Persian and Urdu

The Persian language and Urdu have had an intricate relationship throughout the history of the Urdu language. Persian historically played a significant role in the formation of modern Urdu, and today acts as its prestige language. Persian was displaced by Urdu in colonial-era South Asia, and is today used mainly in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. Urdu is currently the national language and lingua franca of Pakistan, and an officially recognised language in India.

Persian and Urdu

The Persian language and Urdu have had an intricate relationship throughout the history of the Urdu language. Persian historically played a significant role in the formation of modern Urdu, and today acts as its prestige language. Persian was displaced by Urdu in colonial-era South Asia, and is today used mainly in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. Urdu is currently the national language and lingua franca of Pakistan, and an officially recognised language in India.