Community leaders eye mainstreaming of Punjabi language

Community leaders are calling for more work to be done to mainstream the Punjabi language in New Zealand's education sector.

This call comes as the country celebrates its fifth Punjabi Language Week, with 2023 Census data showing Punjabi as the fastest-growing language.

Data from the 2023 Census showed that the number of individuals who spoke Punjabi, used in parts of India and Pakistan, rose 45.1 percent between 2018 and 2023, with 49,656 speakers residing in New Zealand.

"We've been in the country since 1889 and have always tried our best to keep our language alive," says Parminder Singh, manager of Radio Spice, a Punjabi radio station.

Singh said the concept of a language week began in 2019, inspired by Māori Language Week and other language celebrations in New Zealand.

"The Ministry of Education welcomed our idea and accepted our request," he said. "This is our fifth year celebrating the language."

Singh highlighted the events the community had organized nationwide to celebrate the occasion.

"The Indian High Commission in Wellington was kind enough to host our main celebration on 3 November," he said, noting that the final event would be held on 17 November in Hastings.

Singh attributed the recent growth of the language to an increase in migrant arrivals and international students.

However, he said more effort was needed to promote the language in schools.

"We don't have many resources in schools for the Punjabi language at this stage. But we are fortunate to have some Punjabi staff in schools in South and East Auckland and the Waikato region," he said.

"If we have more staff and children who speak the language, we could then work with schools to add resources, but we're not there yet."

Singh said the community was advocating for more government funding to support its language week.

Navtej Randhawa, a fourth-generation Indian New Zealander from Punjab, believed more opportunities should exist for the wider community to learn Punjabi.

"To me, the most important aspect is to actually include Punjabi as a language option in mainstream education," he said. "It's a more inclusive approach."

Randhawa, who was a National Party candidate for Panmure-Ōtāhuhu, called for Punjabi to be available in schools.

"Having Punjabi in schools as an option means kids from other communities can also choose to learn the language," he said.

Randhawa said schools needed to have enough resources to support children from diverse backgrounds.

"For me, it's a personal aspiration to ensure resources are allocated within schools with large Punjabi-speaking populations, so students have access to funded teachers and cultural support," he said. "It's essential for preserving their heritage."

Randhawa wanted to create platforms for children to express their culture and arts.

"I knew the number of Punjabi speakers was on the rise, but I never imagined it would be the fastest-growing language in the country," he said, reflecting on the Census data.

He said early migrants were thrilled by this recognition.

"They've worked hard to preserve the language, and they're hopeful the next generation will have ample opportunities to connect with their rich heritage," he said.

Looking to the future, Randhawa foresaw a localized evolution of Punjabi in New Zealand.

"The Punjabi language in New Zealand needs to develop its own identity, reflecting the unique experiences of Kiwi life," he said.

"I'd like to see more local references, so our kids can relate to it."

Singh encouraged the Punjabi community to embrace its roots while celebrating language week.

"You should be proud of who you are," he said.

"If you've heard about the language, it's a good opportunity to also learn about the people and the multiculturalism in this beautiful country called Aotearoa."