Basic Urdu

Summary

This six session course teaches complete beginners the Urdu language starting out with basic greetings and progressing to intermediate content (CEFR B1 level). The emphasis is on pronunciation and comprehension throughout this audio course with lots of opportunities to practice your Urdu skills throughout. This is an ideal way to those new to the Urdu language to acquire the ability to communicate at a basis level over the progression of this introductory course.

Urdu, the national language of Pakistan and a significant language in India, traces its origins back to the Islamic conquests in South Asia around the 12th century. It evolved from the local dialects of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire, incorporating substantial Persian and Arabic vocabulary, as well as elements from Turkish and Sanskrit. The name "Urdu" comes from the Turkish word "ordu," meaning camp, referring to the army barracks where the language was initially used among soldiers. Historically associated with the Muslim population of India, Urdu became a symbol of identity and an instrument of literary expression, particularly in poetry. It is written in the Perso-Arabic script and is known for its poetic tradition featuring renowned poets like Mirza Ghalib and Allama Iqbal. Today, Urdu is not only a language of cultural and literary significance but also a means of communication for millions across the globe.

This course uses proven techniques from our experienced narrators to guide you through the process of conversing effectively in the globally important Urdu language.