Hindi is the fourth most spoken language in the world, and it has two standard varieties- Hindustani and Modern Standard Hindi. Hindustani is spoken in the northern and central regions of India, whereas Modern Standard Hindi is primarily spoken in the northern part of the country. Each variety has its unique features, which make them distinct from one another, and it can be challenging to select which variety to learn.
Hindustani, also known as Hindi-Urdu, refers to a language that is a fusion of various dialects of Hindi and Urdu and is considered the lingua franca of northern India. It is a blend of these two languages, and one can find Muslim or Persian influences in it. It is spoken by around 370 million people worldwide and is the official language of India, Hindi belt provinces, and Pakistan.
Modern Standard Hindi, on the other hand, is a regulated form of Hindi and is the official language of India. It is the simplified version of Hindustani dialects and is primarily spoken in schools, colleges, news media, and the government. The language uses the Devanagari script, which is the standard script for Hindi.
When it comes to vocabulary, Hindustani has a mix of Hindustani and Urdu words, while Modern Standard Hindi relies more on the Sanskrit language. The grammar of Hindustani is more flexible, and it uses a common script, unlike Modern Standard Hindi, which is more regimented and uses the Devanagari script.
One of the significant differences between Hindustani and Modern Standard Hindi is the pronunciation. The former is more colloquial and has many variations in the way it is spoken, depending on the region. The latter has a more standardized way of pronunciation, which is taught in schools and colleges across India.
Another difference between Hindustani and Modern Standard Hindi is the writing style. Hindustani is written in the Perso-Arabic script, while Modern Standard Hindi is written in the traditional Devanagari script.
So, which one should you learn? The answer depends on your needs and interests. If you want to understand the colloquial language of the people and speak with them naturally, learn Hindustani. If your interest lies in formal communication and written work, choose Modern Standard Hindi. If you plan on learning one language to help you communicate in both India and Pakistan, Hindustani would be the right choice as it is commonly spoken in both countries.
In conclusion, Hindustani and Modern Standard Hindi are both essential languages to learn, depending on your needs and preferences. Both languages are beautiful in their distinct ways, and learning both will provide you with a vast understanding of Indian culture and society.