The Punjabi language is approximately 1300 years old, tracing its origins back to the 7th century AD.
The Origins of Punjabi
According to historical linguistic analysis, Punjabi evolved from Apabhramsha, a degenerated form of Prakrit, around the 7th century AD. It stabilized as a distinct language by the 10th century. This makes it a relatively old language with a rich history and tradition.
Key Periods in Punjabi Language Development
| Period | Description |
|---|---|
| 7th Century AD | Emergence from Apabhramsha. Punjabi starts to take shape as a distinct language. |
| 10th Century | Stabilization. Punjabi becomes more defined and recognizable. |
| 9th-14th Century | Early Writings. The earliest known writings in Punjabi are from this era, particularly those belonging to the Nath Yogi tradition. |
Early Punjabi Literature
The earliest examples of written Punjabi come from the Nath Yogi era, spanning the 9th to 14th centuries. These writings provide valuable insight into the language's early form and usage. They also demonstrate that while the spoken form likely existed earlier, written records are available from this specific period.
Conclusion
In summary, the Punjabi language has a history extending back to the 7th century AD, marking its emergence, and stabilizing around the 10th century, with early literary examples appearing between the 9th and 14th centuries.
