One of my students shared with me that her Nani absolutely loves her practicing her Punjabi, especially her new phrase "eda ki matlab hai?"
I always teach my students some useful phrases to help them stay in Punjabi even if they are feeling a bit stuck.
Phases like
"holi bolo please" - speak slowly
"dubara keh do please" - say it again
"eda ki matlab hai" - what does this mean
This helps keep the conversation in Punjabi.
These phrases act like a brigde. Instead of switching back to English, children and adults learn how to keep the conversation in Punjabi.
Personally my favourite one that I use on a daily basis with my kids is:
"mainu samaj nahi aai, Punjabi bolo please"
I didn't understand, please speak Punjabi
I love it so much because it shows them the boundary we hold at home.
Home = speak Punjabi
Outside the home = speak English
At the end of the day, if I don't make the conscious effort, who will?
PS. What's your favourite Punjabi phrase? Hit reply and let me know.
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