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Punjabi is classified as an Indo-Aryan language, primarily spoken in the Punjab region which straddles the border of Pakistan and India.
Answer: True
Explanation: Punjabi is indeed an Indo-Aryan language predominantly spoken in the Punjab region, which is geographically divided between Pakistan and India.
The name 'Punjabi' originates from the Sanskrit term 'Panchanada', meaning 'Five Waters'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The term 'Punjabi' is derived from the Persian 'Panj-ab', meaning 'Five Waters'. The Sanskrit equivalent, 'Panchanada', signifies 'Land of the Five Rivers'.
The core vocabulary of Punjabi primarily derives from Turkic languages, with minor influences from Sanskrit.
Answer: False
Explanation: As an Indo-Aryan language, Punjabi's core vocabulary originates from Sanskrit, with significant influences from Persian and Arabic, not Turkic languages.
'Panchanada' is a Persian term meaning 'Land of the Five Rivers', referring to the Punjab region.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Panchanada' is a Sanskrit term meaning 'Land of the Five Rivers'. The Persian term is 'Panj-ab', also meaning 'Five Waters'.
'Tadbhav' words in Punjabi are loanwords primarily borrowed from English and Portuguese.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Tadbhav' words in Punjabi are those that have evolved from Sanskrit, representing its Indo-Aryan heritage, not loanwords from English or Portuguese.
The word 'Punjabi' is derived from a Persian term meaning:
Answer: Five Waters
Explanation: The term 'Punjabi' originates from the Persian 'Panj-ab', which translates to 'Five Waters'.
What is the primary origin of Punjabi's core vocabulary?
Answer: Sanskrit
Explanation: The primary origin of Punjabi's core vocabulary is Sanskrit, reflecting its status as an Indo-Aryan language.
What is the Sanskrit name for the region of Punjab, meaning 'Land of the Five Rivers'?
Answer: Panchanada
Explanation: The Sanskrit name for the region of Punjab, signifying 'Land of the Five Rivers', is Panchanada.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a minor influence on Punjabi vocabulary?
Answer: Sanskrit
Explanation: While Sanskrit is the primary source of Punjabi's core vocabulary, it is not listed as a minor influence; Greek, Portuguese, and Japanese are mentioned as minor influences.
A distinctive phonological feature of Punjabi, setting it apart from many other Indo-Aryan languages, is its use of lexical tones.
Answer: True
Explanation: Punjabi is notable among Indo-Aryan languages for its distinctive use of lexical tones, which are crucial for differentiating word meanings.
Punjabi phonology distinguishes between short and long vowels, but the primary phonetic significance lies in the contrast between peripheral and centralized vowels.
Answer: True
Explanation: While Punjabi vowels exhibit short/long distinctions, the contrast between centralized and peripheral vowels carries greater phonetic significance.
Punjabi phonology includes retroflex consonants and has incorporated sounds like /f, z, x/ from Persian and Arabic, though their phonemic status can vary.
Answer: True
Explanation: Punjabi phonology features retroflex consonants and incorporates sounds such as /f, z, x/ from Persian and Arabic, with their phonemic status potentially varying among speakers.
Punjabi's tonal system, featuring low, high, and level tones, is common among Indo-Aryan languages and arose from the addition of aspiration to voiced consonants.
Answer: False
Explanation: Punjabi's tonal system is distinctive among Indo-Aryan languages; the tones are believed to have developed from the *loss* of aspiration in voiced consonants, not its addition.
In Punjabi, the loss of the sound [h] in 'tonal consonants' like voiced aspirated plosives influences the tone of surrounding vowels.
Answer: True
Explanation: The historical loss of [h] in voiced aspirated consonants, termed 'tonal consonants', significantly impacts the tonal contours of adjacent vowels in Punjabi.
Punjabi tones are believed to have developed from the addition of aspiration to voiced consonants, a process called tonogenesis.
