Final answer:
Urdu and Hindi differ mainly in the script and vocabulary, with Urdu using the Perso-Arabic script and having a significant Persian and Arabic influence, while Hindi uses the Devanagari script with more Sanskrit-derived words. However, in conversational use, both are mutually intelligible.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between Urdu and Hindi is primarily script and vocabulary. Urdu uses the Perso-Arabic script, which is an adaptation of the Persian script with significant additions to accommodate sounds specific to Indian languages. Its vocabulary is heavily influenced by Persian and Arabic, reflecting historic Islamic influence in the region.
In contrast, Hindi uses the Devanagari script, which is also used to write Sanskrit, Marathi, and Nepali. Its vocabulary contains more Sanskrit-derived words, which align with the Hindu cultural and religious context. While both languages are similar structurally and share a lot of common vocabulary due to their origin from the Khariboli dialect, the formal registers of Urdu and Hindi diverge due to their distinct sources of higher vocabulary. However, in their colloquial forms, Hindi and Urdu are mutually intelligible, allowing speakers to communicate across linguistic boundaries in many everyday contexts.
In linguistic terms, the difference can be compared to the relationship between various forms of English used around the world, where vocabulary and certain grammatical nuances might differ, but basic communication is still possible. It is essential to note that both Hindi and Urdu serve as lingua francas in their respective regions, albeit with varying influences in the north and south of India.