Mind Your Language: Significance of nukta in Hindi grammar

Nukta is an important element in Hindi grammar. It appears as a dot and is used to modify the sounds of certain letters in Hindi. Its use helps in adopting words from other languages and preserving their correct pronunciation in Hindi.

Nukta is a unique and significant element of Hindi grammar. Its correct usage is crucial in maintaining the richness and purity of the language. The use of nukta in Hindi helps not only in properly adopting words from other languages but also in preserving the diversity and cultural heritage of the language. Therefore, understanding and correctly using nukta is essential in the study and practice of the Hindi language.

 Usage of Nukta

In Hindi, nukta is mainly used to correctly write and pronounce words borrowed from Urdu, Persian, Arabic, and some other Indian languages. Some common letters where nukta is used include:

1.     क़ (Qaaf): क़लम (Qalam), क़ीमत (Qeemat)

2.     ख़ (Khe): ख़ुदा (Khuda), ख़तरा (Khatra)

3.     ग़ (Ghain): ग़म (Gham), ग़ैर (Ghair)

4.     ज़ (Ze): ज़िंदगी (Zindagi), ज़मीन (Zameen)

5.     फ़ (Fe): फ़ल (Fal), फ़क़ीर (Faqeer)

6.     ड़ (Dda): लड़का (Ladka), पढ़ना (Padhna)

7.     ढ़ (Dhha): पहाड़ (Pahaad), गढ़ (Garh)

 Importance:

1.     Correct Pronunciation: The use of nukta ensures the correct pronunciation of words. Without nukta, pronunciation can change, which may alter the meaning as well.

2.     Word Identification: Nukta helps in the proper identification and differentiation of words. For example, distinguishing between ‘क’ and ‘क़’ clarifies their distinct meanings.

3.     Cultural Enrichment: The use of nukta facilitates the adoption of words from languages like Urdu, Persian, and Arabic into Hindi, enriching its vocabulary.

4.     Diversity and Expression: With the use of nukta, the expressive capability of the Hindi language increases. It makes Hindi writing and speaking more impactful and diverse.

5.     Linguistic Coordination: Nukta promotes coordination between Hindi and other languages, making communication easier in a multilingual society.

Explaining the usability of nukta in Hindi grammar, Ms Ruby Bhatnagar, HoD (Hindi) at Apeejay School, Noida iterates, “उर्दू, अरबी, फ़ारसी भाषा से हिंदी भाषा में आए क, ख, ग, ज, फ वर्णों को अलग से बताने के लिए नुक़्ता का प्रयोग किया जाता है क्योंकि नुक़्ता के बिना इन भाषाओं से लिए गए शब्दों को हिंदी में सही से उच्चारित नहीं किया जा सकता। नुक़्ता के प्रयोग से उस वर्ण के उच्चारण पर अधिक दबाव आ जाता है।

जैसे- हिंदी में ‘खुदा’ का अर्थ होता है – ‘खुदी हुई ज़मीन’ और नुक़्ता लग जाने से ‘ख़ुदा’ का अर्थ ‘भगवान्’ हो जाता है।

She further added, “नुक़्ता देवनागरी, गुरुमुखी और अन्य ब्राह्मी परिवार की लिपियों में किसी व्यंजन अक्षर के नीचे लगाए जाने वाले बिंदु को कहते हैं। इससे उस अक्षर का उच्चारण परिवर्तित होकर किसी अन्य व्यंजन का हो जाता है।

जैसे – ‘ज’ के नीचे नुक्ता लगाने से ‘ज़’ बन जाता है।“