Answer: False
Explanation: The development of Punjabi tones is theorized to stem from the *loss* of aspiration in voiced consonants, a process known as tonogenesis.
Which phonological feature is particularly distinctive of Punjabi among Indo-Aryan languages?
Answer: The use of lexical tones
Explanation: Punjabi's distinctive use of lexical tones is a key phonological feature that differentiates it from many other Indo-Aryan languages.
Which phonetic contrast is considered more significant in Punjabi vowels than the short/long distinction?
Answer: Centralized vs. Peripheral vowels
Explanation: In Punjabi vowel phonology, the contrast between centralized and peripheral vowels holds greater phonetic significance than the distinction between short and long vowels.
Which sounds have been borrowed into Punjabi from Persian and Arabic?
Answer: /f, z, x, ɣ, q/
Explanation: Punjabi has incorporated sounds such as /f, z, x, ɣ, q/ from Persian and Arabic into its phonological inventory.
What is the believed origin of Punjabi's lexical tones?
Answer: The loss of aspiration in voiced aspirated consonants
Explanation: The lexical tones in Punjabi are theorized to have originated from the historical process of losing aspiration in voiced aspirated consonants.
The canonical word order in Punjabi grammar is Subject-Object-Verb (SOV), utilizing postpositions to mark grammatical cases.
Answer: True
Explanation: Punjabi grammar adheres to a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) word order and employs postpositions to denote grammatical cases.
Punjabi grammar features six cases, including direct, oblique, vocative, ablative, locative, and instrumental, marked by postpositions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Punjabi grammar indeed includes six cases: direct, oblique, vocative, ablative, locative, and instrumental, which are typically marked by postpositions.
Punjabi grammar uses Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) word order and employs prepositions to mark grammatical cases.
Answer: False
Explanation: Punjabi grammar follows a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) word order and utilizes postpositions, not prepositions, for case marking.
Punjabi grammar distinguishes two genders and two numbers, and features six grammatical cases, though some have limited usage.
Answer: True
Explanation: Punjabi grammar indeed accounts for two genders and two numbers, along with six grammatical cases, some of which exhibit restricted usage.
What is the standard word order for Punjabi sentences?
Answer: Subject-Object-Verb (SOV)
Explanation: The standard word order for sentences in Punjabi is Subject-Object-Verb (SOV).
Which of the following is NOT one of the six grammatical cases mentioned for Punjabi?
Answer: Genitive
Explanation: The six grammatical cases mentioned for Punjabi are direct, oblique, vocative, ablative, locative, and instrumental. Genitive is not explicitly listed among these six.
Which of the following is a key characteristic of Punjabi grammar regarding case marking?
Answer: Use of postpositions
Explanation: A key characteristic of Punjabi grammar is its use of postpositions to mark grammatical cases on nouns.
The Gurmukhi script, used for Punjabi, is based on the Perso-Arabic script and is predominantly used in Pakistan.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Gurmukhi script is derived from Brahmic scripts and is predominantly used in India for Punjabi. The Perso-Arabic derived Shahmukhi script is used in Pakistan.
Gemination, or consonant doubling, is indicated by 'tashdid' in the Gurmukhi script and 'adhak' in the Shahmukhi script.
Answer: False
Explanation: Gemination is indicated by 'adhak' in the Gurmukhi script and 'tashdid' in the Shahmukhi script, the reverse of what is stated.
Historically, Punjabi was primarily written using the Perso-Arabic script, with Brahmic scripts used only occasionally.
Answer: False
Explanation: Historically, various Brahmic scripts, including Laṇḍā, were used for Punjabi, predating the widespread adoption of Perso-Arabic scripts like Shahmukhi.
The Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture, is written predominantly in Sanskrit using the Gurmukhi script.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Guru Granth Sahib is primarily written in Punjabi using the Gurmukhi script, not Sanskrit.
The Gurmukhi script originated in the 16th century and is primarily associated with the Urdu alphabet.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Gurmukhi script originated in the 16th century and is based on Brahmic scripts, not the Urdu alphabet (which is Perso-Arabic derived).
