In Gurbani, some nouns that normally do not end with a kanna (ਾ) may appear with one for poetic, rhyming, or meter reasons. The pronunciation of such nouns, particularly whether they should be pronounced with or without a nasal sound, follows specific rules. It requires an understanding of Sambandhak. so, let’s define it first.

ਸੰਬੰਧਕ (Sambandhak): In Gurbani grammar, Sambandhak refers to words that express the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence, typically verbs or other nouns. These words are used to indicate possession, association, direction, location, or other relational meanings. While they function similarly to prepositions in English, they are technically postpositions in Punjabi, as they typically come after the noun they relate to.

Examples include words like: ਦਾ, ਦੇ, ਦੀ, ਕਾ, ਕੇ, ਕੀ, ਨੂੰ, ਨੇ, ਨਾਲ, ਪਾਸ, ਤੋਂ, ਬਾਹਰ, ਅੰਦਰ, ਨੇੜੇ, ਦੂਰ, ਉਤੇ, ਹੇਠਾਂ etc

1. Non-Nasal Pronunciation for Poetic Kanna-Endings

Sometimes, plural nouns appear with a kanna (ਾ) at the end purely for poetic, rhyming, or meter purposes. In such cases, they should be pronounced without a nasal sound.

Example:

• The word ਕੋਸ means a measure of distance (like miles or kilometers).
• Here, it appears as ਕੋਸਾ, but this is due to poetic structure.
• Correct pronunciation: Without a nasal sound.
• Reason:  There is no sambandhak after ਕੋਸਾ that would cause nasalization. 

2. Nasal Pronunciation When Followed by a Sambandhak

If a plural noun (which usually does not end in a kanna) gains a poetic kanna and is followed by a Sambandhak (e.g., ਦਾ, ਦੀ, ਦਾ, ਨੂੰ, ਕਾ, ਕੀ), it must be pronounced with a nasal sound.

Example:

• The word ਲੋਕ (people) appears as ਲੋਕਾ due to poetic reasons.
• Since it is followed by ਦਾ, it should be pronounced with a nasal sound (ਲੋਕਾਂ).

Counter-Example (No Nasal Sound):

• The word ਰੋਗ (disease) being a plural noun appears as ਰੋਗਾ.
• Since there is no Sambandhak following it, it should be pronounced without nasalization (ਰੋਗਾ, not ਰੋਗਾਂ).

3. Hidden Sambandhak Also Cause Nasal Pronunciation

Even when a Sambandhak is Gupt, i.e. it is not explicitly written, if it is understood in meaning, the noun should still be pronounced with a nasal sound.

Example:

• The word ਸੰਤ being a plural noun appears as ਸੰਤਾ.
• Though no Sambandhak is visible, “di” or “ki” is understood, meaning “ਸੰਤਾ ਦੀ ਸੰਗਤਿ” (company of saints).
• Correct pronunciation: With a nasal sound (ਸੰਤਾ → ਸੰਤਾਂ).

Counter-Example (No Nasal Sound):

• The word ਸੰਤ appears as ਸੰਤਾ but does not have sambandhak.
• Correct pronunciation: Without a nasal sound (ਸੰਤਾ, not ਸੰਤਾਂ).

4. More Examples for Clarity

Words That Should Be Pronounced With a Nasal Sound

• The word ਦੂਤ (messenger) appears as ਦੂਤਾ.
• “ਦੇ” or “ਕੇ” (of) is understood
• Correct pronunciation: With a nasal sound (ਦੂਤਾਂ).

• The word ਨਾਥ (master) appears as ਨਾਥਾ.
• “ਦੇ” or “ਕੇ” (of) is understood, meaning “of the masters.”
• Correct pronunciation: With a nasal sound (ਨਾਥਾਂ).

Words That Should Be Pronounced Without a Nasal Sound

• The word ਕੋਸ (distances) appears as ਕੋਸਾ.
• No Sambandhak follows it.
• Correct pronunciation: Without a nasal sound (ਕੋਸਾ, not ਕੋਸਾਂ).

Final Note: This rule applies only to nouns that do not usually end in a kanna but have one for poetic or rhyming reasons.