Kwantlen expands Punjabi language course offerings

August 20th, 2006 by admin

Kwantlen University College is responding to student and community demand by increasing access to its popular Punjabi language courses. In September, the university will offer both introductory and intermediate Punjabi language courses and will offer Punjabi classes at the Richmond campus for the first time.

The Faculty of Arts launched the first two introductory Punjabi language classes in September 2005 at the Surrey campus. Demand was immediate and an extra section was added before the semester started. In addition, feedback after the semester was equally as enthusiastic.

“Those who took the introductory course wanted to know when higher-level classes would be available,” said Punjabi language instructor Ranbir Johal.

Additional sections added in the spring and summer 2006 semesters also proved popular, leading to the expanded Punjabi language offerings this fall. In September, Kwantlen will offer introductory classes (PUNJ 1100) at both Surrey and Richmond campuses, as well as an introductory follow-up (PUNJ 1101) and intermediate (PUNJ 2200) courses at the Surrey Campus. An intermediate follow-up (PUNJ 2201) starts in January.

Kwantlen developed the courses, in cooperation with UBC instructor Sadhu Binning in response to a request from the Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) for access to university-level Punjabi language courses in the South Fraser region. In light of the success of other South Asian Studies courses developed at Kwantlen and in recognition of Surrey’s Punjabi-speaking community, Kwantlen felt Punjabi language courses were an appropriate next step in its ongoing efforts to offer diverse programming that reflects the interests and experiences of its communities.

While the courses have proved very popular with students from Punjabi backgrounds, who may speak the language but not read or write it, they are also appealing to members of the community at large.

“They [non-Punjabi students] feel it will help them either in their current or future professions, such as in policing or nursing,” says Johal. “It is interesting to note that although some non-Punjabi students were apprehensive about taking a class filled with native Punjabi speakers, the majority of these non-Punjabi students achieved an A or A- in the course.”

The Punjabi language courses, taught by Johal and Binning, run for 14 weeks and are offered in several formats to accommodate students’ schedules. All courses include an additional one-hour conversation lab.

“The expanded Punjabi language offerings will enhance the options for students who plan to pursue an Associate of Arts Asian Studies degree, which will launch in January,” says Bea Pires, Acting Dean of Humanities. “Students with an interest in Punjabi language and culture may also be interested in Kwantlen’s course on the Religions of India, the Sikh Diaspora, and a new Anthropology course in development on Sikh religion, society and culture.”

For more information on Kwantlen’s Punjabi classes and other Modern Languages and Faculty of Arts: Humanities degrees and programs, visit: kwantlen.ca/humanities/

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