This semester was by far one of my best semesters at the University of Richmond because of this opportunity to learn Gujarati and get academic credit for it. Learning a new language at 21 years of age is challenging and I can’t say that I would have
Read more…One of the most integral gestures in Gujarati culture and greater Indian culture is the saying Namaste.
The traditional way of greeting in India is performed by holding your palms together, as in praying, and saying 'Namaste' [nah-mas-tay] or 'Namask
Read more…Are these attitudes reflected in the language?
Read more…"Why Bilinguals Are Smarter" was a pretty awesome article by the New York Times. It turns out being bilingual has profound effects on your brain; improving cognitive skills that are not related to language and even prevent dementia in older age. It m
Read more…For the past three months I have been working hard to master the basics of the Gujarati language. But it has not come easy. From tone differences, to gender variations, I have worked vigorously to properly speak basics of the language in an Indian r
Read more…The first task of a self-directed learner is to set goals. Your goals will probably be related to your reasons for choosing this particular language. What is your interest in 'your' language? What do you hope to accomplish this semester? What are
Read more…Cultural competence of the Gujarati language consists of interacting with the social and cultural aspects of Gujarati culture in reference to language learning. I find that the cultural aspect of Gujarati language and Indian culture itself, greatly c
Read more…How are families organized? Is the family evolving? How are these attitudes reflected in the language?
Read more…Are there significant differences in the language when you are talking to family rather than strangers? older people rather than younger ones? Are there class distinctions? Are there gender distinctions? What else do you know about formality and
Read more…In Tribe Revives Language on Verge of Extinction, the New York Times does a great job of explaining how one particular American Indian language with only five speakers left has been resurfaced to face extinction. Through the internet, there has been
Read more…Is there an alphabet? If yes, how many letters? What do they represent? Are there significant differences between manuscript and print? If there is no alphabet, how does the language convey information in written form? Are there related writing
Read more…My mind works to music. Since learning my ABC’s in kindergarten, I have found it easier to learn all sorts of material with songs. I enjoy making raps or rhymes rather than writing down material to memorize. I can remember songs from when I was a
Read more…Culture shock is an incredible phenomenon. Many individuals who travel and or live and must try to assimilate into another culture of people often face this. Culture shock is precipitated by the anxiety that results from losing all familiar signs and
Read more…For the past three months I have been working hard to master the basics of the Gujarati language. But it has not come easy. From tone differences, to gender variations, I have worked vigorously to properly speak basics of the language in an Indian r
Read more…Reflect upon what you learned from the culture project presentations--both your own and those of your fellow learners.
Read more…Identify a topic for your culture project and reflect upon how this project relates to your language learning. State your learning goals for this project.
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The three reading assignments for this week have been extremely helpful in breaking down language learning barriers.
How to Investigate Language Structure was an essential piece. It made me aware of how simple aspects of language that we take f
Read more…Describe a cultural product or practice and reflect upon the cultural perspective(s) it illustrates.
Read more…I thoroughly enjoyed Pooja's presentation on greetings in Hindi. I felt as though they were an effective means of comparing Gujarati culture within greater Indian culture. About two weeks ago I wrote about touching of the feet in Gujarat and I was in
Read more…The cultural dimensions of learning Gujarati are intertwined and molded by Indian culture as a whole. I have learned so far that respect for those who are older and wiser, as well as family reputation are major factors in Gujarati culture. The lang
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