'''Urdu''' ({{lang-ur|______}}) is an [[Indo-Aryan languages|Indo-Aryan language]] spoken chiefly in [[Pakistan]] and [[India]]. It is the official national language and [[lingua franca]] of Pakistan. In India, it is one of the 22 scheduled languages and is an official language in the states of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Telangana]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Bihar]], [[Jharkhand]], and [[West Bengal]].
Urdu is historically associated with the [[Muslim]] community of the Indian subcontinent. It is written in the [[Urdu alphabet]], an extension of the [[Persian alphabet]], which is itself an extension of the [[Arabic alphabet]].
== History ==
The name "Urdu" is derived from the [[Turkish language|Turkish]] word ''ordu'' (army) or ''orda'', reflecting its origins as a "camp language" or "language of the army".
== Phonology ==
Urdu has a rich phonological system with a variety of consonants and vowels. It includes several sounds that are not found in English, such as the retroflex stops and nasals. The language also features a distinction between aspirated and unaspirated consonants.
== Grammar ==
Urdu grammar is similar to that of [[Hindi]], with which it shares a common base. It is an [[SOV]] (subject-object-verb) language and uses postpositions rather than prepositions. Nouns have genders, and verbs are conjugated according to tense, aspect, and mood.
== Vocabulary ==
Urdu vocabulary is heavily influenced by [[Persian language|Persian]] and [[Arabic]], with many loanwords from these languages. It also includes words from [[Turkish language|Turkish]] and [[Sanskrit]]. Modern Urdu continues to borrow from [[English language|English]], especially in technical and scientific contexts.
== Writing System ==
Urdu is written in the [[Urdu alphabet]], which is a [[right-to-left]] script derived from the [[Persian alphabet]]. It consists of 38 letters and is written in a [[Nasta_l_q script|Nasta_l_q]] style, which is distinct from the [[Naskh script]] used for [[Arabic]].
== Literature ==
Urdu has a rich literary tradition, with notable works in poetry and prose. [[Ghazal]] and [[Nazm]] are popular poetic forms, and the language has produced many renowned poets such as [[Mirza Ghalib]], [[Allama Iqbal]], and [[Faiz Ahmed Faiz]].
== Related Pages ==
* [[Hindi]]
* [[Indo-Aryan languages]]
* [[Pakistan]]
* [[India]]
* [[Persian language]]
== References ==
* Rahman, Tariq. ''Language and Politics in Pakistan''. Oxford University Press, 1996.
* Schmidt, Ruth Laila. ''Urdu: An Essential Grammar''. Routledge, 1999.
== Gallery ==
<gallery>
Urdu_example.svg|Example of Urdu script
Ganga-Yamuna_Doab.png|Map of the Ganga-Yamuna Doab region
Nuskaha-e-Hamidiyya.jpg|A page from Nuskaha-e-Hamidiyya
Geographical_distribution_of_Urdu_in_India_and_Pakistan.png|Geographical distribution of Urdu
Urdu-speakers_by_Pakistani_District_-_2017_Census.svg|Urdu speakers by district in Pakistan
UAE_signboard.jpg|Signboard in the UAE with Urdu
New_Delhi_railway_station_board.jpg|New Delhi railway station sign
Trilingual_road_sign_in_India.png|Trilingual road sign in India
Zaban_urdu_mualla.png|Calligraphy of "Zaban Urdu Mualla"
Lashkari_Zaban_calligraphy.png|Calligraphy of "Lashkari Zaban"
Urdu-alphabet-en-hi-final.svg|Urdu alphabet chart
Double-Headed_Eagle_Stupa_at_Sirkap_06.jpg|Double-headed eagle stupa at Sirkap
[[File:Urdu_example.svg|thumb|right|An example of Urdu script.]]
'''Urdu''' ({{lang-ur|______}}) is an [[Indo-Aryan languages|Indo-Aryan language]] spoken primarily in [[Pakistan]] and [[India]]. It is the national language and [[official language]] of Pakistan and one of the 22 scheduled languages of India. Urdu is mutually intelligible with [[Hindi]], with which it shares a common linguistic base, though the two languages have diverged in terms of script, vocabulary, and cultural associations.
Urdu ({{lang-ur|اُردُو}}) is an [[Indo-Aryan languages|Indo-Aryan language]] spoken chiefly in [[Pakistan]] and [[India]]. It is the official national language and [[lingua franca]] of Pakistan. In India, it is one of the 22 scheduled languages and is an official language of five states. Urdu is also widely spoken in the [[United Arab Emirates]], the [[United Kingdom]], and the [[United States]], among other countries.
==History==
==History==
Urdu developed during the [[Delhi Sultanate]] and the [[Mughal Empire]] in the [[Indian subcontinent]]. It evolved from the [[Apabhramsha]] register of the preceding [[Prakrit]] languages, influenced by [[Persian language|Persian]], [[Arabic]], and [[Turkish language|Turkish]] due to the cultural and administrative influence of the Muslim rulers in the region. The word "Urdu" itself is derived from the [[Turkish language|Turkish]] word "ordu," meaning "camp" or "army," reflecting its origins as a [[lingua franca]] of the Mughal military.
[[File:Nuskaha-e-Hamidiyya.jpg|thumb|left|A historical manuscript in Urdu.]]
Urdu developed during the [[Delhi Sultanate]] and the [[Mughal Empire]] in South Asia. It evolved from the [[Apabhraṃśa]] register of the preceding [[Shauraseni language]], a Middle Indo-Aryan language. The language was influenced by [[Persian language|Persian]], [[Arabic]], and [[Turkish language|Turkish]] due to the cultural and political influence of the Persianate Mughal Empire.
