Language/Urdu/Culture/History-and-Origins-of-Urdu-Language
As a Urdu language teacher, I am often asked about the origins and evolution of the Urdu language, and its cultural significance. In this lesson, you will learn about the history and origins of Urdu language, and how it became one of the most widely spoken languages in South Asia.
History of Urdu Language
Urdu is one of the 22 official languages of India and is also recognized as the national language of Pakistan. The language has over 100 million speakers worldwide and is spoken primarily in South Asia. Urdu is a member of the Indo-Aryan family of languages, which also includes Hindi, Punjabi, and Bengali.
Urdu developed during the 12th century in the region that is now known as Uttar Pradesh, India. It evolved from the medieval language Apabhramsa, which is a hybrid of Sanskrit and Prakrit. Urdu has also been influenced by Arabic and Persian languages. Urdu became more standardized in the 17th century through the writings of poet Mirza Ghalib, who is considered to be one of the greatest poets in the Urdu language.
Historically, Urdu was used as a language of literature, especially poetry. During the Mughal Empire, Urdu was the official language of the court and was used for all official purposes. After the fall of the Mughal Empire, Urdu continued to be spoken and written in various parts of South Asia.
In the 19th century, Urdu became associated with the Muslim community in India, and it played an important role in the Indian Independence Movement. When India gained independence in 1947, Urdu became the official language of Pakistan. Today, Urdu is the 3rd most spoken language in the United Kingdom, and is also spoken in North America, the Middle East, and other parts of the world.
Origins of Urdu Language
Urdu developed from the medieval language Apabhramsa, which is a hybrid of Sanskrit and Prakrit. The language evolved during the 12th century in the region that is now known as Uttar Pradesh, India. Urdu has been influenced by other languages, most notably Arabic and Persian.
During the Delhi Sultanate, Persian became the court language, and it continued to be used during the Mughal Empire, which lasted from 1526-1858. Persian was used for all official purposes, and it became the language of the aristocracy and the educated class. Urdu developed as a language of the common people in Northern India, and it became a mixture of Persian and the local dialects.
Urdu was heavily influenced by Persian, which had a significant impact on the vocabulary and grammar of the language. Persian words were incorporated into Urdu, and many Arabic words were also added. Urdu also borrowed words from other Indian languages, especially Hindi.
During the British colonial period, Urdu became more standardized through the efforts of the British Indian government. The language was taught in schools and universities, and it was used as the official language of the court and the government. Urdu newspapers and literary works also became more widespread during this period.
Cultural Significance of Urdu Language
Urdu has played an important role in the cultural heritage of India and Pakistan. Urdu poetry is known for its beauty and elegance, and it has had a significant impact on literature and culture in South Asia. Urdu literature includes works by some of the most renowned poets and writers, such as Mirza Ghalib, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and Allama Iqbal.
Urdu is also an important language for Muslims, as it serves as a means of communication between Muslims of different linguistic backgrounds. Urdu has also played an important role in the Indian Independence Movement and the creation of Pakistan, as it became associated with the Muslim community in India.
Today, Urdu continues to be a vibrant and thriving language, with millions of speakers around the world. It is widely used in literature, poetry, music, and film. Urdu has also played an important role in shaping the culture and identity of South Asia.
Examples
Here are some commonly used Urdu words and phrases:
| Urdu | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| سلام | salaam | Hello/greetings |
| شکریہ | shuk-ree-yah | Thank you |
| خدا حافظ | khuda hafiz | Goodbye |
| مطلب | ma-talib | Meaning |
Sources
- Urdu - Wikipedia
- Urdu language | History, Origin, Script, Words, & Facts | Britannica
- The History of the Urdu Language. | Library of Congress
- Urdu Language – history and development
Videos
Judaism & Jewish History in Urdu - YouTube
Contributors
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