Hidastani

Hidastani is a term that refers to a hypothetical or fictional fusion language combining elements of Hindi and Urdu. While both Hindi and Urdu are historically closely related and share a common linguistic base, they have diverged in script, vocabulary, and some grammatical nuances due to socio-political and cultural influences. A "Hidastani" language, as envisioned, would aim to bridge these differences.

The concept of a unified Hindustani language is not new. Historically, the vernacular spoken in northern India and Pakistan was often referred to as Hindustani, which served as a lingua franca. However, the formalization and standardization of Hindi and Urdu as distinct national languages, particularly after the partition of India, led to a greater divergence.

Proponents of a Hidastani language often argue for its potential to foster greater understanding and unity between Hindi and Urdu speakers. Such a language would likely draw from the shared vocabulary and grammatical structures of both, potentially using a script that is either a compromise or allows for both Devanagari and Perso-Arabic scripts.

In practice, a fully realized Hidastani language does not exist as a codified or widely spoken vernacular. It remains more of an academic concept or an aspirational ideal for linguistic reconciliation. Nonetheless, the underlying linguistic principles of a shared Hindustani are evident in everyday spoken communication in many parts of India and Pakistan where the distinction between Hindi and Urdu is often blurred in informal contexts.