* Evolution, not birth: Languages evolve over time, borrowing from others and developing their own unique features. Punjabi emerged from the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European family, sharing roots with other languages like Hindi, Sanskrit, and Urdu.
* Regional differences: "Punjabi" is not a single, monolithic language. It has various dialects with distinct features. Some scholars argue that these dialects are actually separate languages, making it hard to define a unified starting point.
* Historical evidence: While ancient scripts and inscriptions provide clues, pinpointing the precise moment Punjabi "began" is difficult.
Here's what we *do* know:
* Early roots: Evidence suggests that proto-Punjabi emerged around the 10th century CE. This was a period of linguistic and cultural interaction in the Punjab region.
* Gurmukhi script: The Gurmukhi script, developed in the 16th century by Guru Angad Dev, standardized the writing of Punjabi and helped solidify its identity.
* Modern Punjabi: The Punjabi language we know today evolved over centuries, influenced by Persian, Arabic, and other languages. It's still a dynamic, evolving language.
Instead of trying to assign an age, it's more accurate to think of Punjabi as a language with a rich history and ongoing evolution.