Welcome to the World of Urdu

Urdu is spoken by over 170 million people, primarily in Pakistan and India, and is known for its rich cultural and literary heritage. It evolved during the Mughal Empire, blending Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and native Indian languages. The word "Urdu" means "army camp" in Turkish, reflecting its diverse origins.

Written in the Nastaliq script, Urdu is renowned for its graceful, flowing appearance and poetic richness. It is the language of famous poets like Mirza Ghalib and Faiz Ahmed Faiz, whose ghazals explore themes of love, loss, and beauty.

Urdu’s influence extends beyond poetry, shaping South Asian literature, cinema, and music, particularly in Bollywood and Lollywood. It is also spoken in communities across the globe, from the Middle East to the UK and the US.

Our Program

The Urdu Program at UC Davis offers an exciting and dynamic learning experience, giving students a solid foundation in speaking, reading, and writing, all while immersing them in the rich cultural, historical, and artistic traditions of the Urdu-speaking world. Get ready to explore the beauty of the language, from its graceful script to its captivating poetry, and connect with the vibrant cultures where Urdu thrives!

Current Course Offerings

• Elementary Urdu (URD 1, 2, 3) – Build fundamental skills in speaking, writing, and reading.
• Program Expansion: Plans are underway to introduce intermediate level soon.

Course Registration: Students can enroll via Schedule Builder (Course Code: URD). For placement assistance, contact ME/SA Advising.

Why Study Urdu?

Urdu is more than just a language—it is a gateway to a rich cultural, literary, and artistic tradition. Whether you are passionate about poetry, cinema, history, or global communication, learning Urdu opens doors to a deeper understanding of South Asia and beyond.

1. Access a Treasure Trove of Literature

Urdu boasts an unparalleled literary heritage, from the soul-stirring poetry of Mirza Ghalib and Faiz Ahmed Faiz to the gripping short stories of Saadat Hasan Manto. Studying Urdu allows you to experience these works in their original form, preserving the depth and beauty that translations often miss.

2. The Language of Bollywood & Music

Many of Bollywood’s most iconic dialogues and lyrics are deeply influenced by Urdu. Mastering the language enhances your appreciation of classic films, ghazals, and qawwalis by legends like Gulzar, Sahir Ludhianvi, and Mehdi Hassan.

3. Unlock a Global Community

Urdu is spoken by over 170 million people worldwide, connecting you to vibrant communities in Pakistan, India, the Middle East, the UK, and North America. Whether for travel, work, or personal connections, Urdu expands your global reach.

4. Career & Academic Opportunities

Urdu proficiency is valuable in fields such as journalism, international relations, diplomacy, academia, and translation. It is also a critical language for those studying South Asian history, literature, and political movements.

5. A Language of Elegance & Expression

Urdu is known for its poetic charm, expressive vocabulary, and the beautiful Nastaliq script. It is a language where even everyday conversations carry a lyrical quality, making it a joy to learn and speak.

Urdu is not just a language—it is a cultural experience, a historical journey, and a creative inspiration. Whether you are drawn to its poetry, its cinema, or its global significance, studying Urdu enriches your world in ways few languages can.

6. The Beauty of Nastaliq Script

Urdu is written in Nastaliq, a script known for its flowing, artistic elegance. Learning to read and write in Nastaliq connects students to a tradition of calligraphy and historic literature.

Interactive Learning at UC Davis

Our classes are designed to be immersive and engaging, offering hands-on learning experiences:

• Conversation Practice: Order chai at a café, bargain in a bazaar, and introduce yourself with confidence.
• Poetry Fridays: Dive into the works of Faiz, Parveen Shakir, and contemporary poets.
• Film and Music Appreciation: Analyze Bollywood and Lollywood classics to explore Urdu’s artistic impact.
• Cultural Exchange: Participate in discussions, guest lectures, and events with the Urdu-speaking community.

Annual Event: Sham-e-Ghazal

Every year, UC Davis hosts Sham-e-Ghazal, a night dedicated to Urdu poetry and music. This event brings together students, faculty, and the local Urdu-speaking community for an evening of live ghazal performances, poetry recitations, and cultural festivities. Stay tuned for details on 2026’s event!

Join the UC Davis Urdu Community

Whether you are a beginner or have experience with the language, the Urdu Program at UC Davis welcomes you!

Contact Information:

Middle East/South Asia Studies (ME/SA)
📍 116 Everson Hall, UC Davis
✉️ Email: mesa@ucdavis.edu
📞 Phone: 530-754-4926

Start your journey into the language of poetry, history, and storytelling today!