Abstract
Urdu, a language spoken by millions of people, is finding it hard to retain its true identity in the digital environment. Because of the computer keyboard based on the Latin alphabet and the lack of software support, Urdu has started fading from the web. This paper highlights the major concerns for Urdu and the shortcomings of digital infrastructures in this regard. Three important aspects are explored in this paper where Urdu has been at a disadvantage. These include the QWERTY keyboard, the absence of the Nastaʼlīq script, and linguistic hegemony in academic circles. The question of Urdu’s underrepresentation and misrepresentation is vital as new technologies “shape the language they [are] designed to produce” (Jasmin and Casasanto, 2012; p. 504). This paper explores a concrete case of coloniality that has roots in British imperialism but continues to operate today. Some efforts are being made to decolonize the digital space: activists have brought attention to the hegemony of the Latin script, created software for Urdu writing, and introduced autocorrect and spellcheck for Urdu. There is, however, little or no scholarly work in this area, primarily because the language of academia is English itself. Therefore, to make an Urdu voice heard, the argument must first be made in English. This paper is an effort to initiate this conversation, recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations, and make digital space more inclusive.
Presenters
Khawar Latif KhanStudent, PhD in Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURES, DECOLONIZATION, REPRESENTATION
