How to Learn to Read in Pakistan
The official language of Pakistan is Urdu and over 104 million people speak this language. While closely related to Hindi, Urdu has several differences that make it unique. For example, Urdu utilizes the extended Arabic alphabet and it derives a lot of its vocabulary from both the Arabic and Persian languages. While English is widely spoken in Pakistan, it is important to known how to read in Urdu, as well, if you plan on visiting this country.
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Instructions
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Understand that the Urdu language is read from right to left, and not left to right like the English language.
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Learn the extended Arabic alphabet. This alphabet is made up of unique glyphs and is used by a number of languages found in Asia. You can find alphabet guides for the Arabic alphabet online on a number of websites including “Omniglot.”
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Realize that the written letter in Urdu is going to look slightly different depending on where it appears in a word. Urdu letters are modified depending on if they are detached (standing alone), in the initial position (far right), in the median position (middle) or in the final position (far left). This writing structure is a lot like English cursive where you modify the written letter form to connect it to the next letter.
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Utilize an Urdu-English dictionary to learn vocabulary and Urdu language course to learn pronunciations. You can find an Urdu-English dictionary at “Urdu World” and you can find a free Urdu language course on the “Ukindia Learn Urdu” website.
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Familiarize yourself with the vowel marks and accents for the Urdu language. These marks can be applied above or below the vowels and include: ee, zer, aa, aliph, zaber, pesh, aae, ae, ooo, u, tashdid, ham, madd, au and o.
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