The Shahmukhi alphabet, used in Pakistan, is a variant of the Perso-Arabic script.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Shahmukhi alphabet, employed for Punjabi in Pakistan, is indeed a derivative of the Perso-Arabic script.
The Gurmukhi script is closely tied to Sikhism, with the majority of the Guru Granth Sahib written in Punjabi using this script.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Gurmukhi script has a strong association with Sikhism, as the Guru Granth Sahib, the principal Sikh scripture, is predominantly written in Punjabi using this script.
Synchronic digraphia, in the context of Punjabi, refers to the use of both Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi scripts for the language.
Answer: True
Explanation: Synchronic digraphia accurately describes the phenomenon of using multiple distinct scripts, namely Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi, for the Punjabi language simultaneously.
Which script is predominantly used for writing Punjabi in Pakistan?
Answer: Shahmukhi
Explanation: The Shahmukhi alphabet, derived from Perso-Arabic script, is the predominant script used for writing Punjabi in Pakistan.
How is consonant gemination (doubling) indicated in the Shahmukhi script?
Answer: Using the 'tashdid' symbol
Explanation: In the Shahmukhi script, consonant gemination is indicated by the 'tashdid' symbol.
What does 'synchronic digraphia' refer to in the context of Punjabi?
Answer: The use of two distinct scripts (Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi) for the same language.
Explanation: Synchronic digraphia in Punjabi refers to the concurrent use of two distinct scripts: Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi.
Which historical script, derived from Brahmic scripts, was used for Punjabi before the widespread adoption of Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi?
Answer: Laṇḍā
Explanation: The script Laṇḍā, which is derived from Brahmic scripts, was historically used for Punjabi prior to the widespread adoption of Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi.
What is the significance of the Guru Granth Sahib in relation to the Punjabi language?
Answer: It primarily uses Punjabi written in the Gurmukhi script.
Explanation: The Guru Granth Sahib holds significance as it is primarily written in Punjabi using the Gurmukhi script, underscoring the language's connection to Sikhism.
Which script is based on Brahmic scripts and is the official standard for Punjabi in India?
Answer: Gurmukhi
Explanation: The Gurmukhi script, which is based on Brahmic scripts, serves as the official standard for Punjabi in India.
Punjabi evolved from Old Indic languages and stabilized around the 10th century AD, with its development typically divided into Old, Medieval, and Modern stages.
Answer: True
Explanation: Punjabi evolved from Prakrit and Apabhramsa, stabilizing around the 10th century AD, and its historical development is commonly segmented into Old, Medieval, and Modern stages.
Fariduddin Ganjshakar, who lived in the 12th century, is recognized as the first significant poet in the Punjabi language.
Answer: True
Explanation: Fariduddin Ganjshakar, a 12th-century Sufi mystic, is widely acknowledged as the first major poet to contribute significantly to the Punjabi literary tradition.
Sufi poets like Waris Shah and Bulleh Shah significantly contributed to Punjabi literature between the 12th and 19th centuries.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sufi poets such as Waris Shah and Bulleh Shah were pivotal figures in Punjabi literature from the 12th to the 19th centuries, enriching it with their spiritual and poetic works.
In Punjabi literature, 'Vaars' are narrative poems often focusing on themes of love and sacrifice, such as Heer Ranjha.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Vaars' are typically heroic ballads, while 'qisse' are narrative poems often centered on themes of love and sacrifice, such as the famous Heer Ranjha.
The introduction of British education influenced Punjabi literature by bringing Western forms like the novel and free verse.
Answer: True
Explanation: British education introduced Western literary genres such as the novel and free verse into Punjabi literature, significantly impacting its evolution.
Key literary genres in Punjabi include Sufi poetry, 'qisse' (narrative poems), and 'Vaars' (heroic ballads).
