Those who delve into Urdu’s linguistic depths will unlock a medium that has been used for centuries to produce a wide variety of beautiful poetry, songs, and ghazals.  Yes, there are English translations of these works, but it is impossible to fully convey the true meaning of poetry in translation.  Only those with a command of Urdu, for instance, will be able to truly appreciate the poetry of writers like Mir Taqi Mir, Mirza Ghalib, and Mir Anees.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves! Let’s start with the basics:

The Language of the Camps

Urdu is the official language of Pakistan and one of the 23 native languages of India.  It is one of the two branches of the Hindustani language, the other being Hindi.  Urdu and Hindi are more or less completely mutually intelligible, given that the grammar and core vocabulary are virtually identical.  These two sister languages only diverge in the context of more high-flown vocabulary, with Urdu borrowing words from Arabic and Persian, and Hindi leaning on Sanskrit.

There are so many reasons to learn Urdu

• It has been proven that learning Urdu improves cognitive abilities. It keeps your brain and thinking abilities healthy and maintained. Of course, this applies to all languages, but you will give your brain an extra challenge by engaging in a different script and unfamiliar vocabulary

• Neurologists say that the sound system of the Urdu language and the system it holds within itself improves the front portion of the brain.

• One of the most fascinating part of learning the Urdu language is the fact that all the journals and historical records concerning India, dating back as far as the 14^th century, can be read if you're good at Urdu. For anyone fascinated by historical events, such as the rule of the Mughals and the Partition, learning Urdu will enrich your understanding and appreciation of these seismic shifts in South Asian politics and society

• The biggest advantage of learning Urdu is the fact that you'll be able to connect with a large number of people. Approximately 170 million people speak Urdu as a native language, and that number soars to 700 million if we use the broader category of Hindustani

• The colloquial language used in Bollywood movies is a particular form of Hindi that leans heavily on Urdu, so if you want to watch Bollywood films without subtitles, a good understanding of ‘street’ Urdu will be essential.

• Naturally, learning Urdu will open up career options that would otherwise remain unavailable, given that it is such an infrequently studied language. Pakistan is a vitally important country in global politics and as such fluent Urdu speakers will always be in demand

• If travel is your goal, then you’ll be pleased to know that Pakistan abounds in natural and architectural beauty. The northern side of Pakistan in particular holds a special place in my heart.

Language of Poetry and Literature

But let’s be honest – the best reason to learn Urdu is to gain access to a body of literature that is renowned for its deep and touching imagery.  While our Urdu poets and storytellers are famous all over the world for their creations, surprisingly few translations have been produced (maybe something you could help with!)  As it stands, the only way to read and comprehend these works is to learn the Urdu language.

Just to give you a flavour, stated below are some beautiful verses and phrases in Urdu along with their meanings. Known as Ghazals, these poems explore the duel side of love: the pleasure of being at your lover’s side, and the pain of separation and abandonment.

                            چھوڑ کر مجھے وہ اپنی دنیا میں خوش ہے
یہی غم کیا میرے مرنے کے لیئے کم ہے

It is in her world only that happiness exists,

Is this sorrow not reason enough,

To depart eternally?

ہیں 
ابھی عشق کے امتحاں اور بھی ہیں

Beyond the stars themselves,

Reside ever more,

And with them, ever more to love.

Penned by the famous Allama Iqbal, during the creation of Pakistan, these lines were dedicated to the people of Pakistan who were in pain and misery.  Although their suffering had been great, and although there were unenumerable obstacles still to come, the future was also filled with hope and possibilities.

Finally, I leave you with these words, also by Allama Iqbal, who never stopped writing for the betterment of Pakistan’s citizens.  Perhaps when you too have mastered Urdu, you will be able to look back at this poem with the same love and appreciation for this language as I have.

                 کبھی اے حقیقت منتظر نظر آ لباس مجاز میں 
کہ ہزاروں سجدے تڑپ رہے ہیں مری جبین نیاز میں

طرب آشنائے خروش ہو تو نوا ہے محرم گوش ہو 
وہ سرود کیا کہ چھپا ہوا ہو سکوت پردۂ ساز میں

تو بچا بچا کے نہ رکھ اسے ترا آئنہ ہے وہ آئنہ 
کہ شکستہ ہو تو عزیز تر ہے نگاہ آئنہ ساز میں