The course is intended for learners with no previous background in Hindi or with little knowledge of Hindi. The course will introduce the lingua-franca of the Indian subcontinent in its Hindustani form. The course will enable students to have a elementary proficiency in Hindi by developing their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in the language. Learners will be introduced to Devanagari writing system which is used to write Hindi. This course will lead students to communicate effectively in Hindi in simple everyday situations. The course focuses on development of all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and all three models of communication (interpersonal, presentational, interpretive) in Hindi for effective communication. Conventional course materials will be supplemented by in-class formative assessment tools, Video clips, classroom games and other authentic materials. This course actively uses blended learning method by integrating face-to-face classroom component with an appropriate use of online tools in & outside the classroom.
On successful completion of the course, students will achieve A1 level of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). A1 level of CEFR entails that the learner –
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Elementary knowledge of vocabulary and sentence structures of Hindi to a simple level to listen, speak, read and write simple spoken language in practical day to day situations.
Elementary knowledge of the grammar of Hindi and the ability to apply this knowledge in their own oral and written language.
Ability to read and write simple words and sentences in Devanagari script of Hindi.
Be familiar with related cultural information about India/south Asia e.g. greetings, clothes, food, society, social etiquettes etc.
CEFR Self-assessment Levels
Understanding (Listening & Reading): A1
Speaking (Spoken Interaction & Production): A1
Mode of instruction
- Seminar (Three two hour tutorials every week.)
Attendance and participation are obligatory. Classes missed for a good reason (to the discretion of the conveners and to be discussed BEFORE the class takes place) will have to be made up with an extra assignment. Being absent without notification can result in a lower grade or exclusion from the term end exams and a failing grade for the course.
Being absent will result in a lowering of the In-class performamce & participation grade with 0.5 for every absence after the first three (3) times.
Total course load: 280 hours (10EC, 1 EC = 28 hours)
Workgroup – 2 hours three times a week: 2 × 3 × 13 = 78 hours
Homework & Assignment – 5 hours per week : 5 × 12 = 60 hours
Listening, speaking, writing & reading practice at home – 6 hours per week : 6 × 13 = 78 hours
Preparation for quizzes – 4 hours for each quiz: 4 × 6 = 24 hours
Projects – 16 hours for project : 16 × 1 = 16 hours
Preparation for Final exams – 12 hours for each exam = 12 × 2 = 24 hours
Review of Hindi 1 will consist of the following components:
In-class language Performance, Class preparation and participation – 10 % of final grade
Homework and Assignments – 10 % of final grade
Quizzes [Script test, Dictation, Listening Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Translation etc.] (Six – one every two weeks) – 30% of final grade
Projects (1 Project) – 10% of final grade (Audio Blog, Scrapbook, group video project, classroom presentation etc.)
Term End Oral Exam (Oral proficiency interview)– 15% of final grade
Term End Written Exam (Grammar, Vocabulary, Translation, Written expression, Reading comprehension etc.) – 25% of final grade
There will be no make-ups for any missed quiz, presentation or other activity. Only in case of a medical or personal emergency should the lecturer be informed immediately by e-mail with documented evidence for special consideration.
To successfully complete the course, please take note that the end grade of the course is established by determining the weighted average of all assessment components.
In order to pass the course, students must obtain an overall mark of 5.50 (=6) or higher. If the end grade is insufficient, there is a possibility of retaking only the term end written exam in the course (25%). Individual exams cannot be retaken.
The course is an integrated whole. The final examination and the assignments must be completed in the same academic year. No partial marks can be carried over into following years.
Retaking a passing grade
Please consult the Course and Examination Regulations 2018 – 2019.
How and when an exam review takes place will be determined by the examiner. This review will be within 30 days after official publication of exam results.
Blackboard plays a vital role in this course. Students are advised to check the course blackboard site regularly for study materials and all related information.
Rupert Snell, Get Started in Hindi [With audio CD], London: Hodder, 2014 [ISBN-13: 9781444174687]
Rupert Snell, Essential Hindi Dictionary: A Teach Yourself Guide, London: Hodder, 2012 [ISBN-13: 978-0071759953]
(These are NOT required books)
R.S. McGregor, The Oxford Hindi English Dictionary, New York, Oxford University Press, 2002 [ISBN-13: 9780198643395]
DK Eyewitness Travel, Bilingual Visual Dictionary: Hindi-English, London: DK Publishing, 2008 [ISBN-13: 9781405331630]
This literature does not need to be studied beforehand.
Students should familiarize themselves with Devanagari script (all vowels & consonants) before the commencement of the classes through
Students of the BA program South and Southeast Asia Studies are required to register through uSis before August/January 15. To avoid mistakes and problems, students are strongly advised to register in uSis through the activity number which can be found in the timetable in the column under the heading “Act.nbr.”.
Other students are requested to send an email to the study co-ordinator including their name, student ID number, course title and prospectus or catalog number. Depending on the availability of places, the study co-ordinator will register these students after August/January 15. By September/February 1 at the latest the student will be able to see in uSis whether (s)he is registered or not.
Not registered, means no permission to attend this course. See also the ‘Registration procedures for classes and examinations’ for registration deadlines and more information on how to register.
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
For this course attendance and participation is essential. Classes missed for a good reason (to the discretion of the conveners and to be discussed BEFORE the class takes place) will have to be made up with an extra assignment.
Passing this course is an additional requirement for a positive Study Recommendation at the end of the year.
This course uses integrated communicative language learning method. Therefore active participation in the classroom activities is essential for successful learning outcomes.
Students with disabilities
The university is committed to supporting and accommodating students with disabilities as stated in the university protocol (especially pages 3-5). Students should contact Fenestra Disability Centre at least four weeks before the start of their courses to ensure that all necessary academic accommodations can be made in time conform the abovementioned protocol.
Students are expected to be familiar with Leiden University policies on plagiarism and academic integrity. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. If you submit any work with your name affixed to it, it is assumed to be your own work with all sources used properly indicated and documented in the text (with quotations and/or citations).