Answer: True
Explanation: Punjabi literature is characterized by prominent genres such as Sufi poetry, 'qisse' (narrative poems), and 'Vaars' (heroic ballads).
British colonial rule led to the decline of Western literary forms in Punjabi literature.
Answer: False
Explanation: British colonial rule actually introduced and fostered Western literary forms, such as the novel and free verse, within Punjabi literature.
Punjabi is considered to have emerged as an Apabhramsa language around which century?
Answer: 7th century AD
Explanation: Punjabi is considered to have emerged as an Apabhramsa language around the 7th century AD, evolving from earlier Prakrit forms.
Who is recognized as the first major poet of the Punjabi language?
Answer: Fariduddin Ganjshakar
Explanation: Fariduddin Ganjshakar, a 12th-century figure, is widely acknowledged as the first significant poet in the Punjabi language.
The popular Punjabi literary narrative 'Heer Ranjha' belongs to which genre?
Answer: Qissa
Explanation: The narrative 'Heer Ranjha' is a classic example of the 'qissa' genre in Punjabi literature, typically focusing on romantic and tragic themes.
What impact did British education have on Punjabi literature?
Answer: It introduced Western literary forms like the novel and drama.
Explanation: British education introduced Western literary forms, such as the novel and drama, into Punjabi literature, thereby broadening its stylistic and thematic scope.
What is the term for heroic ballads in Punjabi literature?
Answer: Vaars
Explanation: Heroic ballads in Punjabi literature are known as 'Vaars'.
Punjabi is the most spoken language in India and ranks eleventh in Pakistan based on native speaker numbers.
Answer: False
Explanation: Punjabi is the most spoken language in Pakistan and ranks eleventh in India by native speaker count.
In India, Punjabi serves as the official language of Punjab and has additional official status in Haryana and Delhi.
Answer: True
Explanation: Punjabi is the official language of the Indian state of Punjab and holds recognized official status in Haryana and Delhi.
Western Punjabi, also known as Lahnda, and Eastern Punjabi are the two main varieties of Modern Punjabi, with Majhi serving as the standard dialect.
Answer: True
Explanation: Modern Punjabi is broadly divided into Eastern and Western (Lahnda) varieties, with the Majhi dialect recognized as the standard form for both India and Pakistan.
Standard Punjabi used in Pakistan is closer to the Majhi dialect as spoken in Lahore, while the Indian standard tends to exclude many dialect-specific features.
Answer: True
Explanation: The standard Punjabi utilized in Pakistan aligns more closely with the Majhi dialect as it is spoken in Lahore, whereas the Indian standard often omits numerous dialectal characteristics.
In Pakistan, Punjabi holds official language status at the national level, alongside Urdu and English.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Pakistan, Punjabi, despite being the most spoken language, does not possess official national language status; Urdu and English hold this designation.
In India, Punjabi is recognized as a scheduled language and has official status in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi.
Answer: True
Explanation: Punjabi is recognized as a scheduled language in India and enjoys official status in Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi.
The historical context of Pakistan's creation involved choosing Punjabi as the primary national language to foster unity.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon Pakistan's creation, Urdu and English were designated as the national languages to foster unity, not Punjabi.
In India, the Three Language Formula mandates Punjabi as a compulsory language in schools, regardless of the state.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Three Language Formula in India allows for the study of Punjabi, but it is not mandated as compulsory in all states; its inclusion depends on regional context and student choice.
In Pakistan, Urdu and English hold official national status, while Punjabi, despite being the most spoken language, does not.
Answer: True
Explanation: In Pakistan, Urdu and English are the official national languages, whereas Punjabi, although the most widely spoken, lacks this official designation.
The concern of 'Urdu-isation' suggests that the dominance of Urdu in Pakistan may negatively impact the vitality of the Punjabi language.
Answer: True
Explanation: The concept of 'Urdu-isation' highlights concerns that the pervasive influence of Urdu in Pakistan's public spheres could potentially undermine the vitality and status of the Punjabi language.
