There are two cultural learning goals I have for this semester, building on from surface level surveys of these topics in presentations last semester. I hope to learn about the early development of Urdu, and the role that poetry and poets played in the conceptualization and founding of Pakistan. I will begin learning about these two topics through discussions with a Pakistani friend who has learned a lot about these topics in order to give myself a general sense of areas of particular interest that I can explore in greater detail. To begin a deeper exploration of the areas in particular I want to learn more about I will use online resources, books from the library and any documentaries I might be able to find on those topics.
Nations and cultures often place much importance on their language and its development, so I believe understanding the history of Urdu will be especially beneficial because of its mixed roots originating from a language spoken primarily by Hindus but its development into its own language through Muslim conquest. Pakistan was founded on ideals held by many poets who wrote about topics relevant to the establishment of the nation and poets held an especially important status in the culture of the people who would become to be known as Pakistani. Learning about the role of poetry and the general establishment of the country will help me understand important aspects of Pakistan’s cultural heritage.
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