NZQA Approved · Level 3 · 60 credits

Certificate in Panjabi Language (Level 3)

NZQA-approved Level 3 Panjabi qualification (60 credits, CEFR A2) developing reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Aim

The purpose of this programme is to enable learners to communicate effectively in Panjabi in familiar and routine situations, using language appropriate to everyday social and cultural contexts. The programme develops learners’ ability to understand and use a range of everyday expressions, sentences, and short texts related to areas of immediate relevance such as personal information, daily activities, and community interactions.

Learners will build competence across the four core language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing through structured learning and practical communicative tasks.

In addition to linguistic development, the programme fosters cultural understanding and awareness of Panjabi traditions, values, and social norms, supporting learners to engage appropriately in community, social, and cultural interactions.

By the end of the programme, learners will have developed the confidence and practical language skills to communicate effectively in everyday Panjabi contexts and to continue progressing to higher-level Panjabi language study or apply their Panjabi language skills for personal, community, or workplace purposes.


Content

Effective Communication in Routine Social Interactions

Essential Panjabi speaking and listening skills needed to confidently initiate and respond to short, routine social interactions. Learners will develop the ability to use a range of expressions and phrases appropriately in various contexts, ensuring effective communication in everyday social settings. Through interactive activities and applied practice, learners will refine their ability to engage in meaningful exchanges while demonstrating cultural awareness, verbal fluency, and active listening skills.

Comprehending Main Ideas and Details in Routine Texts

Foundational reading skills in Panjabi. Students will learn to read and comprehend short, simple written texts on familiar and routine topics using high-frequency vocabulary and basic grammatical structures. Through guided reading practice and exposure to a variety of everyday materials, learners will strengthen their ability to identify main ideas, locate specific information, and interpret meaning using contextual and visual clues.

Writing Clear and Coherent Sentences on Familiar Topics

Basic writing skills in Panjabi. Students will develop the ability to construct connected sentences on familiar topics using basic vocabulary, simple grammar, and essential cohesive devices. Through engaging activities and guided practice, learners will enhance their ability to communicate ideas clearly and coherently while building confidence in expressing themselves in written Panjabi.


Outcome

Upon successful completion, graduates will have achieved the following Programme Outcomes:

Programme Outcome 1

Use a range of expressions, phrases, and connected sentences to initiate, respond to, and sustain short routine social interactions in Panjabi, demonstrating culturally appropriate communication.

Graduates will be able to:

  1. Use common expressions and vocabulary to begin, participate in, and conclude short conversations in Panjabi in familiar settings.
  2. Adapt spoken language to suit different social contexts by selecting appropriate vocabulary, register, tone, and forms of address.
  3. Respond clearly and appropriately in routine spoken interactions, incorporating expressions that reflect Panjabi cultural expectations for courtesy, respect, and familiarity.
  4. Interpret and understand spoken Panjabi in everyday social exchanges, recognising key ideas, intent, tone, formality, and familiar emotional cues.
  5. Demonstrate comprehension of brief spoken conversations by identifying key details about people, places, activities, and routine events.

Programme Outcome 2

Read and understand the main points and specific details in short written Panjabi texts on familiar, everyday topics.

Graduates will be able to:

  1. Identify general meaning and key ideas in short written texts related to routine personal, social, or community contexts.
  2. Locate and interpret specific information in texts such as messages, descriptions, notices, and short dialogues.
  3. Demonstrate understanding of meaning in simple texts by using familiar vocabulary, context clues, layout, and images to support comprehension.

Programme Outcome 3

Write connected sentences in Panjabi on familiar topics, using simple structures and appropriate sequencing to communicate ideas clearly.

Graduates will be able to:

  1. Write short paragraphs of connected sentences to describe personal experiences, routines, events, or familiar topics using appropriate time markers and sequencing terms.
  2. Use simple sentence structures and linking words to organise ideas logically within a brief paragraph.
  3. Communicate a clear main idea on a familiar topic and support it with relevant details written in connected, coherent sentences.

Entry criteria

This programme is open to domestic students aged 13 years or older.

Learners must have basic knowledge of the Gurmukhi script and be able to recognise all the consonants and vowels.

No other prior knowledge of Panjabi is required.

Schedule

October intake. The current intake starts 10 October 2026 and is taught face to face. Contact ISSNZ admin to confirm the current programme fee.

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