One of my big goals for this semester is learning how to read and write in Hindi. When I meet with my language partner we primarily focus on these goals. Hindi alphabet is based on phonetics which makes learning new words a little easier. If I have a strong grasp of the vowels, consonants and their combinations with the matras, I can look at a new word and attempt to pronounce it.
For the purpose of this assignment, as I read, I tried to pronounce each alphabet. Since each alphabet has a unique sound associated with it, at the end, I was able to combine various sounds to form proper words. I was able to read and comprehend more than I expected.
It is hard for me to calculate exactly how many words of Hindi I know. Since I went to school in India, I learned elementary Hindi for two years. When I moved to the United States, due to the lack of practice, I forgot all that I had learned. When I have conversations with my language partner, I can recall a lot of words. As of now, I believe I know approximately 150 words in Hindi.
My goal for this semester is learning how to read, write, understand and speak Hindi at an elementary level. In the span of three weeks, I have learned the alphabet, numbers, days of the week, and how to tell time. I feel as though I do have realistic goals. I am hoping to be able to read basic signs in Hindi and have a legitimate “elementary level” conversation with a native speaker.
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