaking cities, which is one way to popularising our mother tongue.

Sameer Singh Sandhu, music producer

Pride in Punjabi

There’s a famous saying of Nelson Mandela- “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” Mother language is not mere words, but strong emotions that connect you with yourself, your family and your people. The Punjabi language is our pride. Parents should encourage their children to appreciate their mother tongue, so that they feel proud to speak it freely and confidently. The government too need to ensure that schools pay equal importance to Punjabi.

Many apps on smartphones and tablets allow learners an interactive and fun way to learn Punjabi by using their phones and tablets. Educational websites teaching Punjabi language shall be a boon for society. Punjabi will be nourished only by constant use and that we should celebrate not only this day but every day as Maa Boli Diwas.

Balraj Singh Khehra, actor

Musical route

Technology helps people learn a language. From pronunciation to meaning of a word to its context, digitalisation has an immense contribution. And the way Punjabi words have seeped into Hindi songs! It is because of Punjabi singers are propagating their language. So through music, a language can be promoted.

Ragini Tandan, singer

Back to the basics

To respect your mother tongue, one has to start from Uda Aida, and consciously refrain from using English words while conversing in Punjabi. Only this can help in promoting Punjabi language. As far as artistes are concerned they are doing every bit to promote and educate the younger generations settled abroad through songs, films and stories. Also, more stress should be given to children’s literature, as they have English nursery rhymes. Punjabi language rhymes can help children learn their mother-tongue. Prince Rakhdi, lyricist