These courses, while emphasising conversational use, look at social and cultural aspects, and the grammatical structure of Hindi.
Who is this course for
This course is useful for people planning a visit to India for travel, on business, or for those who simply want to use Hindi with the Asian community in England. The course provides a good grounding for those who wish to study Hindi at higher levels too. Some previous knowledge of the language is necessary, please refer to the course description for Stage 1A which precedes this course.
Stage 1 (A, B, C) courses aim to help you reach A1 level of competency in the Common European Framework of References for languages (CEFR). Download self-assessment questionnaire
What does this course cover
This course provides a good grounding in the basic structure of the language in order to be able to follow more complex spoken language. Building on vocabulary, this course prepare the students for some new and social or practical situations while also introducing the grammar gradually and simply. The language is presented together with the cultural context in which it is used.
Devanagari script is introduced and practised from the start of the course.
The course covers: pronunciation in Hindi; talking about travel plans; asking for directions; making future plans; conditional clauses, describing past events, perfective tenses.
You will be working towards CEFR A1 level of competency.
- Recognise familiar words and very basic phrases concerning yourself, your family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly.
- Understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues.
- Interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help you formulate what you are trying to say.
- Ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.
- Use simple phrases and sentences to describe where you live and people you know.
- Write a short, simple postcard, for example sending holiday greetings. Fill in forms with personal details, for example entering name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form.
What will it be like
The main component of the course is oral communication with relevant supporting written materials.
Audio cassettes/CD are used in the class regularly.
There will be many opportunities to practise the language through group and pair work.
Grammar is taught as it arises in situations, covering only those aspects which relate to the structure used in conversation.
We assess your learning in order to recognise and record your progress and achievement (RARPA).
This is done through continuous dialogue, correction of homework and active listening, tutor's feedback oral or written, feedback on your worksheets or assignments, your own views, peer or pair assessments through role play assignments. A structured assessment will take place at the end of the course.
What else do you need to buy or do
Textbook (mostly for self-study): Get started in Hindi by Rupert Snell (Hodder) - Book+CD
Recommended grammar: Hindi - An essential Grammar by Rama Kant Agnihotri (Routledge).
You will be given homework to revise their learning and to prepare for the next lesson. It is expected that you do regular self study to further your language learning. You should ideally spend some time every day practising the language and the script. Independent work will be encouraged.
What this course could lead to
Stage 2 at the Mary Ward Centre or another CEFR A2 level course elsewhere.
I've been to many Centres to study in London and the Mary Ward Centre is one of the nicest I've studied in.MWC student
Got a Question about this Course?
Contact The Departmental Administrator.
Why come to Mary Ward Centre?
Mary Ward Centre is the adult education centre with a difference. We provide a wide range of subjects for people at all levels and run courses during the day, evening or weekend to suit your timetable.
Get inspired and enjoy excellent teaching in an environment where each individual’s learning experience is valued. That’s what makes Mary Ward Centre ‘the friendly place to learn.’