In today’s globalized world, where technology connects people from all corners of the globe, language should be celebrated and empowered, rather than excluded. However, many non-Latin languages, including Urdu, face significant challenges in the digital age.
The Struggle with Existing Urdu Keyboards and Fonts:
Zeerak Ahmed, a tech professional hailing from Lahore, Pakistan, experienced firsthand the limitations of existing Urdu keyboards and fonts. Determined to find a solution, he spent years developing the Matnsaz iOS app, an innovative Urdu keyboard that offers enhanced features and functionality not commonly found in mainstream devices. Ahmed’s mission was to empower users to seamlessly embrace their mother tongue without compromising on the convenience of modern technology.
The Complexity of the Urdu Script:
Urdu is a language rich in tradition and cultural significance. Its unique script, Nastaliq, adds an additional layer of complexity, making digitization a formidable challenge. Graphic designer and web developer Abeera Kamran emphasizes the need for typographic sophistication to cater to the expectations of younger generations accustomed to Latin scripts. Limited digital content in Urdu compared to other languages has led to the widespread use of Roman Urdu as a substitute, hindering the preservation and evolution of the language.
Initiatives Paving the Way for Urdu Digitization:
Passionate individuals like Zeerak Ahmed and Abeera Kamran are at the forefront of several groundbreaking initiatives aimed at revitalizing Urdu in the digital landscape. The Matnsaz app is just one part of their larger vision, encompassing open-source Urdu text corpora and string processing libraries. These initiatives tackle the lack of accessible tools and resources for Urdu computing head-on, taking a bold step towards ensuring Urdu’s relevance for future generations.
Cultural Significance and Addressing Resistance:
Urdu stands as an embodiment of Pakistani identity and a powerful symbol of resistance against colonization. Embracing digitization can be a sensitive issue, with cultural associations and ideological ties to Nastaliq script playing a crucial role. Nasrullah Mehr, an acclaimed calligrapher, and his son Zeeshan Nasar founded MehrType, focusing on creating customized Urdu fonts while preserving the beauty and integrity of Lahori Nastaliq script. Sanjiv Saraf’s platform, Rekhta, curates the largest online library of Urdu poetry, making this rich heritage accessible to a wider audience.
Overcoming Accessibility Challenges:
The digitization of Urdu faces various obstacles, such as the absence of optical character recognition for the language. Texts scanned from physical copies remain inaccessible until converted into machine-encoded text. Additionally, the lack of standardized spellings in Roman Urdu poses challenges for accurate search results and comprehensive research. Efforts are underway to address these issues and enable meaningful access to Urdu literature and resources.
The Path to Progress:
Despite the significant hurdles, remarkable progress has been made in Urdu digitization over the past decade. From reliance on outdated word processors to the development of diverse keyboard options and fonts, Urdu is gradually finding its place in the digital realm. Encouragingly, tech giants like Google have extended their support to improve the accessibility and usability of Urdu language tools.
The journey towards digitizing Urdu is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of individuals determined to bridge the digital divide. While challenges exist, the ongoing efforts of Zeerak Ahmed, Abeera Kamran, Nasrullah Mehr, Zeeshan Nasar, and Sanjiv Saraf, among others, provide hope for a more accessible and vibrant digital future for Urdu. By embracing technology and nurturing a cultural reckoning, Urdu stands poised to thrive in the digital age and preserve its rightful place as a language that connects millions of people worldwide.
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