Urdu Language

Introduction

Language is extremely important in the development of any state or national culture. The acceptance of one single language as the national language helps bring about uniformity and a cultural identity by binding people together. A common language increases understanding and helps build a shared understanding of what a nation believes in. When the state of Pakistan was set up, its constitution stated that Urdu was the national language.

Why was Urdu chosen as the National Language in Pakistan in 1947?

Language of all Muslims for 300 years:

It has long been considered the language of the Muslims of the subcontinent, developed by combining many other languages. It became widely used in the Mughal period, but dates back as far as the era of the Sultans of Delhi. It is said that it first originated in North-West India when Persian, Turkish and Punjabi interacted with the local dialects of Delhi and the surrounding areas.

We also know that at the end of the thirteenth century, the Muslim armies were using a common language to help people from different areas and languages to understand each other. This language eventually went through many stages of developed to firm what we now call Urdu. It became widely spoken and understood in many different regions of the subcontinent.

Rich Literature:

Urdu language developed a rich literary background which helped to promote its use. Poetry has been significantly prevalent in Urdu for centuries. Amir Khusrou (1253-1325) occupies a prominent position in its early development. The language received a boost when Emperor Muhammad Shah and Bahadur Shah took an interest in promoting it, the latter being a great port himself.

Famous poets of this period are Mir, Sauda, Dard and Ghalib. Aligarh Muslim University became a centre for the study of Urdu and produced talented writers, like Hasrat Mohani, Majaz and Jazbi. In the early twentieth century, Allama Iqbal, Nazir Ahmad, Muhammad Hussain Azad, Maulana Altaf Hussain Hali and Allama Shibli greatly enriched Urdu prose and poetry, producing numerous literary masterpieces.

Link with Islam:

Due to the efforts of poets and writers, Urdu language has spread widely. Its link to the Islamic religion has also been very important, most notably with the translation of the Quran into Urdu by Shah Abdul Qadir. Many religious books have also been written in the language and this has helped develop unity among the Muslims.

Association with the Pakistani Movement throughout its struggle:

In the twentieth century, Urdu has played a major part in the struggle for independence. The Muslim League (formed in 1906) aimed not only to defend the rights of Muslims, but also to protect the Urdu language. The British made English the official language of the administration, but some of its educational institutions, such as the Fort William College, took an interest in the Urdu language and promoted it.

However, after 1857, the British began to seek the support of the Hindus in governing India and lost any interest in helping Urdu to develop. Urdu was the main language of the Muslim-dominated provinces in the north-west of the subcontinent, but, in 1867, some leading Hindus began campaigning to establish Hindi as the leading language.

Muslims saw this as an attack on their rights and strongly resisted Hindu demands. Sir Syed Ahmad Khan set up a society, Scientific Society in Ghazipore, to support Urdu and relations between the Hindus and Muslims suffered during the ‘Hindi-Urdu Controversy’.

Uniting Force behind the Nation:

Since Pakistan was a new country, it was very appropriate to pick a language which had played a part in unifying Muslims. Quaid-e-Azam was keen to promote Urdu language as he saw it as an important uniting force in the new country. He also said:

“…But let me make it very clear to you that the State Language of Pakistan is going to be Urdu and no other language. Anyone who tries to mislead you is really the enemy of Pakistan. Without one State language, no nation can remain tied up solidly together and function… Therefore, so far as the State Language is concerned, Pakistan’s language shall be Urdu.”

It was to be the link language for all the provinces to provide for the cultural and educational needs of the people and to forge unity of purpose among the various sections of society.

Promotion of the Urdu Language since 1947

• Urdu is the medium of instruction of many educational institutions in Pakistan. This develops interest in students towards their national language, as a lot of subjects are taught in Urdu. They frequently read, write and communicate in the language.

• Urdu is taught as a compulsory subject up to higher secondary school in both English and Urdu medium school systems. It is the compulsory subject to pass grade 10 and 12 in educational institutions. Therefore, the language is promoted as students get familiar with its literature and grammar.

• Urdu is taught up to MA, MPhil and PhD in different institutions, such as the Punjab University. Thus, scholars research the language and explore different aspects of its poetry and prose, modernizing it.

• Urdu is the official language of courts, along with English. Thus, it is promoted in its frequent judicial proceedings; judges in their judgments and lawyers in their arguments.

• Mushairas (Poetry Recitation Sessions) are frequently held in Pakistan where poets recite poetry in front of the public, who appreciate it. This encourages them to write more in Urdu language and they are often given awards for their works.

• A dictionary of office terms in Urdu has been published and steps have been taken to move away from English as the language of administration.

• Urdu is the medium for radio and television programmes.

• Urdu novels, poetry, magazines and newspapers are widely used.