اردو زبان میں املا اور تلفظ کی معیاری تشکیل ؛ ادارہ جاتی خدمات کا تنقیدی جائزہ

Standardization of spelling and pronunciation in Urdu language; Critical review of institutional services

Abstract

Standardization of orthography (Imla) and pronunciation (Talaffuz) is fundamental to the linguistic stability and administrative identity of a language. As a hybrid language with roots in Indo-Aryan, Semitic, and Indo-Iranian families, Urdu has historically faced orthographic inconsistencies and phonetic complexities. This article explores the pivotal role of institutions in reforming and harmonizing these linguistic standards. Beginning with the early prose codification at Fort William College, the study delves into the systematic reforms introduced by contemporary bodies such as the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD) in Islamabad and Urdu Academy Delhi. The research specifically analyzes institutional stances on technical issues, including the dual nature of Hamza, the simplification of Alif Maqsura, the segmentation of compound words, and phonetic-based orthography. Furthermore, it highlights the transition of language standards from traditional etymological roots to modern digital requirements, focusing on the development of standardized keyboards, fonts (Nuri Nastaliq), and the integration of Urdu into information technology. The article concludes that institutional interventions have successfully transformed Urdu from a purely literary medium into a structured administrative and digital language, providing a roadmap for its future survival in the era of Artificial Intelligence.