Roman Urdu and its Effects on Standard Urdu

Abstract

This study examines the impact of Roman Urdu on standard Urdu through a quantitative, corpus-based analysis of spelling variations. Data collected from 50 Urdu-speaking participants reveal significant orthographic inconsistency due to the lack of standardized rules in Roman Urdu. The findings show that while certain common spellings dominate, multiple variations coexist for the same words, reflecting phonetic interpretation and individual preference. The study also highlights that gender has minimal influence on spelling choices. Results indicate that Roman Urdu facilitates fast and convenient digital communication but may weaken proficiency in standard Urdu script. The study concludes that a balanced approach is necessary, promoting Roman Urdu in informal contexts while preserving standard Urdu in formal and academic settings.