Evolution of Urdu: Analysis of a Language from Controversies to Stability

Abstract

Language holds an undeniable power as it can control everything
including politics. This is evident from the fact that besides
advancement in modern technology the communication means are
ineffective without words. Same is true about use of language in
Politics as it remains ineffective without appropriate choice of
language. In order to achieve political goals there is an inevitable
need to use proper words. Proper language choice helps to avoid
controversies because an improper use of language can turn into a
political issue. Since its inception, Urdu one way or another has been
in the center a controversy. It is unfortunate that since its
independence Pakistan went through the issue of language
controversy which resulted in historical debacle. The Bengali
speakers in the Eastern wing considered the implementation of Urdu
as a state language unjust and they demanded to award the same
status to Bengali. They thought that West Pakistan happen to be
ignoring them and exploiting their rights. They considered
themselves right in demanding Bengalis language as a one of the
national languages of Pakistan. The central leadership did not
approve Bengali written in Devanagari owing to which Bengalis were
offended. They emphasized that Bengali is as much a Muslim
language as was Urdu. It was this sense of mistreatment that Bengali
demanded the division of country.