Hindi Language Beginner Course: SSLA for KEI Exchange Students

Welcome to the Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts (SSLA). As a KEI exchange student, your time in Pune offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself not just in the academic rigors of liberal arts, but also in the vibrant cultural fabric of India. To facilitate this integration, we are pleased to offer the Hindi Language Beginner Course.

Why Learn Hindi at SSLA?

While English is widely spoken in urban academic circles, Hindi acts as a bridge to the heart of the community. By learning basic Hindi, you will gain access to nuances of Indian hospitality, navigate local markets with ease, and connect more deeply with your peers and host families.

Course Structure

The beginner course is designed as a modular, 12-week program specifically tailored for international students. The curriculum focuses on:

• Conversational Basics: Greetings, introductions, and polite expressions.
• Survival Skills: Ordering food, asking for directions, negotiating transport (rickshaws/taxis), and emergency communication.
• Script Familiarity: An introduction to the Devanagari script to help decode signs and basic labels.
• Cultural Context: Learning Hindi through the lens of Bollywood, music, and local traditions to make the language come alive.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the semester, students will be able to:

• Construct simple, grammatically correct sentences in the present and past tenses.
• Engage in short dialogues with native speakers in a variety of social settings.
• Gain a broader understanding of India's linguistic diversity and the role of Hindi in modern Indian society.
• Identify common cultural etiquettes reflected through language usage.

Class Atmosphere

At SSLA, we believe in a learner-centric environment. The Hindi classes are interactive, utilizing role-play, audio-visual media, and community-based assignments. You will be encouraged to step out of the classroom and practice your skills in the campus corridors and the surrounding Pune cityscape.

Registration and Credit Information

As a KEI student, you are eligible to register for this course as part of your exchange credit load. We encourage all interested students to sign up during the orientation week. If you have any prior exposure to the language, please speak with the department head for a placement assessment to ensure you are enrolled in the appropriate level.

Connecting Beyond the Classroom

We invite all students enrolled in the Hindi course to participate in the "Language Exchange Meetups" organized by the SSLA student council. These informal gatherings allow exchange students to pair up with local Indian students, fostering a fun environment where you can practice Hindi while sharing insights about your home culture.

We look forward to seeing you in class and helping you embark on this exciting linguistic journey!