Over the last six to twelve months we have seen an interesting development at Zubaan Training: we have been flooded with inquiries to study Urdu by Pakistanis. At first we were taking a bit by surprise – after all, our focus has been on teaching Urdu as a foreign language, i.e., teaching Urdu to people who do not have any background or connection to the Urdu language.
The students that approach us can be divided into three general groups:
- Overseas Pakistanis (and their children in particular)
- Pakistanis living in Pakistan who have studied almost exclusively in English/speak English in their home
- Pakistanis whose native tongue is not Urdu (e.g., Sindhis, Pathans, Punjabis, etc.)
For us, it highlights once again the need and importance of promoting Urdu as a Second Language learning – but not just for foreigners. It has been our joy to be able to do so!
Recently, DAWN published an article, which also speak to this with the title “Understanding the linguistic journey of Pakistan’s children”. You can click on the link to read the full article.
Please leave your comments below – we would love to hear what your relationship and experience with Urdu as a Second Language has been.