The MEALAC Hindi/Urdu Language Program

Introduction | Objectives | Frequently Asked Questions | Web Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the basic two-year sequence called "Hindi/Urdu"?

Hindi and "Urdu" share an entirely common grammar, so from a linguistic point of view they are one language. Our program teaches the Hindi (Devanagari) script at the beginning of the elementary class, and the Urdu script during the intermediate class, so everybody ends up having two "languages" for almost the price of one. In vocabulary terms, we try to emphasize common core vocabulary rather than extremely Sanskritized or Persianized words.

What if I have a little language knowledge, but not much?

Probably you belong in the elementary class. If not, the teachers there will work with you about alternatives.

What if I am fluent in spoken Hindi, but cannot read or write?

You probably belong in the intermediate class, with an extra period of auditing the script-learning sessions in the elementary class. The Devanagari (Hindi) script is very easy and even beginners learn it quickly.

What if I only want to learn Urdu, not Hindi?

If you don't know the Hindi/Urdu language, you need to enroll in the elementary class. Learning the Hindi script (which is easy and helpful to the learner) will help you with the Urdu script (which is a bit harder). You will learn Urdu script in the intermediate class, or else you can audit the Urdu script part of the intermediate class even when you are in the elementary class, if you want to learn Urdu script very fast.

What if I am somewhat competent, and somewhat literate, in Hindi or Urdu?

Then you probably belong in either "Readings in Hindi Literature" or "Readings in Urdu Literature." Both are taught every semester, and are repeatable since the content changes every semester. To be eligible for these courses, you must either successfully complete the intermediate class, or obtain the consent of the instructor.


Home Faculty Programs Courses Languages Events News Faculty Openings Affiliates Admissions		The MEALAC Hindi/Urdu Language Program Introduction \| Objectives \| Frequently Asked Questions \| Web Resources Frequently Asked Questions Why is the basic two-year sequence called "Hindi/Urdu"? Hindi and "Urdu" share an entirely common grammar, so from a linguistic point of view they are one language. Our program teaches the Hindi (Devanagari) script at the beginning of the elementary class, and the Urdu script during the intermediate class, so everybody ends up having two "languages" for almost the price of one. In vocabulary terms, we try to emphasize common core vocabulary rather than extremely Sanskritized or Persianized words. What if I have a little language knowledge, but not much? Probably you belong in the elementary class. If not, the teachers there will work with you about alternatives. What if I am fluent in spoken Hindi, but cannot read or write? You probably belong in the intermediate class, with an extra period of auditing the script-learning sessions in the elementary class. The Devanagari (Hindi) script is very easy and even beginners learn it quickly. What if I only want to learn Urdu, not Hindi? If you don't know the Hindi/Urdu language, you need to enroll in the elementary class. Learning the Hindi script (which is easy and helpful to the learner) will help you with the Urdu script (which is a bit harder). You will learn Urdu script in the intermediate class, or else you can audit the Urdu script part of the intermediate class even when you are in the elementary class, if you want to learn Urdu script very fast. What if I am somewhat competent, and somewhat literate, in Hindi or Urdu? Then you probably belong in either "Readings in Hindi Literature" or "Readings in Urdu Literature." Both are taught every semester, and are repeatable since the content changes every semester. To be eligible for these courses, you must either successfully complete the intermediate class, or obtain the consent of the instructor.