-Urdu is one of the major languages of South Asia.

-It is spoken by around 270 million speakers worldwide, with more than 130 million native speakers.

-Urdu is the national language of Pakistan and one of the official languages of India.

-Urdu has a long and rich literary history, known for its eloquence, beauty, and adab (culture).

-Its poetry is particularly loved and enjoyed around the world.

If you want to make a high-brow small talk at one of President Barack Obama's cocktail parties, don't bother brushing up your Shakespeare. Try reading Urdu poetry.{full article}

Also an integral part of Bollywood cinema.

وہ یا ر ہے جو خوشبو کی طرح

جس کی ز باں اردو کی طر ح۔۔۔۔۔۔گلز ار
­

My love, who is like fragrance,
whose language is like Urdu

---'Gulzar' from 'Dil Se'

Courses in Urdu at three levels (elementary, intermediate, and advanced) are offered on a regular basis at the UW.
Elementary Urdu: For students with no prior knowledge. Script is taught in the first quarter.
Intermediate Urdu: Prerequisite is first-year level of reading, writing, and speaking. A placement test is required.
Advanced Urdu: Rapid reading of modern and classical literature.

Contact Jameel Ahmad:
jameel7@u.washington.edu
231 Gowen Hall (check office hours or by appointment)

Or, please see the Deparment of Asian Languages and Literature website.

Jameel Ahmad

Office: 231 Gowen Hall
Email: jameel7@u.washington.edu
Address: Box 353521
Asian Languages and Literature
University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195