OBSOLETE WORDS IN URDU LANGUAGE

Abstract

Urdu is the national language of Pakistan. It is a standardized register of Hindustani language and is lingua franca of Pakistan. Urdu is the official language of six Indian states. The study aims to investigate how language is dying out within the language the words are obsoleted from Urdu language. The target population for this study was Native speaker of Urdu language of 11-25 years age, 26-40 years age, 41-55 and 60 years & above of age. The sample consisted of 20 people each group. The data was obtained through wordlist of 60 chosen words and then in the end, interviews were administered to decipher the language attrition in Urdu language. Triangulation approach was used for data analysis. The data of 65 respondents was analyzed using statistical tests in order to compare the performance of native and non-native speakers of Urdu language. Their motivation was also examined. Results revealed that in native speech community, the speakers of 41-55 age groups know many words along with its correct meanings and correct usage and the ratio was not that bad even in the group of participants who are aged 26-40. But in the group aged 11-25 the ratio is alarmingly low. The language is not transmitted to the next generation because the parents of this age group themselves did not acquire Urdu as their first language. Language is not documented in modern time that is why it is changing. There are many other words from other languages that are replacing the actual word of Urdu language. Speakers are using those words for convenience purpose as well. The need of the time is to document the language with its essence to prove its antiquity.