UrduHindi

UrduHindi, often referred to in linguistic contexts as Hindustani, designates a continuum of closely related speech varieties spoken across northern and central South Asia. The two standardized varieties, Urdu and Hindi, are largely mutually intelligible in everyday speech, though they differ in script, vocabulary emphasis, and sociolinguistic use.

Historically, Hindustani emerged in the medieval cultural and political centers around Delhi and Lucknow as a lingua franca among speakers of diverse languages. It developed within a Persianate milieu that introduced extensive Persian and Arabic loanwords, while retaining core Indo-Aryan grammar. Over time, regional and political developments solidified two standard forms: Urdu in formal and literary contexts with a Perso-Arabic lexicon, and Hindi with a Sanskrit-leaning lexicon, especially in formal writing.

In writing, Urdu is typically rendered in a Perso-Arabic script (Nastaliq), while Hindi uses Devanagari. The spoken language underpins both scripts, enabling speakers to understand each other in familiar settings, though literacy practices or formal education often reinforce one script over the other. Lexically, Urdu draws heavily on Persian and Arabic vocabulary, whereas Hindi relies more on Sanskrit-derived terms. In casual speech, speakers frequently mix elements from both traditions, producing the Hindustani vernacular that crosses formal boundaries.

Sociopolitically, Hindi and Urdu have been codified and promoted in distinct national contexts. Hindi is the official language of the Indian government, while Urdu holds national status in Pakistan and is recognized as a scheduled language with official status in several Indian states. Both languages support rich literary and media traditions, including Urdu poetry and Hindi literature and film dialogue, which often blend elements of both varieties.