Hey there, language learners! Did you know that kids have a superpower that adults envy? Yup, you guessed it right, kids can learn new languages way faster than grown-ups. So, while we grown-ups are struggling to wrap our tongues around the new sounds and grammar rules, especially while speaking Urdu, tiny tots are out there effortlessly spitting out those Urdu words for children like nobody’s business.
So, if you’re a parent looking to introduce your little ones to the beautiful language of Urdu, you’re in luck! Urdu is a lovely language with a plethora of fun and easy words that kids can pick up in no time. Not only will your kids expand their vocabulary, but they’ll also get a glimpse of the fascinating culture and traditions that make Urdu such a unique and vibrant language. So, let’s dive right into some of the most common words, sentences, and phrases and their Urdu meanings.
Common Urdu Words For Children
| English | Urdu | Roman Transcription |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (formal greeting) | السلام علیکم | As-salaam-alaikum |
| My name is ______ | میرا نام ____ ہے | Mera naam _______ hai |
| What is your name | آپکا نام کیا ہے | Aapkaa naam kya hai |
| How are you | آپ کیسے ہیں | Aap kaise hain |
| I am ______ years old | میں _____ سال کا ہوں۔ | Main ___ saal kaa hoon |
| I study in ____ class | میں ______ درجے میں پڑھتا ہوں | Main ___ darje mein padhtaa hoon |
| I go to ______ school | میں ______ سکول جاتا ہوں | Main _____ school jaataa hoon |
| My father’s name is _______ | میرے والِد کا نام _______ ہے | Mere vaalid ka naam _____ hai |
| My mother’s name is _______ | میری والِدَہ کا نام _______ ہے | Meri vaalidaa ka naam _____ hai |
| I live in _________ | میں ________ میں رہتا ہوں | Main _____ mein rahtaa hoon |
| I come from _________ | میں _________ سے آیا ہوں | Main _____ se aayaa hoon |
| I have ___ siblings | میرے _______ بھی بہن ہیں | Mere ____ bhai bahan hain |
| My father works as a ______ | میرے والِد _____ کا کام کرتے ہیں | Mere vaalid _____ ka kaam karte hain |
| My mother works as a _____ | میری والِدَہ _______ کا کام کرتے ہیں | Meri vaalidaa _____ ka kaam karti hain |
| Thank you | شکریہ | Shukriya |
| Goodbye | خدا حافظ | Khudaa haafiz |
Benefits Of Being Bilingual
In today’s globalized world, being multilingual has become an essential skill. And there is no better time to start learning a new language than in childhood. Here are five reasons why teaching little kids more than basic words in one language, at a young age, is a smart and beneficial choice.
#1 Cognitive Development
Research has shown that bilingual children often have superior cognitive skills, particularly in problem-solving, memory, and multitasking abilities. According to a study published in the journal Child Development, bilingual children as young as seven months showed enhanced cognitive flexibility in switching between tasks, compared to their monolingual counterparts. Learning a new language requires a high degree of mental dexterity, which helps children develop their executive function skills.
#2 Cultural Awareness
Teaching kids multiple languages at a young age exposes them to different cultures, beliefs, and perspectives, which helps them develop a more open and accepting mindset. By learning another language, children can communicate with people from diverse backgrounds, understand different customs, and appreciate the beauty of diversity. This early exposure to different cultures sets a strong foundation for children to become global citizens.
Moreover, for kids of immigrant parents who speak English most of the time, learning Urdu can also help them connect with and practice their own cultural heritage and preserve their cultural identity.
#3 Improved Academic Performance
Numerous studies have shown that a bilingual child performs better in academic subjects such as reading, writing, and math than a monolingual child. According to a research study conducted by the University of Washington, bilingual kids outperformed monolingual children in reading and writing assessments, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors. Bilingualism has been linked to better overall academic performance, higher cognitive abilities, and improved critical thinking skills.
#4 Career Advantages
In today’s competitive job market, teachers say being multilingual can give children a significant advantage in their future careers. Knowing multiple languages can open up doors to global job opportunities, especially in fields such as international business, diplomacy, and travel. According to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, proficiency in more than one language can increase students’ job prospects and salary potential.
#5 Social And Emotional Benefits
Bilingualism has been linked to better social and emotional outcomes in children. By being able to communicate in more than one language, children can interact with a wider range of people and form stronger relationships with friends. Bilingualism has also been shown to improve social skills such as empathy, perspective-taking, and conflict resolution. Moreover, bilingual children often have higher self-esteem and are more confident in their abilities.
Resources To Teach Basic Urdu Words To Kids
Now that we know the importance of being bilingual, what is stopping us from letting our kids spread their wings and learn a second language, and in many immigrant homes, their own mother tongue? Here are five resources to teach them basic Urdu at home, all the while keeping the learning sessions fun and engaging for kids. With the right tools and support, children can easily learn to speak, read, and write in Urdu, connecting them with their cultural heritage and helping them develop valuable language skills.
#1 Urdu Alphabets Flashcards
Flashcards are an excellent resource for visual learners. These colorful word flashcards can help children learn the Urdu alphabet and basic vocabulary words. They are helpful and can also be used for games and activities to make learning fun and engaging.
#2 Urdu Books For Kids
Using Urdu books for kids is an effective way to introduce your kids to the language. Books with pictures and simple language are ideal for a beginner as well as young learners. Parents can read to their children or encourage them to read independently.
#3 Urdu Language Learning Apps
There are several free Urdu language learning apps available that are designed for kids. These apps include interactive games, quizzes, and flashcards to make learning fun and engaging. One of the most trusted and engaging Urdu language learning apps for kids is the Ling app. Not only does its gamified interface attract young ones, but it has many tricks up its sleeves to keep them hooked.
#4 Urdu Language YouTube Channels
YouTube is an excellent resource for learning languages. There are many Urdu language YouTube channels designed for children that feature animated videos, nursery rhymes, and stories in Urdu. Some popular Urdu language YouTube channels for kids include Kids TV Urdu, Urdu Kids, and Urdu Kids Club.
#5 Urdu Language Tutors
Hiring a tutor can be an effective way to teach children the basics of Urdu. Tutors can provide one-on-one instruction, tailor lessons to the child’s learning style, and provide feedback and guidance. Online tutoring is also an option, which allows children to learn from the comfort of their own homes.
To Conclude
Teaching children multiple languages at a young age is a smart choice that offers numerous cognitive, academic, social, emotional, and career benefits. It is never too early to start introducing kids to new languages and cultures, and parents should consider language learning as an investment in their children’s and family’s future. With the right resources and a supportive learning environment, children can become proficient in multiple languages and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Learning Urdu Is Fun With Ling!
Now that you are determined to help your kid learn Urdu, the Ling app is here to get you started. It offers unique linguistic techniques and modern technology to provide a fulfilling language-learning experience in 60+ languages. The Ling app is the best resource, combining various linguistic techniques and modern technology to provide a unique and fulfilling learning experience.
It has a gamified interface, redolent with quizzes and interactive exercises, to keep both kids and adults hooked on their language-learning journey. So, without wasting much time, go to your Google Play Store or Apple App Store and download the Ling app for free now!
