Heritage or Hurdle? Understanding the Decline of Urdu Among Pakistani Immigrants

Abstract

baat karne kā hasīñ taur-tarīqa sīkhā

ham ne urdu ke bahāne se salīqa sīkhā

Capturing the essence of a language as inherently poetic as Urdu presents a unique challenge, yet the work of poet Manish Shukla aims to convey its beauty, providing a window into Urdu’s profound cultural and expressive importance. The gradual decline of the Urdu language is a significant cultural and linguistic concern, particularly among Pakistani immigrants and their descendants. This decline represents not only the loss of a language but also the fading of rich literary, poetic, and philosophical traditions that Urdu embodies. As proficiency in reading and writing Urdu diminishes, particularly among the younger generations, there is a risk that future generations will lose access to a vast heritage of classical poetry, literature, and historical narratives that form a crucial part of the Urdu language. This paper investigates the decline of Urdu exploring the hurdles in its continuation as a heritage vehicle for the immigrants of Pakistani ethnicity based around the globe. Employing a descriptive-qualitative research methodology, this study collects data through an in-depth review of academic literature, poetic records, books, and online resources concerning the decline of the Urdu language. Additionally, the paper incorporates the author’s personal experiences as an immigrant of Pakistani origin, traveling globally and encountering a younger generation that increasingly drifts away from the Urdu language. Using Fishman's (1966) framework, this research examines language use holistically, emphasizing the need to consider reading, writing, and cultural engagement beyond just verbal communication. The findings reveal that, despite the social and economic progress of Pakistani immigrants, there is a gradual decline in the relevance and use of the Urdu language. This research seeks to answer whether Urdu serves as a heritage asset or a hindrance for Pakistani immigrants as they adapt to new cultural and geographic environments. Ultimately, the paper argues for a critical re-examination of Urdu’s role in cultural heritage, emphasizing the urgent need to preserve it as an intangible heritage.