Mastering a new language, with its array of foreign vocabulary and expressions, remains a formidable challenge for any learner, regardless of their intelligence or knack for picking up new words in conversation.
While many can manage basic communication in a foreign language, achieving fluency typically demands considerable time and dedication.
This is precisely why you may be asking: is Hindi hard to learn? And of course, how long does it take to learn Hindi?
So, let’s examine it, how hard is Hindi to learn?
Remember that embracing a new language doesn't necessarily mean that you are in for hardship. Though there will always be challenges, gaining proficiency in a new language is immensely fulfilling, and offers many benefits for general life and cognitive ability.
Initiating your Hindi studies, often hailed as the language of India, might not only pave the way for easier learning of other Indian languages and dialects—including Bengali, Pakistani, Marathi, Kannada, and Gujarati—but also potentially open doors to Indo-Aryan languages.
So, is learning Hindi hard? Keep reading and find out.
Facts About Hindi
Is learning Hindi hard because it differs from English in so many ways?
Not necessarily.
Sometimes, grappling with a language that contrasts from our own can be helpful for retention because it prevents confusion. Imagine if all languages were strikingly similar—it would be a recipe for perpetual linguistic bewilderment.
An interesting note about Hindi: it follows a left-to-right writing direction, a familiar trait for English speakers!
In addition, Hindi's readability is relatively straightforward due to its tendency to align pronunciation with written forms and given that each character in the Hindi alphabet represents a distinct sound.
For those accustomed to European languages, this approach stands as a refreshing departure, as it emphasises learning sound clusters rather than individual words and memorising exceptions to numerous grammatical rules.
Does this make Hindi hard to learn? Perhaps not!
Other Language Similarities
As expected, Hindi exhibits resemblances to several other Asian dialects and languages which can potentially ease the transition for those coming from an Asian background. But how does it fare in comparison to the European languages that may have been ingrained in our school experiences?
While distinct from our native tongue, certain familiarities emerge between English and our neighbouring European languages.
Spanish
Consider Spanish, a language seemingly distant from Hindi but surprisingly entwined when viewed through a teaching lens which highlights numerous shared words conveying similar meanings:
- 'Tu' signifies 'You' in both Spanish and Hindi.
- 'Das' denotes 'Ten' in Hindi, akin to its Spanish counterpart, 'Diez'.
- The Hindi term for 'Oranges,' 'Narangi,' mirrors its Spanish counterpart, 'Naranja'.
- In Punjabi/Hindi, a shirt is referred to as 'Kameez,' while in Spanish, it's 'Camisa.'
- 'Que Huba' in Spanish corresponds to 'What happened?' in Hindi, which is 'Kya Hua?'
- 'Mez' in Hindi/Punjabi finds its counterpart in Spanish as 'Mesa.'
Though seemingly modest and perhaps inconsequential in the broader context, these similarities highlight the potential for easily establishing connections that could significantly aid memory recall of words and spellings.
A personal Hindi tutor, leveraging your existing strengths, might cleverly recommend these mnemonic devices, especially if you're proficient in speaking Spanish, to facilitate your mastery of Hindi.
So how long does it take to learn Hindi? That could depend on what other languages you know!
French
In a way, Hindi shares some similarities with the French language, possibly due to the close resemblance between Spanish and French, both of which stem from Latin roots.
Shifting focus from vocabulary and spelling, let's explore the arrangement of pronouns and direct objects. In both Hindi and French, these precede the verb—an arrangement differing from English, where they follow the verb. However, grasping this grammar rule doesn't necessarily offer immediate assistance until it becomes a learned concept.
Another striking parallel is in the gender assigned to nearly every noun in both French and Hindi. This means that verbs and adjectives must adapt to match the gender in each instance. Practising by speaking is an important way to remember gender association for each word because the correctness of its sound reinforces memory. In addition, improving listening skills by initially listening to the language spoken slowly can also be beneficial.
English
Now, how hard is Hindi to learn for English speakers?
Strangely, English speakers have taken words from Hindi and adapted them. For instance, did you know that the word Bungalow is named after the word house in the Bengal style (from बंगला banglA)? Similarly, jodhpurs receive their name from the word for trousers worn by Indian men.
How long does it take to learn Hindi? Well, if you consider these fun word plays to help you, you could possibly speed things up!
- Bangle: written bāngṛī बांगड़ी, is a type of bracelet.
- Dungaree: the heavy denim fabric written as डूंगरी (ḍūṅgrī)
- Guru: from the Hindi word guru "teacher or priest, written as गुरुः
- Jungle: written as जङल् from the word jangal, another word for wilderness or forest
- Karma: from Sanskrit, the consequence of a person's actions
Other English words that are, in fact, derived from Hindi include: pyjamas, shampoo and thug!
How to Learn Hindi Language
Do you feel better about your question: how hard is Hindi to learn? Hopefully.
So, let’s look at how to learn the Hindi language.
When it comes to learning a new language, there is no doubt that a private tutor is by the far most effective way and certainly impacts how long it takes to learn Hindi!
Superprof, a tutoring platform, facilitates Hindi learning in South Africa through an array of personalised options. In major cities like Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, private tutors conduct in-person sessions at homes, libraries, or agreed public spots that are priced between R150 to R400 hourly. Lesson prices are based on the tutor’s experience and location.
In addition, the platform assures quality through a stringent tutor vetting process and also features detailed profiles with qualifications and student feedback for informed choices.
When it comes to how to learn Hindi language, a tutor is the fastest and most effective way to progress. But what about the resources you will need in between lessons?
YouTube
YouTube always stands out as an invaluable resource for language learners to provide an immersive experience in listening, reading, and speaking. Tailored videos simulate classroom settings or native environments to expose learners to fluent speakers and enable their practice through repetition. Numerous tutorials cover diverse topics from basic vocabulary to greetings and much more.
Language Apps
Language apps like DuoLingo and Rocket Languages offer accessible avenues for continual learning. DuoLingo's free structure encourages daily, short practice sessions, often engaging users far beyond the minimum duration. These apps maintain momentum and interest while adding to language skills.
Remember that the best way to use any language resource, especially the free ones is to augment them with the guidance of an experienced Hindi tutor. Ask your tutor to recommend the best teaching apps and games to make your learning experience more engaging and enjoyable.
Radio and Podcasts
The plethora of auditory resources available today has a direct impact on how to learn Hindi language and the question: how long does it take to learn Hindi?
While videos engage visual senses, radio programmes and podcasts are a powerful way to increase familiarity with Hindo and help with pronunciation. HindiPod 101, a commendable podcast for beginners, boasts a vast collection of audio and video lessons, complemented by learning tools like flashcards and downloadable PDF notes. In addition, interactive forums encourage queries and discussions to further enhance learning opportunities.
The versatility of resources like YouTube videos, language apps, podcasts, and radio broadcasts offers varied learning experiences that cater to different learning styles and preferences. This multifaceted approach enriches language acquisition and sustains motivation and interest in learning Hindi.
Go Abroad!
So, is Hindi hard to learn? Here’s a way to make it easier.
Immersing yourself in a country's culture and observing locals conversing firsthand is by far the most effective way to absorb a new language. Visual cues like road signs and landmarks that aid navigation also foster valuable interactions with residents, facilitating quicker language acquisition.
Also, participating in work or study groups within the country accelerates language mastery compared to solitary study back in South Africa.
Using the language in its natural context enhances retention and leaves a lasting impression in the memory.
An immersive experience that involves travelling in Hindi-speaking regions will embed the language skills more effectively and ensure a deeper and more enduring understanding.
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