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Learn Urdu!
The Urdu language is written in the Arabic script and in this differs from Hindi which uses the Devanagari script. Urdu is a descendant of the great literary and religious language Sanskrit. It is distantly related to Greek, Latin and most of the European languages. As such, it has some characteristics of European languages which may be familiar to native English speakers, or those who have studied a European language. This is where the similarities end, however. The pronunciation and sounds of Urdu are very different from European languages, given its thousands of years in close contact with other South Asian languages. Combined with the different writing system, and much of its vocabulary coming from Arabic and Persian, learning Urdu makes for an interesting challenge. And unlike the major European languages, or the other major languages of Asia, there are relatively few resources to learn Urdu. Internet/Free Learn Urdu Podcast Finally, a podcast for learning Urdu! This is a brand new podcast for Urdu. It is well done and although having some knowledge of Urdu is best, it will be a great benefit for those just starting out as well. And there is an accompanying transcript! Internet/Free Ukindia Learn to Read Urdu Free basic tutorial to learn to read Urdu, which is also downloadable. Elsewhere on the site are basic tutorials for reading other South Asian languages as well as news and other information. Internet/Free Urdu Language Resources An abundance of links and resources for someone learning Urdu or other South Asian languages. Grammars, dialogues, vocabulary and word lists, fonts and other tools, news and other resources. Internet/Free Hindi/Urdu Lessons Basic Urdu lessons. Alphabet, vocabulary and dialogues with sound files. Internet/Free Transparent Language offers a free vocabulary trainer to get started learning Urdu. Get your Free BYKI™ Lite download by Transparent Language Teach Yourself Urdu The longstanding Teach Yourself series has always had a wide variety of languages. They are the only major publisher with a book and audio course for Urdu. This coursebook and 2 audio cds introduces the beginner to the sounds, basic grammar and writing of Urdu. It is an excellent beginning course to learn Urdu. You can get the Lite version of BYKI for free (see the link above), but if you upgrade to BYKI Deluxe, you get a whole lot more, especially with the newly updated version! More than 1000 words and phrases spoken by native speakers, some with pictures, games and other activities, mp3/iPod feature, and the ability to create your own lists and even add your own audio and pictures! Software/Inexpensive Talk Now! Learn Urdu - Beginning Level This CD-Rom mostly uses games and interactive exercises to develop a beginning understanding of the language. There is also a more Intermediate level program after this one. For some this would make a good supplement to a more comprehensive written course, and add a little fun to the learning process. Back to Other Languages
- L. W. Lockhart
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