Learn basic phrases for communication by clicking any MP3 link on the BBC Urdu Key Phrases web page (see Resources). The Urdu word is shown in the Urdu script as well as the Romanic translation, and the translation is listed in English. Click the "Play" button to hear the word then repeat the words to learn the pronunciation.
Learn to read and write the Urdu script by visiting the Ukinda Learn Urdu page (see Resources). Visual tutorials are available to show you the basic letter strokes as well as how each letter is used. Click the "Lesson 2" link located at the top and bottom of the page to progress to the next lesson.
Sign up for free pen-pal type learning, face-to-face interaction, or to use chat software to learn Urdu at the Conversation Exchange website (see Resources). Urdu users who wish to learn the languages you speak will contact you via your preferred method of communication and will help you learn Urdu as you help them learn a language, as well. This site has the added benefit of being able to learn one on one with a native Urdu speaker.
Read Urdu newspapers online such as Inquilab and Urdu Sahara to increase your understanding of Urdu grammar and common words. Reading newspapers will help you increase your vocabulary and strengthen your reading capabilities as you learn.
Listen to Urdu radio stations to help distinguish the tones used in the language. Sada e Pakistan has a weekly radio broadcast based out of New Jersey and offers music, skits, history and travel information. Sites such as LiveUrdu offer live broadcasts from multiple Urdu speaking cities across Pakistan. Click any link of interest to hear the broadcast.