==Script and Orthography==
==Script and Orthography==
Urdu is written in the [[Perso-Arabic script]], specifically in the [[Nasta_l_q script|Nasta_l_q style]], which is a calligraphic variant of the [[Naskh script]]. The script is written from right to left and includes several letters that are not found in the [[Arabic alphabet]], reflecting sounds specific to the Indo-Aryan phonetic inventory.
Urdu is written in the [[Perso-Arabic script]], which is a right-to-left script. The script is an extension of the [[Arabic script]] with additional letters to accommodate the phonetic requirements of Urdu. The script is known for its calligraphic beauty and is used in various forms of art and literature.
==Phonology==
==Geographical Distribution==
Urdu has a rich phonetic system with a variety of consonants and vowels. It includes aspirated and unaspirated stops, retroflex sounds, and a series of nasalized vowels. The phonological system of Urdu is similar to that of Hindi, though there are some differences in pronunciation and intonation.
[[File:Geographical_distribution_of_Urdu_in_India_and_Pakistan.png|thumb|right|Geographical distribution of Urdu in India and Pakistan.]]
Urdu is predominantly spoken in Pakistan, where it serves as the national language and a symbol of national identity. In India, it is spoken in several states, including [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Bihar]], [[Telangana]], [[Jammu and Kashmir]], and [[Delhi]]. The language has a significant number of speakers in the [[Middle East]], particularly in the [[United Arab Emirates]] and [[Saudi Arabia]], due to the large South Asian diaspora.
==Grammar==
==Cultural Significance==
Urdu grammar is characterized by its use of [[postpositions]], a [[SOV word order|subject-object-verb]] word order, and a complex system of verb conjugation that reflects tense, aspect, and mood. Nouns in Urdu are gendered, and adjectives and verbs must agree with the gender and number of the nouns they modify.
Urdu holds a prestigious place in South Asian culture, particularly in the fields of [[literature]], [[poetry]], and [[music]]. The language is known for its rich literary tradition, with notable poets such as [[Mirza Ghalib]], [[Allama Iqbal]], and [[Faiz Ahmed Faiz]]. Urdu poetry, especially [[ghazal]]s, is celebrated for its emotional depth and linguistic beauty.
==Vocabulary==
Urdu vocabulary is heavily influenced by [[Persian language|Persian]] and [[Arabic]], with many loanwords from these languages. It also includes words from [[Turkish language|Turkish]] and [[Sanskrit]], reflecting its historical development. In contrast, Hindi has incorporated more words from [[Sanskrit]] and [[Prakrit]].
==Literature==
==Official Status==
Urdu has a rich literary tradition, with a significant body of poetry and prose. Notable forms of Urdu poetry include the [[ghazal]], [[nazm]], and [[qasida]]. Prominent Urdu poets include [[Mirza Ghalib]], [[Allama Iqbal]], and [[Faiz Ahmed Faiz]]. Urdu prose includes novels, short stories, and essays, with writers such as [[Saadat Hasan Manto]] and [[Ismat Chughtai]] making significant contributions.
[[File:Urdu-speakers_by_Pakistani_District_-_2017_Census.svg|thumb|left|Urdu speakers by Pakistani district according to the 2017 Census.]]
In Pakistan, Urdu is the official language and is used in government, education, and media. In India, it is one of the 22 scheduled languages and is an official language in several states. Urdu is also recognized as a minority language in several countries with significant South Asian communities.
==Cultural Significance==
==Usage in Public Signage==
Urdu is not only a means of communication but also a symbol of cultural identity for many people in South Asia. It is associated with the cultural and literary heritage of the [[Mughal Empire]] and continues to be a medium for artistic expression in [[Pakistan]] and [[India]].
[[File:UAE_signboard.jpg|thumb|right|A signboard in the UAE featuring Urdu.]]
Urdu is commonly used in public signage in Pakistan and in areas with significant Urdu-speaking populations. In India, it is often seen on trilingual road signs alongside [[Hindi]] and [[English language|English]].
Urdu developed during the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire in South Asia. It evolved from the Apabhraṃśa register of the preceding Shauraseni language, a Middle Indo-Aryan language. The language was influenced by Persian, Arabic, and Turkish due to the cultural and political influence of the Persianate Mughal Empire.
Urdu is written in the Perso-Arabic script, which is a right-to-left script. The script is an extension of the Arabic script with additional letters to accommodate the phonetic requirements of Urdu. The script is known for its calligraphic beauty and is used in various forms of art and literature.
Geographical distribution of Urdu in India and Pakistan.
Urdu is predominantly spoken in Pakistan, where it serves as the national language and a symbol of national identity. In India, it is spoken in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Jammu and Kashmir, and Delhi. The language has a significant number of speakers in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, due to the large South Asian diaspora.
Urdu holds a prestigious place in South Asian culture, particularly in the fields of literature, poetry, and music. The language is known for its rich literary tradition, with notable poets such as Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal, and Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Urdu poetry, especially ghazals, is celebrated for its emotional depth and linguistic beauty.
Urdu speakers by Pakistani district according to the 2017 Census.
In Pakistan, Urdu is the official language and is used in government, education, and media. In India, it is one of the 22 scheduled languages and is an official language in several states. Urdu is also recognized as a minority language in several countries with significant South Asian communities.
Urdu is commonly used in public signage in Pakistan and in areas with significant Urdu-speaking populations. In India, it is often seen on trilingual road signs alongside Hindi and English.
