Linguistic Change And Urdu: A Sociolinguistic Perspective

Abstract

This research article explores the phenomenon of linguistic change in the Urdu language from a sociolinguistic perspective. Linguistic change is a natural and continuous process that occurs in every living language due to various social, cultural, political, and technological factors. The Urdu language, being spoken by diverse social groups across regions, is constantly evolving in its vocabulary, syntax, pronunciation, and usage patterns. This study investigates how globalization,social media, urbanization, and bilingualism have contributed to the structural and stylistic transformation of Urdu.The article begins by presenting the theoretical foundations of sociolinguistics, followed by a critical discussion of how language is shaped by society and vice versa. It also delves into the types of linguistic changes, such as lexical borrowing, code-mixing, semantic shift, and syntactic innovation. A detailed analysis of the contemporary trends in Urdu  including the rise of Roman Urdu, digital slang, and informal communication styles  reveals the dynamic interaction between language and society.The findings suggest that while some changes enrich the language by increasing its expressive power and inclusiveness, others pose a threat to its grammatical integrity and literary heritage. Therefore, the study emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that welcomes organic change while preserving linguistic identity. The article concludes with recommendations for educators, media professionals, and policymakers to manage linguistic evolution thoughtfully and responsibly.