Learn Urdu
with Ling

Learning Urdu will be easier if your native language is similar to the family of Indo-Aryan, Indo-European, and Hindustani languages. However, learning Urdu might be more difficult for native Chinese, English, and Russian speakers.

Here are some essential points to keep in mind as you’re learning Urdu:

• Grammar: Urdu has grammatical genders for nouns, mainly masculine and feminine. Sentence structure also follows subject-object-verb (SOV) word order.

• Vocabulary: Urdu shares many cognates from Arabic and Persian words. The language is also similar to Punjabi, Turkish, Sanskrit, and Hindi. It’s better to start learning the Urdu vocabulary in its most basic form, the infinitive. You should also understand the three tiers of politeness called "ādāb."

• Speaking/Listening: Urdu has three official dialects: Dakhni, Dhakaiya, and Rekhta.

• Reading/Writing: The Urdu writing system goes from right to left, with modifications from the Arabic and Persian alphabets.

If you’re having trouble learning Urdu vocabulary, try using a different technique when studying. There are so many free language platforms these days that promise fluency. However, you must test which study methods work best for you.  

Here are some tips on how to learn Urdu faster:

• Find a good learning resource with relevant vocabulary and practical speaking and listening exercises.
• Watch Bollywood movies to learn more about India and Pakistan’s Urdu language, history, and culture.
• Practice with native Urdu speakers (there are plenty of social media groups and online communities you can join to meet people)
• Watch YouTube videos and podcasts in Urdu to get familiar with the sound of the language.
• Create a comfortable study space and limit distractions.
• Use the Ling app to improve your reading, speaking, writing, listening, and grammar skills.

Learning Urdu online can offer you a flexible and convenient experience. Consider using a language learning app like Ling for structured Urdu lessons and gamified exercises. Eventually, after getting familiar with enough words and phrases in Urdu, you can learn how to speak in Urdu with tutors who can provide personalized guidance. 

You can also leverage resources such as YouTube video lessons to enhance your understanding of Urdu grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. This will also help you start immersing yourself in the language. Eventually, you can begin watching Urdu movies and series or read PDF books in Urdu. Doing so will expose you to comprehend the culture deeply, which will help you get familiar with the Urdu language faster.

In addition, you can engage in social media groups to find a community of Urdu learners and explore language exchange platforms to have real-life conversations with native speakers to improve your speaking skills.

As you can see, there are many resources to learn Urdu online. But it all comes down to how much motivation you have. Language acquisition is a journey that requires a lot of passion and dedication. Use the right tools, set clear goals, practice consistently, and keep track of your progress. 

Language learning is a gradual, fulfilling process. It might take several months to a few years for most individuals who consistently study Urdu.

The time it takes to become fluent in Urdu, or any language for that matter, can vary widely depending on several factors:

1. Previous Language Learning Experience: If you speak languages similar to Urdu or have experience learning languages, you might pick up Urdu more quickly.

2. Learning Environment: Immersing in an environment where Urdu is spoken regularly can ease learning. Surround yourself with native Urdu speakers to improve faster, including your listening skills.

3. Resources and Methods: The quality of your chosen language resources, such as textbooks or language apps, and your learning methods can impact your progress.

4. Motivation and Consistency: Staying motivated and consistent in your language learning efforts is essential. Practice Urdu vocabulary regularly to see results. 

So, if you are wondering the best way to learn Urdu, the answer lies in how you set your goals and plan to achieve them. 

The Ling app lets you engage in meaningful learning despite your busy schedule. This app allows you to learn and retain vocabulary through fun games, quizzes, and flashcards! All you have to do is dedicate at least 10–15 minutes per day. 

Dedication is the key. Complete the app’s lessons, practice daily or as much as possible with native speakers, immerse yourself in the culture, and enjoy your Urdu learning journey. Soon, you will start seeing improvements!

Absolutely! With approximately 68 million native speakers, Urdu is the 11th most spoken language globally, the 22nd official language of India, and one of Pakistan’s official languages.

Here are some other reasons to learn Urdu:

• Provides great insight into the language’s history
  
  Learning history gives us a window into how languages emerged. Although India and Pakistan have split since their 1947 independence from England, you’ll still notice similarities and differences between Urdu native speakers who live in India and Pakistan.
  
  If you love languages, you should understand how history has influenced and affected their script, pronunciation, and vocabulary.
  
  
• Watch great movies and read literature to get to know their way of life
  
  Just like everyone else, Urdu speakers love producing and watching movies! In fact, Bollywood is one of the largest movie producers in the world.
  
  
• Open your eyes to languages similar to Urdu
  
  Urdu is a great place to start when it comes to learning various other languages, like Hindi, Persian, and Punjabi!