Urdu can be learned in a variety of ways, including at a college or university or through independent Urdu classes. You can also learn from a private language tutor, either online or in person. Many people learn Urdu by listening to audio tapes or using special language software. However, visiting India or Pakistan and becoming fully immersed in the language is one of the best ways to learn this Indo-Aryan language.
Many people have discovered that taking Urdu classes at a community college or university can help them learn the Urdu alphabet and the basics of the language. Attempting to learn Urdu this way can take a lot of time and effort, but it’s a good way to pick up cultural tidbits that can help put certain words or phrases in the right context. Individuals who take Urdu classes at a college or university usually have to go through several levels of instruction before becoming fluent in the language.
Private teachers and organizations may also teach independent Urdu courses. Individual students may find it easier to learn Urdu with one-on-one instruction because the pace of the lessons is more controlled. Private Urdu lessons with an Urdu tutor may also provide more opportunities to practice speaking the language.
Some people find it possible to learn Urdu online by using videoconferencing tools over the Internet. Because videoconferencing allows for the same face-to-face interaction as meeting with a private tutor in person, this method can be just as effective. This method can even connect a person who wants to learn Urdu with a native speaker in South Asia. There are also websites dedicated to teaching Urdu, which can be used as a starting point for learning the language.
Urdu software may also be a useful tool for learning Urdu. Students can learn to write Urdu using this method, as many software lessons also teach students the Urdu alphabet and how to read the language in print. Because Urdu uses unique fonts, learning to read it is especially important for students who plan to travel to India or Pakistan, where it is widely spoken.
Visiting a country where Urdu is spoken in everyday life is one of the most effective ways to learn the language. Urdu classes can be taken from a native speaker, but when surrounded by a large number of native speakers, people are more likely to learn more and at a faster rate. Many colleges even offer exchange student opportunities to Pakistan or India to help students learn about new cultures and the Urdu language.