Duncan Forbes (linguist)

Duncan Forbes (1798-1868) was a Scottish linguist and orientalist, best known for his contributions to the study of Persian and Hindustani languages. Born in Kincaldie, Scotland, he received his education at St Andrews University.

Forbes's career was largely devoted to teaching and scholarship. He held the position of Professor of Oriental Languages at King's College London for several years, during which he produced a number of influential textbooks and grammars. His works were widely used in the training of British civil servants and military personnel destined for service in India.

Among his major publications are:

• A Grammar of the Persian Language (various editions) - a highly regarded grammar that became a standard text.
• A Dictionary, Hindustani and English (1848) - A comprehensive dictionary that proved to be an invaluable resource for those learning Hindustani.
• The Hindústání Interpreter (various editions) - designed to facilitate conversation and language acquisition.

Forbes's work was characterized by meticulous detail and a pedagogical approach that emphasized practical application. He aimed to provide learners with the tools necessary to understand and communicate effectively in Persian and Hindustani. His contributions significantly shaped the field of Oriental studies in 19th-century Britain, and his publications continued to be consulted long after his death.