Kwantlen‘s Punjabi language course in high demand

Kwantlen‘s new students are drawn from both the Punjabi community and the general population. Students attend three hours of classes with the instructor, Ranbir Johal, on either Thursday evening or Saturday morning. They also have one hour of Punjabi conversation with the conversationalist, Akinder Bains.

“Punjabi 1100 has certainly proven to be a popular course,“ said Ranbir Johal. “Both sections are boasting 100 percent enrollment and we are still receiving emails and phone calls from individuals interested in taking the course.“

Many students of differing backgrounds are enrolled in Punjabi 1100. Some are not familiar with the language at all, others speak Punjabi but do not know how to read and write it, still others are familiar with the alphabet but wish to improve their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar.

Many students who enter the classroom with prior knowledge of the alphabet realize that they have been mispronouncing many sounds for years. Some students, who may have found that their pronunciation is weak, can finally distinguish between all the different sounds in Punjabi, both when listening to others speak, as well as when speaking the language themselves.

Punjabi courses appeal to a wider audience than just native speakers of Punjabi. For example, the top student in the introductory Punjabi course at UBC last year was a Chinese-Canadian. “I always try to encourage students by providing myself as an example,“ said Ranbir Johal.

“I grew up speaking Punjabi but did not know how to read or write it until I took my first Punjabi course. I was surrounded by many students who could already read or write, whereas I was struggling with just the memorization and especially the pronunciation of all the different consonant sounds. However, I worked hard and enjoyed success,“ she said.

“After completing my MA in Asian Studies I received a one year Shastri Indo Canadian Language Training Fellowship, which allowed me to study and do research at Punjabi University in Patiala, India.”

Due to the tremendous interest shown in our new Punjabi course, Kwantlen University College will offer two additional Introductory Punjabi classes starting in January 2006, as well as Punjabi 1101, a follow-up course to this fall‘s offerings.

This spring, new students can register in PUNJ 1100, which will be offered on Monday afternoon from 4 to 7 pm, with a one hour conversation class on Wednesday afternoon in the same time block, or on Saturday morning from 9 to 12 pm with a one hour conversation class on Saturday afternoon or Thursday evening.

The admission requirement for the introductory course is Grade 12 graduation or enrollment in the Grade 12 Enhancement Program, which allows high school students to take college courses concurrently. (Contact your high school counselor/career advisor.) Please note that students with Punjabi 12 are not permitted to register in the introductory courses (PUNJ 1100 and 1101).

Please note that Kwantlen University College has year round admission. The application period for each semester begins 10 months prior to the start of the semester. Students are strongly encouraged to apply early as the registration date for new students is based on the application date. Mature students (age 19 and older) do not need to be high school graduates to be admitted. They need, however, a grade of C or higher in English 12 or to pass an English placement test.

Kwantlen University College‘s mission is to create an exceptional undergraduate university environment committed to preparing learners for leadership, service and success. Kwantlen became a university college with degree granting status in 1995; and has a mandate to develop and offer baccalaureate degrees that will prepare students for well paid, fulfilling careers.

For more info, visit www.kwantlen.ca/apply/