Every nation needs some marks of identity. Language is also amark of identification of any nation. Pakistan is a federation of four provinces and its national language is URDU. URDU- THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE OF PAKISTAN
Urdu is our national language. It has played an importyant role in the articulation of muslim culture in South East Asia.It has been rightly said that urdu had been the a symbol, an issue and a weapon in our struggle for independence. The 1973 constitution of Pakistan has also declared Urdu to be our national language. History of Urdu language;
Urdu is nearly 300 years old and was considered as the language of the Muslims from the very beginning because of its origin. The blending of Arabian, Persian and Turkish give birth to a new language which was called Hindustani, Shahjahani and now finally as Urdu. The word Urdu came fromTurkish word ‘ordu’ meaning ‘camp’ or ‘army’. Gradually the new language become the means of communication of the people of sub-continent. Urdu as a mother tongue:
Only 7.6 people in pakistan claim thats urdu is their mother tongue. Division of urdu speaking people according to provinces is as follows: *PUNJAB: 4.3%
*SINDH: 22.6%
*BALOCHISTAN: 1.4%
*NWFP: 0.8%
URDU AS THE BASIS OF NATIONAL UNITY
It has been said that urdu is the basis of national unity and also a binding force of different parts of Pakistan. Picked up here are some points which will show the importance of urdu as a bond of national integration in Pakistan: Role in Pakistan movement:
In the early stages of Pakistan Movement, Urdu was the most favoured language. Urdu created unity among the people. Many Muslim leaders like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Abdul Majeed Sindhi, Allama Iqbal, Hasrat Mohani, Quaid e Azam and many others favoured Urdu. A symbol of national unity:
Urdu produces the feeling of unity and national cooperation. Although Urdu is not spoken as mother-language of any of the major ethinic groups in the country but all pepole living in different provinces realize that they are joined together by one national language. People of two different areas can easily understood each other ideas and thoughts by urdu. A promotor of Islamic education:
Lectures on islamic education and religion are delievered in Urdu throughout Pakistan. The religious leaders, mystics and sufi poets spread the light of islam in sub-continent with help of urdu. The translation and tafseer of ‘Holy Quran’ and ‘Hadith’ have been produced in urdu language in great numbers to enable the muslims to understand them properly. In this way urdu language has played a pivotal role in keeping the Muslim nationhood intact. A medium of national cohesion:
Having close resemblence with all the regional languages of Pakistan and common vocalbury, script and derivation from same primary sources, Urdu in Pakistan has become a key to the national cohesion and unity. Urdu language is the medium of instructions in all government schools in Pakistan. Politrical science, History, Islamic Studies and many other subjects are taught upto the masters level in the urdu language. The government is making systematic efforts to impart advanced eduacation in scuence and technology in Urdu language. A instrument of national integration:
Urdu has become a symbol of nayional unity and solidarity. It represents the common culture, hertitage and identity of Pakistan. It is close to the heart of all Pakistanis as it played an important role in the struggle for freedom from the supremacy of British and subjugation of Hindus. A promoter of Cultural Unity:
Urdu with the passage of time has developed into a vast language. It has borrowed and assimilated a treasure of beautiful words from a number of languages. Each Pakistani feels proud of speakind, reading and writing Urdu. It is an ideal example of the phenomenon through which national unity has been achieved without damaging the verity and diversity of our colorful
cultural heritage. A vehicle of Inter-Regional Communication:
Only urdu can serve as a medium of communication between different regions and linguistic groups in the country, no other language can, because no other language is spoken or understood throughout the country. A medium of instruction:
Urdu is the medium of instruction in many educational institutions in Pakistan. A dictionary of office terms in Urdu has been published and steps have been taken to move away from English as a language iof administration. Urdu is the medium for radio and television programmes. Urdu plays and films are very popular. Urdu novels, poetry, magzines and newspapers are widely read. A mean of promoting patriotism:
Urdu has always been a great source of promoting sense of patriotism and national unity. The higher spiritual, cultural and ideological goals can not be achieved without giving Urdu its due status and significance as it deserves. It has helped the Muslims of Pakistan in understanding theie religion, culture and civilization to a great deal. Urdu is the sole preserver of our religious values and principles. CONCLUSION
Urdu is our lingua franca.It is the link language for all provinces to provide for the cultural and educational needs of the people and force unity among the various sections of unity.
