NLPD publishes new Urdu dictionary

Lexicon makes use of 'Khat-e-Nastaleeq' to help readers with pronunciation

ISLAMABAD:

The National Language Promotion Department (NLPD) has published linguistically improved Urdu dictionary 'Farhang-e-Talafuz' (Dictionary of Pronunciation) in 'Khat-e-Nastaleeq' to make it easier for readers to better understand the pronunciation of Urdu words.

The previous version of 'Farhang-e-Talafuz' was designed in 'Khat-e-Nasaf', written by eminent lexicographer and notable Urdu poet Shan-ul-Haq Haqqee, said NLPD Director General Dr Rauf Parekh on Wednesday.

Highlighting the features of the updated version of pronunciation catalogue, he said 'Khat-e-Nastaleeq' would help readers to exactly grasp the genuine pronunciation of Urdu words.

"Changing the writing style of words in the dictionary was a difficult task as the available Urdu writing software was unable to design exact diacritics on the words", he expressed.

Lauding the efforts of renowned linguistic expert Wasi Ullah Khokhar, who helped NLPD to compile the dictionary, he said the writer not only designed the new refined writing style but also kept alive the pure essence and origin of the dictionary.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 14^th, 2022.