LANGUAGE AND IDENTITY IN URDU LITERATURE

Abstract

This article explores the intricate relationship between language and identity in Urdu literature, emphasizing how linguistic expressions shape personal and collective identities. Urdu, as a historically rich and culturally significant language, has been instrumental in constructing narratives that define individual and communal self-perceptions. Drawing on postcolonial theory and linguistic anthropology, this research examines Urdu literary texts spanning different historical periods, highlighting their role in shaping identity discourses. The paper delves into the evolution of Urdu literature, from its Persianate influences in the Mughal era to its transformation under colonial and postcolonial conditions. It explores key themes such as nationalism, gender, religious identity, and socio-political movements, demonstrating how Urdu literature negotiates and asserts diverse identities. Additionally, the study analyzes language policies, linguistic movements, and their impact on the development of Urdu literary traditions, showcasing how language politics influences cultural representation. By examining select Urdu literary works, the research underscores the fluid and dynamic nature of identity, arguing that literature serves as both a mirror and a medium for identity formation. The discussion also engages with the complexities of multilingual societies, where Urdu interacts with other linguistic traditions, leading to hybrid and contested identities. Ultimately, this study contributes to a broader understanding of how Urdu literature functions as a vehicle for identity construction, resistance, and adaptation, offering insights into the socio-political and cultural forces that continue to shape language and identity in South Asia. The findings highlight the enduring relevance of Urdu literature in contemporary debates on identity and linguistic diversity.

Keywords: Urdu Literature, Language and Identity, Postcolonial Theory, Linguistic Anthropology, Nationalism, Gender Identity, Religious Identity, Language Politics, Colonialism, Multilingualism, Cultural Representation, South Asian Studies