Why does Urdu calligraphy look so different from Arabic calligraphy?

Urdu calligraphy and Arabic calligraphy, while both using the Arabic script as their foundation, have evolved distinct styles over time due to linguistic differences, historical influences, and cultural contexts. Several factors contribute to the differences in appearance between Urdu calligraphy and Arabic calligraphy:

1. Language Structure:

   • Arabic: Arabic is a Semitic language with its own set of phonetics and linguistic characteristics. Arabic calligraphy has developed to suit the specific needs of the language, with a range of scripts that accommodate the phonetic nuances of Arabic sounds.
   • Urdu: Urdu, on the other hand, is an Indo-Aryan language with roots in Persian and Arabic. It has additional sounds and letters compared to Arabic. Urdu calligraphy has adapted to the unique phonetics of Urdu, incorporating additional characters and ligatures.

2. Additional Letters and Ligatures:

   • Arabic: Arabic calligraphy primarily caters to the 28 letters of the Arabic alphabet, each with its distinct forms. Ligatures are common in Arabic calligraphy, but the script is designed to handle a specific set of phonetic variations.
   • Urdu: Urdu calligraphy, in addition to the 28 Arabic letters, incorporates letters and ligatures specific to Urdu sounds. There are additional characters, such as those for retroflex sounds, that are not present in Arabic. Urdu calligraphy has adapted to accommodate these linguistic nuances.

3. Persian Influence on Urdu:

   • Urdu has historically been influenced by Persian, and this influence is reflected in Urdu calligraphy. Persian scripts, such as Nastaʿlīq, have had a significant impact on the development of Urdu calligraphy, contributing to its unique characteristics.

4. Nastaʿlīq Script:

   • The primary script associated with Urdu calligraphy is Nastaʿlīq. This script is known for its cursive and fluid style, allowing for a seamless flow of characters. Nastaʿlīq has become the predominant script for writing Urdu, and its distinct features set it apart from many Arabic calligraphy styles.

5. Cultural and Artistic Influences:

   • Cultural and artistic influences also contribute to the differences. The artistic traditions, historical contexts, and regional variations in the practice of calligraphy have shaped the aesthetics of both Urdu and Arabic calligraphy.

6. Modern Adaptations:

   • In modern times, calligraphers often experiment with various styles and may blend elements from different traditions. However, the foundational differences still persist, and the essence of each script remains unique.

In summary, while Urdu calligraphy shares the Arabic script with Arabic calligraphy, linguistic differences, historical influences, and the development of specific scripts, such as Nastaʿlīq, contribute to the distinct appearance of Urdu calligraphy. The evolution of calligraphy is deeply intertwined with the evolution of language, culture, and artistic traditions.