Hindi Urdu Hindustani: One Language, Three Names

Hindi and Urdu are basically same languages. Grammar of both the languages is same, and all basic words also are the same. It is almost impossible to distinguish between these two languages. The biggest difference between them is the alphabets or the scripts in which the languages are written. Hindi is written in Nagari (also called as Devnagari) script, while Urdu is written in a modified Persian script.

If we write Urdu language in Nagari script, it will be called Hindi language, and if we write Hindi is Urdu script, it will be called as Urdu language.

Another difference between these two languages is that Hindi language is influenced by Sanskrit, while Urdu is influenced by Persian and Arabic. Basically one language divided in two by Hindu Pundits and Muslim clergies. They did it because Sanskrit Pundits loved and till love Sankrit and Muslim Clergies had and have a love for Persian and Arabic languages.

The so called Hindi lovers love Sanskrit than Hindi, The so called Urdu lovers are interested in separate identity than the love for Urdu. Although the Hindi Pundits avoid to use Persian and Arabic words while using Hindi, the word Hindi itself is an Arabic word!

Hindi has a special status in India, while Urdu enjoys it in Pakistan. Hindi and Urdu are called Lingua Franca in India and Pakistan respectively. But the actual lingua franca of both the countries is Hindustani, not Hindi or Urdu! Hindi and Urdu languages are limited to literature and religion. In all other fields, Hindustani is dominant. Let it be entertainment and media, public speeches, Marketing, or just speaking with one another, in home or outside.

If you watch a Hindi movie from India and then a Urdu movie from Pakistan, you will find that both are the same languages. Even if the Indians use the term 'Hindi Movies' and Pakistanis use it as 'Urdu Movies', a notable thing is that the use of Sanskrit words in Hindi movies is avoided. In case of Pakistani movies, they avoid high usage of Persian and Arabic words. In both the cases, what language comes forward is Hindustani!

Before independence of India and Pakistan, the Names Hindi, Urdu and Hindustani were synonyms one another.

-Mahavir Sanglikar