Learn Urdu: BolNama

BolNama is the modern way to learn Urdu the way it is actually spoken at home - script first, voice first, dignity first. Built for English-speaking heritage learners (Pakistani diaspora in the UK, US, Canada, Australia) who understand some Urdu around the family table but cannot confidently read, write, or hold a conversation. Also a clean entry point for total beginners.

WHY BOLNAMA IS DIFFERENT

Every phrase shows three lines. The full Nastaliq script. A diaspora-style Roman line, like "aap kaise hain", so you can sound it out from day one. And the natural English meaning. Roman fades as your reading wakes up.

A formality and gender toggle that no other Urdu app has. Tap once and the same phrase rephrases for tum or aap, masculine or feminine speaker. Stop guessing whether to say kaise or kaisi when you talk to your aunt versus your cousin. The app shows you, instantly.

Native Pakistani Urdu voices on every phrase. Audio is bundled inside the app, so the speaker plays even on a long flight with no signal. Two voices, male and female, switchable in your profile.

A Nastaliq masterclass that teaches every letter in all four positional forms - isolated, initial, medial, final - the way the script actually behaves on the page. Tap a letter, hear it spoken, see real example words.

Modern spaced repetition based on FSRS, the same algorithm serious flashcard learners use, tuned so you spend up to thirty percent less time per word than older systems while still remembering what you learn.

HERITAGE-RELEVANT CONTENT

Greetings and Family. Meeting In-Laws. Chai Time. Eid, weddings, condolences, and the small phrases that matter on the days that matter. Numbers, time, daily life, going out, emotions. Plus short stories, classic couplets, and cultural notes that explain why the language works the way it does, not just what to say.

PREMIUM FEEL, NO GUILT

A calm, intentional design - not a streak treadmill. No public leaderboards. No social pressure. Gentle haptics, smooth animations, full dark mode. The app is built to be picked up and put down, not to nag you.

PRICING

Try the free tier with the full alphabet and the first lessons. Unlock the complete library with a weekly subscription, a yearly subscription, or a one-time lifetime purchase, all handled through your Apple ID.

Subscriptions auto-renew at the price of the selected plan unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel any time in your Apple ID account settings. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase.

DISCLOSURES

Audio is generated using Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services Neural Text-to-Speech at build time and bundled as static MP3 files inside the app. No personal data is transmitted to any AI service while you use the app. iOS only at launch.

TERMS OF USE (EULA)
https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/