Languages: What Is A National Language?

Languages
What is a National Language?

It is a language important for the identity of a country. It is for communication and link with one another. It
is a medium of Instruction and for official work. It is internationally recognized. It is also a symbol of unity
between the different regions of a country.
Why was Urdu chosen as the National Language of Pakistan?
Urdu has long been considered the language of Muslims of the Sub-continent. It was developed by
combining many other languages. It became widely used in the Mughal period, but dates back as far as the
era of the sultans of Delhi. Muslim armies were using the language which was called Lashkari by the British
Urdu developed a rich literary. Amir Khusro is one of the earliest poets. Bahadur Shah Zafar-II was also a
poet. Other famous poets were Ghalib, Iqbal, Dard, Mir, Hasrat Mohani, Maulana Hali, etc. Urdu prose
was developed. There were talented writers as Deputy Nazir Ahmed, Shibli Naumani, Maulvi Abdul Haq
and Syed Suleman Nadvi etc.
During struggle for Pakistan, Urdu played a great role. Fort William’s College took interest and
introduced Urdu as a subject. The Principal John Gilchrist published on Urdu Gazette. The sons of Shah
Waliullah, Shah Abdul Aziz and Shah Abdul Qadir translated the Holy Quran into Urdu language for better
understanding and practice for people. Muslim League also aimed to protect the Urdu language.
In 1867, when Urdu, Hindi, Controversy broke out in Bijnaur, Hindus stressed to make it the official
language. Sir Syed worked for it and set up Anjuman-i-Taraki-e-Urdu, an organization for the progress of
Urdu.
During struggle for Pakistan, Urdu Journalism developed a lot. Many pamphlets and newspapers as Al-
Hilal ‘Hamdard’ and ‘Zamindar’ were published which worked for the struggle of Pakistan.
Jinnah chose Urdu as the national language of Pakistan in 1947 inspite of the opposition of the
Bengalis of East Pakistan. He chose it as a link and united language to avoid provincialism.
Regional Languages
Pushto is the regional language of KPK. Since 1947, Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum worked tirelessly for the
political awareness. Islamia College of Peshawar was set up. Within three years of the Independence,
Peshawar University established and an Academy was set up in 1954 for the progress of Pushto literature,
which was headed by Maulana Abdul Qadir – Pushto Dictionary was made – Post-graduate classes in
Pushto literature were started. It is also taught in schools in KPK. Pushto channel is also working Pushto
plays, newspapers, magazines, songs and films are of great fame and importance.
Balochi is the regional language of Balochistan. Since 1947, Radio Pakistan Karachi began to
broadcast in Balochi language. The Balochi Literary Association was set up and monthly and weekly
magazines are published. The Quetta Television station was a broadcast in Balochi Modern Balochi
literature has shown a rapid progress. There are many poets, most notable are Atta Shad, Ishaq Shamim.
Other writers such as Gul Khan Nazir and Azad Jamal Din are also working to promote Balochi.
Balochi magazines and newspapers are published. Balochi songs and folk dances are famous. Punjabi
is spoken in Punjab. It is the most widely spoken language in Pakistan. Since 1947, Punjabi developed
greatly as it is being taught as an Elective subject in schools and from college uptil Master’s level. Media in
Punjab had its own role to play for the promotion and development of the language. A Punjabi channel is
working to make it progress. Both Radio, TV produce drama, stage shows, talk shows and news bulletins
in Punjabi. Punjabi newspapers and magazines are published.
Punjabi songs, poetry, theatre and films are famous outside Pakistan. Munir Niazi is a famous
Punjabi poet of modern times.
Sindhi is spoken in Sindh. Since 1947, several important books have been written on Sindhi folk
literature. In 1948, Sindhi Literary Board was set up and has printed many books and magazines in
Sindhi. Important Sindhi authors are Pir Ali Muhammad Rashdi, Faqir Nabi Bux and G. Allana.
In 1954, Bazm-i-Talib-ul-Maula was set up to promote Sindhi literature. A Sarmast Academy has
been established in the memory of Sachal Sarmast. A Sindhiology department has been
established at Sindhi University Jamshoro. Sindhi became the most developed language since 1947
because it is a compulsory subject in Sindh schools from class 6 to 10th. Sindhi is an Elective subject
in Intermediate and degree classes. Sindhi channel is working, presenting plays, dramas, songs and
shows etc.
Urdu as National Language
Urdu is our National language chosen by Jinnah to avoid provincialism. It is spoken and understood
among all regions. It is the national language under 1973 Constitution. It is easy and comprehensive
language with an ability to absorb new words. It has a valuable treasure of poetry and prose. Famous
modern writers and poets are Bano Qudsia, Ashfaq Ahmed, Amjad Islam Amjad, Faiz, Parveen
Shakir, Nasir Kazmi, etc. Urdu channels are working to promote the language Urdu theatre, drama,
songs, films, newspapers and magazines are in abundant. It is a medium of instruction and a medium
of examination in the government schools and colleges books on every subject and topic can be
found in Urdu. Urdu Science College and Arts College were set up in Karachi. They had been
declared as Universities. National Language Authority is set up at Islamabad. Urdu is the official
language of all departments. It is a compulsory language in schools from 1 to 10 and Intermediate.
It is an Elective subject at college level. Post-graduate and Ph.D. departments for Urdu are present in
our universities. It is our identity on the International level. It promotes unity and reduces
provincialism. The literature and poetry in Urdu have a world fame.

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What is a National Language?

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