Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about learning to read Punjabi with Desipora, in either Gurmukhi or Shahmukhi. For how the lessons and revision actually work, the How the course works page goes into detail.
What is Desipora?
Desipora is a self-paced online course for heritage speakers that teaches you to read your desi language. Currently we offer Punjabi, in both Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi.
Who is the course for?
It is built for heritage speakers who have a grasp of the basics. It is not designed for non-native speakers. If your aim is to learn the language as an absolute beginner, this could be the first step. It will help you with the sounds and make resources a bit more accessible which is a good base. However, there are probably better ways to do that and also come away from your first couple of weeks studying knowing more than a handful of random example words from this course.
What is the difference between the Punjabi scripts? Which should I learn?
They are two different scripts for Punjabi. Gurmukhi is used in Indian Punjab. Shahmukhi is the Perso-Arabic script used in Pakistani Punjab. There is no crossover between the scripts, most just learn the one their family speaks
How much does it cost, and is there a subscription?
Each script is $20 AUD but we offer 50% off your second course if you buy two at once. There is no subscription and your access is valid indefinitely.
Is there a free trial?
Absolutely! You can start any of the scripts straight away without an account, no email and no credit card. We typically offer the first 25% of each course for free. When you want to keep your progress, add an email and a password and everything you have already done comes with you. The only things we hold are your email and your progress through the course, never any payment details.
How long does it take to learn to read Punjabi?
We recommend studying 3 times a week for 15-20 minutes each time. At that pace, it will be about 4-6 weeks. You might be able to do it faster, or maybe you want to spend more time with the activities, times will vary. You may be thinking, 6 hours, I could do that in a day! Yes, you could probably speed through the entire course fairly quickly. However, the reason we do not advertise it as a weekend or even as a week course to learn to read in a day is that your memory is strengthened through revisiting information. If you have 6 weeks of revisiting, practising and double checking your reading, it will solidify as a skill you can access over time. If you do it in 6 hours, you will not retain much at all over the next week.
Does it teach speaking, grammar or conversation?
No. It is a reading course. It will not make you fluent or teach you to hold a conversation.
What devices does it work on?
It runs in any modern web browser on a phone, tablet or computer. There is nothing to download or install.
Can I learn both scripts?
Yes. You can take both Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi, we give a 50% discount on your second script.
Is it suitable for children?
The course is doable for a child. It is based on revisiting content, so there is not anything intellectually difficult, but it may take more time. We would recommend around 10 or 12 is when the difficulty curve tapers off for a child and the course becomes more accessible. A strong reader could likely do it whilst enjoying the challenge from around the age of 8.
How do I get started?
Pick your script on the home page and start the first set, there is nothing to sign up for. Add an email whenever you want to save your progress, and decide whether to buy the rest of the course after working through the free sets.