Language of Poetry

Urdu Language Course

Discover the beauty and elegance of Urdu language through poetry, literature, and practical conversation

4-18 months
Poetry & Literature
Conversation
Calligraphy

Course Overview

Immerse yourself in the rich literary tradition and cultural heritage of Urdu

What You'll Learn

  • Urdu alphabet and script (Nastaliq)
  • Basic to advanced vocabulary
  • Grammar and sentence structure
  • Poetry appreciation and writing
  • Classical and modern literature
  • Conversational fluency

Course Benefits

  • Rich cultural understanding
  • Access to Islamic literature
  • Enhanced poetry appreciation
  • Communication with Urdu speakers
  • Historical consciousness
  • Aesthetic and linguistic beauty

Beautiful Urdu Script

Master the elegant Nastaliq script and Arabic-Persian alphabet

Urdu Alphabet

ا ب پ ت ٹ ث ج چ ح خ
د ڈ ذ ر ڑ ز ژ س ش ص

Urdu uses 39 letters with beautiful Nastaliq calligraphy

Common Urdu Words

کتاب
kitāb
book
محبت
mohabbat
love
زندگی
zindagī
life
خوشی
khushī
happiness

Classical Urdu Poetry

Experience the soul of Urdu through its magnificent poetic tradition

Mirza Ghalib

(1797-1869)

دل ہی تو ہے نہ سنگ و شاہد
درد سے بھر نہ آئے کیوں
Translation: "It is but a heart, not stone or brick
Why shouldn't it be filled with pain?"
This famous couplet explores the nature of human emotions and the inevitability of suffering in matters of the heart.

Allama Iqbal

(1877-1938)

خودی کو کر بلند اتنا کہ ہر تقدیر سے پہلے
خدا بندے سے خود پوچھے، بتا تیری رضا کیا ہے
Translation: "Raise yourself to such heights that before every decree
God Himself asks His servant: 'Tell me, what is your wish?'"
Iqbal's philosophy of self-development and spiritual elevation is beautifully captured in this inspiring verse.

Faiz Ahmed Faiz

(1911-1984)

مجھ سے پہلی سی محبت میرے محبوب نہ مانگ
میں نے سمجھا تھا کہ تو ہے تو درخشاں ہے حیات
Translation: "Do not ask of me the same love as before, my beloved
I had thought that you exist, so life is radiant"
A profound reflection on how social consciousness and awareness of suffering changes one's perspective on personal relationships.

Course Curriculum

Structured learning journey from basic Urdu to literary mastery

Level 1: Urdu Foundations

2-3 months
  • Urdu alphabet and Nastaliq script
  • Basic pronunciation and sounds
  • Essential vocabulary (300+ words)
  • Simple greetings and expressions
  • Numbers and basic counting
  • Family and relationship terms

Level 2: Grammar Basics

3-4 months
  • Noun and pronoun usage
  • Verb conjugation patterns
  • Sentence structure and word order
  • Present, past, and future tenses
  • Postpositions and particles
  • Questions and negative sentences

Level 3: Conversation & Daily Use

4-5 months
  • Daily conversation topics
  • Shopping and market language
  • Travel and transportation
  • Food and dining expressions
  • Weather and time references
  • Social etiquette and politeness

Level 4: Literature Introduction

4-6 months
  • Classical Urdu poetry forms
  • Ghazal, Nazm, and Qasida
  • Famous poets and their works
  • Poetic devices and meters
  • Short story reading
  • Basic literary criticism

Level 5: Advanced Literature

5-7 months
  • Classical masterpieces study
  • Modern Urdu literature
  • Poetry composition basics
  • Literary translation skills
  • Cultural and historical context
  • Critical analysis writing

Urdu Literary Forms

Explore the rich variety of Urdu literary expressions

Ghazal

The most beloved form of Urdu poetry, expressing love, loss, and longing in rhyming couplets.

• 5-15 couplets • Common rhyme scheme • Independent couplets • Poet's pen name in last couplet

Nazm

Free-form poetry that follows a single theme throughout, allowing for narrative and descriptive expression.

• Single theme • Variable length • Flexible rhyme scheme • Modern expression

Qasida

Classical form of praise poetry, often lengthy, celebrating virtues or describing nature and heroism.

• Praise and description • Lengthy composition • Classical structure • Elevated language

Qita

Short poetic pieces, often humorous or satirical, providing social commentary with wit and brevity.

• Short and witty • Social satire • Humorous tone • Quick impact

Great Urdu Writers

Learn from the masters who shaped Urdu literature

Mir Taqi Mir

(1723-1810)

Known as the "God of Urdu Poetry," Mir established the foundations of Urdu ghazal with his emotional depth and linguistic mastery.

Classical Ghazal Emotional Expression Delhi School

Premchand

(1880-1936)

Master of realistic fiction, wrote powerful novels and short stories depicting social issues and rural life in India.

Social Realism Progressive Literature Rural Themes

Saadat Hasan Manto

(1912-1955)

Bold short story writer who portrayed the human condition with unflinching honesty, especially during partition.

Bold Social Commentary Partition Literature Psychological Realism

Ismat Chughtai

(1915-1991)

Pioneering feminist writer who challenged social taboos and wrote fearlessly about women's issues and sexuality.

Feminist Literature Women's Rights Social Reform

Daily Conversation Examples

Practice common Urdu conversations for real-life situations

Meeting Someone New

احمد: السلام علیکم، آپ کا نام کیا ہے؟ Peace be upon you, what is your name?
فاطمہ: وعلیکم السلام، میرا نام فاطمہ ہے And upon you peace, my name is Fatima
احمد: آپ سے مل کر خوشی ہوئی، آپ کہاں سے ہیں؟ Nice to meet you, where are you from?
فاطمہ: میں لاہور سے ہوں، اور آپ؟ I am from Lahore, and you?

At a Restaurant

گاہک: آج کا خاص کھانا کیا ہے؟ What is today's special dish?
ویٹر: آج بریانی اور کباب بہت اچھے ہیں Today the biryani and kebabs are very good
گاہک: ایک پلیٹ چکن بریانی لے آئیے Please bring one plate of chicken biryani
ویٹر: جی ہاں، کچھ اور چاہیے؟ Yes sir, anything else needed?

Meet Your Urdu Language Instructors

Learn from native Urdu speakers and literature experts

Ustadh Zafar Iqbal

Native Urdu Speaker & Poet

Native Urdu speaker from Lahore with MA in Urdu Literature. Published poet with 15+ years teaching experience.

Native Speaker MA Urdu Literature Published Poet

Dr. Saima Khan

Urdu Literature Professor

PhD in Classical Urdu Literature with expertise in poetry analysis and literary criticism. Fluent in Urdu, Hindi, and English.

PhD Urdu Literature Poetry Expert Literary Critic

Discover the Beauty of Urdu

Immerse yourself in the poetic language that captures the soul of subcontinental culture

Free Trial Week
Poetry & Literature
Native Speakers
Cultural Heritage