The Impact of Technology on the Urdu Language: Opportunities and Concerns

Abstract

This research article examines the impact of technology on the Urdu language, highlighting both opportunities and concerns. With the rapid growth of digital platforms, Urdu has moved beyond traditional boundaries and entered the global arena. Technology has expanded the scope of Urdu in education, communication, literature, and research. Digital libraries, social media platforms, online classes, and mobile applications have enabled greater accessibility and fostered a sense of global community among Urdu speakers. These developments provide vast opportunities for the preservation and promotion of the language in the modern age.However, alongside these possibilities, several challenges and concerns have also emerged. The increasing dominance of English in technological domains poses a threat to the linguistic independence of Urdu. Informal and non-standard writing practices on digital platforms have led to distortions in spelling, grammar, and stylistic features of the language. Furthermore, the lack of sufficient software and applications designed specifically for Urdu creates limitations for its full integration into the digital world.The findings suggest that while technology has provided Urdu with new avenues of growth and recognition, it also demands conscious efforts to preserve its originality and literary value. Effective strategies are needed to balance technological advancement with linguistic integrity. If addressed carefully, technology can play a transformative role in ensuring that Urdu remains a vibrant, globally relevant language in the twenty-first century.