URDU ALPHABET Meaning and
Definition
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The Urdu alphabet refers to the set of letters and symbols used to write the Urdu language. Urdu is an Indo-Aryan language primarily spoken in Pakistan and parts of India, and is mutually intelligible with Hindi. The Urdu alphabet is derived from the Persian script, which itself is a modification of the Arabic script. It consists of 38 letters, including 18 basic letters representing consonants and 10 additional letters to represent specific sounds, vowel markers, and diacritical marks.
The Urdu alphabet is written from right to left, and like other right-to-left languages, letters are joined together to form a flowing, cursive script. It includes both consonants and vowels, with some letters representing both. The vowel sounds in Urdu are indicated using various diacritical marks or vowel markers placed above or below the letters. Some Urdu words are also written using Perso-Arabic numerals rather than letters.
The letters of the Urdu alphabet possess unique phonetic values, allowing speakers to accurately pronounce words. Additionally, the script is highly effective in conveying the intricate sounds and pronunciation peculiarities of the Urdu language. The Urdu alphabet enables the written representation of a wide range of literary forms, including poetry, prose, and official documents. Mastery of the Urdu alphabet is crucial for anyone wishing to read, write, or understand the language and its rich cultural heritage.
Etymology of URDU ALPHABET
The word "Urdu" is derived from the Turkish word "ordu" meaning "army" or "camp". The Urdu language emerged in the Indian subcontinent during the Mughal Empire, where it was predominantly spoken by soldiers and officials in the army camps.
The Urdu alphabet itself is derived from the Persian alphabet, which was brought to the region by Persian and Arabic-speaking Muslim rulers and scholars. Over time, it evolved and adapted to the needs of the Urdu language, incorporating additional letters and modified forms of certain Persian characters. Today, the Urdu alphabet consists of 37 letters and is written from right to left.