Western Punjabi (Lahnda) is characterized by a simpler dialect structure compared to Eastern Punjabi.
Answer: False
Explanation: While dialectal variations exist, Western Punjabi (Lahnda) is often considered to have a more complex dialectal structure than Eastern Punjabi.
What is the primary region where Punjabi is spoken?
Answer: The Punjab region of Pakistan and India
Explanation: Punjabi is predominantly spoken in the Punjab region, which spans across both Pakistan and India.
How does Punjabi rank in terms of native speakers in India?
Answer: Eleventh most spoken language
Explanation: Punjabi ranks as the eleventh most spoken language in India based on the number of native speakers.
Which Indian state has Punjabi as its official language?
Answer: Punjab
Explanation: Punjabi is the official language of the Indian state of Punjab.
What is the name given to the Western variety of Modern Punjabi?
Answer: Lahnda
Explanation: The Western variety of Modern Punjabi is commonly referred to as Lahnda.
How does the standard Punjabi used in Pakistan compare to the Majhi dialect?
Answer: It is closer to the Majhi dialect as spoken in Lahore.
Explanation: The standard Punjabi utilized in Pakistan generally aligns more closely with the Majhi dialect as it is spoken in Lahore.
In Pakistan, what is the official status of Punjabi compared to Urdu and English?
Answer: Punjabi lacks official status at the national level.
Explanation: In Pakistan, Punjabi does not hold official national language status, unlike Urdu and English.
How is Punjabi integrated into the education system in India according to the Three Language Formula?
Answer: It can be a medium of instruction or a studied subject.
Explanation: Within India's Three Language Formula, Punjabi can be utilized either as a medium of instruction or as a subject of study in educational curricula.
What is the primary concern regarding the dominance of Urdu in Pakistan's media and education?
Answer: It is detrimental to the vitality of the Punjabi language.
Explanation: The dominance of Urdu in Pakistan's media and education raises concerns about its potentially detrimental effect on the vitality of the Punjabi language.
The Punjabi Language Movement primarily advocates for the use of Punjabi in computer software and operating systems.
Answer: False
Explanation: While digital support is a component, the Punjabi Language Movement broadly advocates for the recognition and promotion of Punjabi in education and public spheres, not solely in software.
Punjabi language support is available on major operating systems like Windows and Linux, and mobile platforms.
Answer: True
Explanation: Punjabi language support is indeed available across major operating systems and mobile platforms, facilitating its use in digital environments.
Punjabi University, established in 1962, focuses on the development and promotion of the Punjabi language, including technological advancements.
Answer: True
Explanation: Punjabi University is dedicated to the advancement and promotion of the Punjabi language, notably through its Research Centre for Punjabi Language Technology.
The Dhahan Prize is awarded to recognize literary works in Hindi, supporting writers using various scripts.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Dhahan Prize specifically recognizes literary works in the Punjabi language, supporting writers regardless of the script used (Gurmukhi or Shahmukhi).
Governmental bodies like the Punjabi Sahit Academy and non-governmental organizations like CIES are involved in promoting the Punjabi language.
Answer: True
Explanation: Organizations such as the Punjabi Sahit Academy and CIES play significant roles in promoting the Punjabi language through various initiatives.
What is the primary goal of the Punjabi Language Movement?
Answer: To promote the use of Punjabi in education and public spheres.
Explanation: The primary objective of the Punjabi Language Movement is to advocate for and promote the use of Punjabi within educational institutions and public life.
Which organization awards the Dhahan Prize for Punjabi literature?
Answer: Canada India Education Society (CIES)
Explanation: The Dhahan Prize for Punjabi literature is awarded by the Canada India Education Society (CIES).
What is the significance of Punjabi University's Research Centre for Punjabi Language Technology?
Answer: Developing core technologies and digitizing Punjabi materials.
Explanation: Punjabi University's Research Centre for Punjabi Language Technology focuses on developing essential technologies and digitizing Punjabi resources.