This semester, I was able to expand my vocabulary surrounding both complex and simple matters. The vocabulary surrounding complex matters such as opinions and thoughts on political affairs, current events, and human rights was extremely helpful to me because I can now foster a conversation with a native speaker. I can comprehend much more when I watch the Pakistani or Indian news because I was able to pick up on the formal vocabulary and manner the news reporters talk in. In addition to this, I have also learned how to interpret the formality with which someone is asking me a question with and reflect that same formality back in my tone. I am now able to communicate about simple matters as well such as time, weather, furniture, and family. The expressions and terms regarding these topics are used on a daily basis in Pakistani households. By learning the simple vocabulary associated with this, I can be better integrated into the language and culture.
The difficulties that I encountered were in writing and reading because I have no experience or background in that aspect of Urdu. There are many grammar rules that come as you read that cannot be taught beforehand. This unstructured part of Urdu that is integrated in the language posed the most difficulty for me. However, Zaka explained it in Urdu and wrote it down Urdu and after writing a side note in English by the rule I was able to refer back to it when the grammar rule came up again. The reading speed that I intended to be at was highly optimistic. I was only able to able memorize few repetitive words in short riddles. I did notice my speed picking up the more I read.
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