ROOTS OF PUNJABI AND SARAIKI

سرائیکی تے پنجابی دیاں جڑاں

Abstract

The linguistic, historical and cultural relation between the Saraiki and Punjabi as wide concept of the Indo-Aryan languages. Both languages have deep historical roots of centuries migration, and cultural exchange in Indus Valley. Saraiki has often considered as dialect of Punjabi, modern linguistic research recognizes it as an independent language with specific phonological, lexical and grammatical features.

It presents that Saraiki is not confined to Southern Punjab alone but is widely spoken across Sindh, Balochistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, specifically in regions like as Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Jacobabad, Kashmore and Ghotki. In this Saraiki has absorted significant influences from Sindhi, Balochi, Sanskrit and other languages of Pakistan that enhance linguistic diversity. These influences also demonstrate Saraiki’s role as a bridge language facilitating inter-community situation communication among provinces of Punjab.

Scholars like George Grierson, Sajjid Haider Parvez and Dr. Gopi Chand Narang regarding the origin and status of the Saraiki language. There point of view Saraiki and Punjabi share a common linguistic heritage and exhibit extensive lexical overlap, Saraiki fulfills the criteria of a distinct language continued use of ancient vocabulary support Saraiki’s linguistic antiquity.

Relationship between Saraiki and Punjabi is best understood as one of shared origin and matual influence rather than hierarchy. Recognizing Saraiki as an independent language its cultural identity . The paper emphasizes the need for academic acknowledgment and institutional support to safeguard Saraiki’s linguistics and cultural heritage for future generations.