Jhangvi Dialect

Jhangvi Dialect

Jhangvi ('جھنگوی), Jhangochi (جھنگوچی) or Rachnavi(رچناوی) is the oldest and most conservative dialect of the Punjabi language spoken in Pakistani Punjab. . Its name is derived from Jhang. It is called Jangli in Sahiwal. Chenavri, Western Punjabi and Changvi are alternate names of this dialect. It is spoken throughout a widespread area, starting from Khanewal and Jhang at both ends of Ravi and Chenab to Gujranwala district. It then runs down to Bahawalnagar and Chishtian areas, on the banks of river Sutlej. This entire area has almost the same traditions, customs and culture. The Jhangochi dialect of Punjabi has several aspects that set it apart from other Punjabi variants. This area has a great culture and heritage, especially literary heritage, as it is credited with the creation of the famous epic romance stories of Heer Ranjha and Mirza Sahiba. It is spoken in the Bar areas of Punjab, i.e., areas whose names are often suffixed with 'Bar', for example Sandal Bar, Kirana Bar, Neeli Bar, Ganji Bar and also from Khanewal to Jhang includes Faisalabad and Chiniot. It also include Mandi Bahauddin, Chakwal, Hafizabad Jangal Bar tract of Faisalabad District, Okara, pakpattan and all regions encompassing the former Montgomery District The Sandal Bar (Urdu: ساندل بار‎) is a region between the rivers Chenab and Ravi in Punjab, Pakistan. It is located in the Rechna Doab. It spreads over almost 80 km in width (west to east) and 40 km in length (north to south). "Bar", in the local language, means a forested area where there are no resources for cultivation, like water. This Bar is named after Saandal, thought to be the grandfather of the legendary Punjabi hero, Dulla Bhatti. Almost all the area of this bar used to be part Jhang District, but nowadays it is divided between the districts of Faisalabad, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh.

Sandal Bar was actually a vast area with number of Punjabi tribes sharing same culture and language, attached in blood relations. Nowadays Sandal Bar not only consists of Jhang, Faisalabad, Toba Take Singh, Pir Mahal but Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Hafizabad districts and some areas of Sheikhupura.