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