rdu. The very word evokes a sense of nostalgia, a whisper of poetry, a connection to a rich cultural heritage. More than just a language, it’s an emotion, a shared history, a mother tongue that resonates deep in the hearts of millions. While its prominence may be facing challenges in our increasingly globalised world, the significance of Urdu as a mother tongue remains deeply ingrained in the fabric of our identity.

Born from the confluence of diverse linguistic influences, primarily Khari Boli with infusions of Persian, Arabic and Turkish, Urdu blossomed in the fertile lands of the Indian subcontinent. It became the language of the common people; the language of love and longing; the language of poets and philosophers. It wasn’t merely a tool for communication; it was a vessel carrying centuries of tradition, literature and artistic expression. It became the language of the Ganga-Jamni Tehzeeb, a symbol of unity amidst diversity.

For many, Urdu is more than just a language learnt at school; it’s the language spoken at home; the language of lullabies sung by mothers; the language of whispered secrets shared between siblings. It’s the language in which we first learn to express our emotions, our joys and our sorrows. It’s the language that connects us to our roots, to our families and to our cultural heritage. It’s the language that shapes our thinking, influences our perspectives and forms the bedrock of our cultural identity.

The beauty of Urdu lies in its inherent poetic quality. Its mellifluous sounds, elegant script and rich vocabulary lend themselves perfectly to expressing the most nuanced of human emotions. The ghazals of Ghalib, the verses of Iqbal and the prose of Munshi Premchand and Rajindar Singh Baidi are not just literary masterpieces; they are embodiments of the Urdu language’s power to capture the human experience in all its complexity and beauty. This inherent artistry is what makes Urdu so special, so cherished by those who speak it as their mother tongue.

However, Urdu is facing a creeping threat. The dominance of English as a global language, coupled with a lack of consistent support and promotion, has led to a decline in its use, particularly among the young. Many urban families, in their pursuit of perceived better opportunities, are choosing to raise their children to primarily speak English, relegating Urdu to a secondary, often neglected, position. This shift is not merely a linguistic change; it’s a cultural shift, a potential severing of ties with our rich heritage.

The concern is not about learning English or any other language. Multilingualism is a valuable asset. The concern is about the gradual erosion of Urdu, the language that connects us to our past and our traditions. Losing a mother tongue is like losing a part of our identity, a part of our history. It’s like losing a precious heirloom passed down through generations.

What can be done to preserve and promote Urdu? The responsibility lies with families, educators and policymakers alike. Families need to encourage the use of Urdu at home, creating an environment where children can learn and appreciate its beauty. Educational institutions need to prioritise Urdu education, ensuring that it is taught effectively and engagingly. Policymakers need to recognise the importance of Urdu as a national language and provide the necessary support for its promotion and development.

This isn’t about clinging to the past; it’s about preserving a vital part of our present and future. Urdu is not just a language; it’s a cultural treasure, a repository of our collective memory. It’s a language that has given us some of the greatest poets, writers and thinkers. It’s a language that continues to inspire and connect us.

We must remember that a language is not just a collection of words; it’s a living entity, constantly evolving and adapting. By embracing Urdu, by using it, by promoting it, we are not just preserving a language, we are preserving a part of ourselves. We are keeping the lingering melody of our mother tongue alive, ensuring that it continues to resonate for generations to come. Let us not allow this beautiful language to fade into silence. Let us cherish it, nurture it and pass it on as a precious inheritance to our children.

The writer is an assistant professor at Government College University, Faisalabad. He can be reached at azizmaliksgd@gmail.com.pk