EXPRESSIONS OF BELONGING: EXAMINING THE CONTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE, MUSIC, AND ART TO PUNJABI IDENTITY IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The research delves into the core of Punjabi culture and the significant influence of creative works by conducting in-depth interviews with thirty native Punjabi speakers. The seminal works of phenomenologist Max Van Manen (2007) and linguistic human rights activist Tove Skutnabb-Kangas (2000) were utilized as theoretical framework. Their research provided useful frameworks for understanding the complex interplay between Punjabi, Pakistani culture, and individual expression. The research illustrates the deep emotional ties people have with Punjabi cultural heritage via qualitative analysis. Careful analysis of these feelings become a strong sense of community and unfaltering pride in one's Punjabi heritage is provided. This study explored the origins of the emotions evoked by many forms of artistic expression. The culturally diverse nation of Pakistan thrives on the verdant plains irrigated by the Indus River. The ever-present artistic, musical, and literary manifestations of Punjabi culture were the subject of this investigations such as the lyrical Punjabi music, the mesmerizing brushstrokes splattered over canvases, and the enduring epic of "Heer Ranjha," which reverberates with stories of love and sacrifice. The results highlighted the need of maintaining and honoring the Punjabi language and all of its cultural manifestations.  In a society that is increasingly trying to be one size fits all, this study showed how important it is to recognize and support different languages, especially when facing the danger of being left out.  We must continue to celebrate and preserve the Punjabi language and culture, as the results highlight the significance of acknowledging and promoting linguistic variety, especially in the face of linguistic marginalization.