Urdu
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| Urdu | |
|---|---|
| Region | South Asia |
| Speakers | 230 million[1] |
| Writing System | Urdu alphabet (a Perso-Arabic script) |
Urdu (Urdu:اُردُو, pronounced ʊrd̪uː) is an Indo-Aryan language spoken primarily in South Asia. It is the national language and one of the two official languages of Pakistan, and it is also an officially recognized language in several states of India.[2]
History
Urdu developed during the Delhi Sultanate (13th–16th centuries) and the Mughal Empire (16th–18th centuries) as a lingua franca for the diverse populations of the Indian subcontinent. It evolved from Khariboli and was heavily influenced by Persian, Arabic, and Turkish. The word "Urdu" itself is derived from the Turkish word ordu (camp or army), reflecting its origins in the Mughal military camps.[3]
Urdu gained literary prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries through poets like Mir Taqi Mir, Mirza Ghalib, and Allama Iqbal. It became a symbol of cultural identity and resistance during British colonial rule.[4]
Writing System
Urdu is written in the Urdu alphabet, a modified version of the Perso-Arabic script. It is written from right to left and features a rich system of diacritics to represent vowel sounds. The script is considered highly calligraphic, particularly in the Nastaʿlīq script.[5]
Grammar and Vocabulary
Urdu grammar follows the SOV word order typical of Indo-Aryan languages. Its vocabulary is a blend of Persian, Arabic, and Turkish influences along with Hindi and Sanskrit roots shared with its sister language, Hindi.[6] While Urdu and Hindi are mutually intelligible in spoken form, they differ significantly in script and vocabulary, with Hindi drawing more from Sanskrit and Urdu from Persian and Arabic.
Geographic Distribution
Urdu is spoken by approximately 230 million people worldwide as a first or second language. It is predominantly spoken in Pakistan, where it serves as the national language and a key medium of communication. In India, it is an official language in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Telangana. Significant Urdu-speaking communities also exist in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and the Middle East.[1]
Literature
Urdu boasts a rich literary tradition, encompassing poetry, novels, short stories, and drama. Poetry genres like Ghazal and Nazm have been popularized by poets such as Mir Taqi Mir, Mirza Ghalib, and Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Notable authors of prose include Saadat Hasan Manto and Ismat Chughtai.[7]
Cultural Significance
Urdu is often associated with cultural refinement and elegance. It plays a central role in South Asian music, particularly in Qawwali (a devotional musical tradition) and Bollywood, where Urdu poetry and dialogue are frequently used.[8]
Modern Usage
Urdu continues to thrive in modern media, literature, and academia. It is taught in schools, universities, and cultural centers worldwide. The digital age has also facilitated the development of Unicode-compliant keyboards and software for Urdu typing.[9]
References
External Links
Ethnologue: Urdu Language Encyclopaedia Britannica: Urdu Language Omniglot: Urdu Writing System