The Hindi-Urdu Language Program offers comprehensive instruction in Hindi and Urdu together from the beginner’s level. Hindi, written in the Devanagari script is the official language of the Union of India. Urdu, written in a modified form of the Perso-Arabic script called Nastaliq, is the official language of Pakistan. In their most basic spoken form, Hindi and Urdu are mutually intelligible, particularly in urban centers in north India. Learning both Hindi and Urdu together ultimately gives students the ability to interact with close to 500 million people in South Asia as well as the opportunity to explore both secular and devotional literary traditions that go back to at least the sixteenth century, and even enjoy modern media such as Bollywood movies and television soap operas, which form an important part of the lives of many in contemporary India and Pakistan.
Students who complete at least one year of study in Hindi-Urdu may apply to the intensive summer language programs run by the American Institute of Indian Studies in Lucknow (Urdu) and Jaipur (Hindi). Additionally, the South Asia Institute offers summer grants for students wishing to undertake research or internships in India.
Hindi-Urdu 101A/101B Introductory Hindi-Urdu
Instructor: Richard Delacy / Hajnalka Kovacs; M-Th, 3:00-4:15pm (Indivisible)
An Introduction to the modern standard form of the most widely spoken language in South Asia, Hindi-Urdu. Students are introduced to both writing systems: the Devanagari script of Hindi and the Nastaliq script of Urdu. The basic grammatical structures are presented and reinforced, and students are also exposed to the cultural and historical context in which Hindi-Urdu has existed over several centuries. The course also draws from the modern medium of film, in particular recent Bollywood songs, to reinforce structures and vocabulary. Students must complete both terms of this course (parts A and B) within the same academic year in order to receive credit.
Hindi-Urdu 102A/102B Intermediate Hindi-Urdu
Instructor: Richard Delacy; M-Th, 4:30-5:45pm (Indivisible)
Continuation of Hindi-Urdu 101. Emphasis on written expression and texts in both Perso-Arabic and Devanagari script systems. Students are introduced to Hindi-Urdu fables, short stories, and various other genres of literature, including poetry. Students must complete both terms of this course (parts A and B) within the same academic year in order to receive credit.
Hindi-Urdu 103AR Advanced Hindi-Urdu
Instructor: Hajnalka Kovacs; M/W, 12:00-1:15pm (Fall/Spring)
Continuation of Hindi-Urdu 102; covers topics in advanced grammar; designed to improve proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Hindi-Urdu 105A Topic in Hindi-Urdu Literature
Instructor: ____; Friday, 10:30-11:45am (Fall)
Hindi-Urdu 109B Ghalib’s Urdu Poetry
Instructor: Hajnalka Kovacs; Tuesday, 3:00- 5:45pm (Spring)