I’ve yet to come across a child that has access to an iPad or other tablet yet does not know how to use it. Toddlers seem to pick up on how to use tablets very fast, much faster than some adults, and therefore a tablet or smartphone can be a great way to get your toddler to learn while playing, or stay entertained if you are busy. A 2011 Nielson survey found that 80 percent of parents with a tablet will let their child use it.
With thousands of apps geared at kids on both the iTunes App Store and the Google Play Store, you would imagine there would be quite a few in the Urdu language. Unfortunately, not yet. While there are many companies developing apps for kids and the youth alike, it seems as though very few of them have considered the growing demand for Urdu apps for kids. Many parents in Pakistan, or even Pakistanis living abroad, want their children to learn Urdu and be just as comfortable with the language as they are with English.
The Growing Demand for Urdu-Based Apps
Faryal, a working mother with two sons shared her reasoning behind wanting more Urdu apps, “I didn’t want my sons growing up thinking all fun things are in English, or rather, not local.” Pakistanis living abroad have an even bigger reason for wanting their children to have early exposure to their native language, “we want them to learn Urdu, but living abroad with no family nearby means it can get difficult to keep their vocabulary growing. Urdu apps have helped, and I love that my son is learning the same nursery rhymes I grew up listening to”, says Salman who lives in New York with his wife and 3-year old son.
Even though there aren’t a lot of Urdu educational apps for children with high ratings on the iTunes App Store, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites for iOS that come recommended by parents and children alike.
Duddoo Aur Dhobi – Free (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)
Launched by Jugnoo Media, Duddoo Aur Dhobi is an extremely popular app with every parent I talked to. It includes two nursery rhymes – “O Baba Duddoo’a” and “Dhobi Aaya” – and is geared towards preschoolers.
App Store Description
“Duddoo Aur Dhobi by JugnooMedia is an interactive digital musical toy for toddlers 1 – 3 years of age. Based on two popular South Asian nursery rhymes, it has relevant desi cultural images, icons, rhymes and characters. “O Baba Duddoo’a” and “Dhobi aaya” were and still are two iconic nursery rhymes for playgroup and preschoolers. Take Duddoo on an action packed ride to end up with a fun counting sequence. Make Duddoo sit on the bird to start his journey and on the way tap everything to explore and discover hidden characters. Duddoo Aur Dhobi provides a fun learning environment for kids to explore – with characters and stories that you yourself grew up with.”
AlifBayPay – Free (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)
One of two apps on this list developed by Qurtaba, Alif Bay Pay teaches toddlers the basics of the Urdu alphabet. The company has multiple apps in the Urdu language, and has plans to develop more according to one of the co-founders, Arjumand Azeemi:
“At Qurtaba, we believe that it is just another way to increase cultural awareness in young children with the use of technology that they love. Qurtaba is a pioneer in this industry, as there were no Urdu apps in the iTunes app store until Qurtaba decided to develop the Urdu apps. We will be launching more Urdu apps this fall rekindling the love for Urdu among children and their parents.”
App Store Description
“Alif Bay Pay is an interactive, fun and educational tool for toddlers and tots in your family. It provides the best way for kids to be able to familiarize and recognize Urdu Alphabets. Alif Bay Pay is Toddler tested and approved. It will keep the toddlers entertained and engaged while developing important pre-reading Urdu skills.”
Urdu Nursery Rhymes – Free (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)
The second app on this list by Qurtaba, Urdu Nursery Rhymes is the perfect app for pre-school and early school going kids. There are six popular nursery rhymes included in this app: Abbu Laya Motor Car, Eik Tha Titar Eik Batair, Churya Ghar, Murghi Aur Churya, Assalam-o-Elaikum, and Bulbul Ka Bacha.
App Store Description
“Urdu Nursery Rhymes is great fun and an educational tool especially for pre-school and early school going kids. You will find popular nursery rhymes through which your kids will learn and familiarize with Urdu poems while getting entertained with fine illustrations and appealing animation.”
Download Link
Tot Batot – Free (iPad)
Developed by Toofan Interactive, Tot Batot is a narration of Sufi Tabassum’s timeless Urdu poem, and can be enjoyed in different ways based on the child’s preference. The company is also hoping to launch another app for children soon.
App Store Description
“Tot Batot is the timeless tale of a very special young boy. Sufi Tabassum’s timeless urdu poem has entertained and enthralled children through the ages and now it is available on the iPad. Watch and interact with the timeless characters as they come to life amid voice over provided by renowned poetess Zehra Nigah. Tot Batot is a must-have app for urdu enthusiasts and young children around the world.”
This round-up is by no means exhaustive. Did we miss out an app your kids love? Let us know in the comments!
