Use an alphabet list, such as the one at http://mylanguages. org/punjabi_alphabet. php, to help you pronounce the letters of the alphabet. There’s also a printable table of the Gurmukhi script available at https://www. sikhnet. com/files/images/2011/Gurmukhi-Alphabet. jpg. Note that some letters sound like their English counterpart, but are more limited. For example, the Punjabi consonant that makes the “g” sound only makes a hard “g,” as in the English word “gate,” never a soft “g,” as in the English word “gene. "
Some of these letters are represented in romanized text as “dh” and “kh. " There are some consonant blends, such as “ch,” “sh,” and “th,” that sound much as the same as they would in English, except they’re slightly aspirated. For example, the “th” sound comes out sounding more like the “th” in the English word “Thames” or the country name “Thailand. "
For example, there’s a “ch” sound that you make by touching your tongue to the back of your front teeth while saying the “ch” sound. In Gurmukhi script, this letter looks like “ਛ. " For the letter “ਕ਼,” make a sound like a “k” in English, but produce the sound from your throat rather than from your mouth.
“a” sounds like the “a” in the English word “about” “ā” sounds like the “a” in the English word “part” “i” sounds like the “i” in the English word “it” “ī” sounds like the “ee” in the English word “see” “u” sounds like the “u” in the English word “put” “ū” sounds like the “oo” in the English word “food” “e” sounds like the “a” in the English word “cake” “o” sounds like the “o” in the English word “go”
“ai,” which sounds like the “ai” in the English word “aim” “au,” which sounds like the “ou” in the English word “bought”
If you asked first, the other person will likely say “ṭīk hā̃. tusī̃ kíddā̃?” which means “I’m fine, and you?” You would respond simply “ṭīk hā̃. "
If the other person asks your name first, simply tell them your name and then repeat the question in full to ask them theirs.
“kirpā karkē” (please) “kimā” or “māf karō jī” (sorry) “vēkhō jī” or “dēkhō jī” (excuse me) “tànvād” or “shukrīā” (thank you) “tuhāɖā suāgat he” or “kōī nahī̃” (you’re welcome; reply to thank you)
For example, you could listen to Punjabi music while you were doing chores, or during your commute to work or school.
Scripted shows and movies can help you pick up additional vocabulary, especially if you want to be able to converse about a particular topic. Turn subtitles off when watching Punjabi movies and television shows. If you have them on, you’ll be concentrating on reading the subtitles rather than listening to the speakers. Pay attention and try to understand what they’re saying from the surrounding context.
There are many websites, such as Conversation Exchange (https://www. conversationexchange. com/), where you can connect with a native speaker to practice your Punjabi for free. Other sites offer similar services but may charge a subscription fee for you to use the site. #*On some sites, such as iTalki, you can find a professional tutor who will work with you to help you improve your speaking skills. These tutors charge their own rates, although most are less than $10 USD an hour. [14] X Research source
Many of these courses are several weeks long, but you may also be able to find programs that only last a few days. The prices for these courses varies widely depending on the length of the program, the institution offering it, and the location where it is offered. You could pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Many of the region’s top tourist attractions are steeped in religious and cultural history. This is also a good place to visit if you are interested in the Sikh religion. Flashcards are very helpful for learning a new language. [17] X Research source You can write down the words that appear most frequently or the ones you think are most important. [18] X Research source You don’t have to memorize every single word you don’t know. Try to tackle 20-50 words per lesson, day, or week.
