Definition

1. Noun:
   • A form of Hindi spoken around Delhi: "Hindostani" refers to a specific linguistic variety of the Hindi language, historically and geographically centered in the Delhi region. It is often associated with the basis for modern standard Hindi and Urdu.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The poet wrote in a refined form of Hindostani. (The poet used the linguistic style characteristic of the Delhi region.)
  • Linguists study Hindostani to understand the development of North Indian languages. (Scholars examine this language variety for historical insights.)

Advanced Usage

• Historical and Linguistic Context: The term "Hindostani" is often used in historical or philological discussions to refer to the colloquial language that evolved into modern standard Hindi and Urdu, especially before their formal divergence based on script and vocabulary.
  • In the 18th century, many administrative documents were written in Hindostani.
• As a Linguistic Label: It can specify the dialect continuum or the common spoken form that served as a lingua franca.
  • The British officials learned Hindostani to communicate with local populations.

Variants and Related Words

• Hindustani (noun): This is the more common modern spelling and a broader term. It can refer to the colloquial language that is the common basis for both Hindi and Urdu, especially in its spoken form.
  • Hindustani is understood by many speakers across northern India and Pakistan.
• Hindi (noun): The official language of India, written in the Devanagari script and with a vocabulary heavily derived from Sanskrit.
• Urdu (noun): The official language of Pakistan, written in the Perso-Arabic script and with a vocabulary incorporating many Persian and Arabic loanwords.

Synonyms

• Delhi dialect: A more descriptive synonym emphasizing its geographic origin.
• Khariboli: Another name for the dialect group from which modern standard Hindi and Urdu emerged, specifically referring to the dialect of the Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh region.

Notes on Usage

• The term "Hindostani" (with an 'o') is an older, now less common spelling. The contemporary standard spelling is Hindustani.
• In modern contexts, "Hindustani" is often used to describe the shared, colloquial spoken language that bridges Hindi and Urdu, particularly in film (Bollywood) and popular music.
• It is important to distinguish "Hindostani/Hindustani" from "Hindi." While related, "Hindi" typically refers to the standardized, Sanskritized register used in formal Indian contexts, whereas "Hindustani" often implies the more neutral, common spoken form.

Noun

1. a form of Hindi spoken around Delhi