Gurbani contains words from Arabic, Persian, Punjabi, Hindi, and many other languages from the Eastern Hemisphere.
Sri Jap Ji Sahib, the first bani in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the first bani we recite daily is a prime example of Guru
Sahib using different languages which were familiar with the people of that time. According to Professor Sahib Singh, one
of the purposes of Gurbani Grammar is to cater to the different dialects in Gurbani.
Also, Gurbani is not in Punjabi language as commonly believed . Gurbai is in Gurmukhi, and Gurmukhi( GUrmat langauge) is distinct from Punjabi language or any other language contained in Gurbani. There are many words in Punjabi which have different meanings in GUrbani. For example, the Punjabi word "veechar" commonly means to contemplate,but in Gurmat the word veechar often means Abhyiias. Another word is "jhoot" in Punjabi culture the word Jhoota often refers to the leftover food of a person, but in Gurmukhi the word "jhoot" refers to food prepared by someone outside of Sikhi.
The only way we can understand Gurus language is by practicing what Guru Sahib teaches.
Many of the words in Gurmat language ( gurmukhi) are encrypted . Gurbani is an enigma and understanding its meanings brings us closer to true enlightenment. This is why Guru Sahib advises we keep company of learned Gurmukhs ( bibekee SInghs) and learn the meanings of Gurbani
from learned Gurmukhs who practice the Gurus teachings. Personally I like to learn from BHai Gurdas Ji, and Bhai Nand Lal Jis writings or any
other Gurmukhs who have and serve in the GUrus house.
I have seen many Kathvachiks explain meanings of Gurbani by breaking up the root words of Gurbani. For example, they say the word prem comes from the root words par ( above) and meh ( me). Meaning to go above the ego. WHile
this is a nice meaning; however, this method of learning Gurbani is a modern method which is borrowed from the Greeks. The proper way to learn
Gurus langauge is through keeping sangat of law abiding Gursikhs. There very presence is a divine library of Gurmat Knowledge.
ਸਤਸੰਗਤਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਚਟਸਾਲ ਹੈ ਜਿਤੁ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਣ ਸਿਖਾ ॥
Waaheguru.....