THE DECLINE OF THE PUNJABI LANGUAGE IN PAKISTAN: SOCIOLINGUISTIC, EDUCATIONAL, AND DIGITAL FACTORS AMONG YOUNGER SPEAKERS

Abstract

This paper will look into the degradation of the Punjabi language in Pakistan by looking at the sociolinguistic, educational, and digital influences that alienate the language in the minds of younger generation speakers. The study reveals that language preferences are influenced by social prestige, power systems, and poor intergenerational transmission. These trends are examples of larger social inequalities as opposed to mere language abandonment. Based on the mixed-method research design, comprising surveys and digital discourse analysis of IIUI students, the authors discover that Urdu and English are perceived as high-status languages, but Punjabi is commonly perceived as informal or joking in the online community. Using the Theory of Language Shift by Fishman (1991) and the Theory of Linguistic Capital by Bourdieu (1991), the study reveals that language preferences are influenced by social prestige, power systems, and poor intergenerational transmission. Even though the Punjabi language is popular, it has little academic, professional, and digital significance, decreasing its upward mobility. The paper gives special emphasis on the importance of more effective educational inclusion, digital representation, and institutional support to promote the symbolic value of Punjabi and stimulate the use of this language.

Key Words: Punjabi Language Shift, India, language shift, linguistic capital, sociolinguistic attitudes, digital discursive analysis, language prestige, marginalization of the regional language.