Hi. My friends and I will be traveling to India in a few
weeks. None of us understands Hindu or any of the native
languages. Should we take a crash course in Hindu, in which
we still wouldn't be able to speak it well after only
studying it for a few weeks? Or could we get around on
English, which is an associate official language in India?
Are there any areas in India where English is more commly
spoken than the rest? Please give us some advice. Thank you.
[There are 13 posts - the latest was added on Wed 19 May, 3:02]
Use the form at the end of this page to add your own post.
Topics
| Thorn Tree
| Home
English is widely spoken all over India, especially by the
middle classes. There is little point in learning Hindi or
any of the other Indian languages because they are all
regional. English is more widely spoken in the cities, but
that should not put you off visiting more remote places.
There are many difficulties and frustrations about
travelling in India, but language is not be one of them.
Have a great trip
Not knowing a local language in India is only frustrating
in that it keeps you from diving deep into the society, and
somewhat restricts your breadth - for just traveling around
and getting a sense of the place English is just fine!
thanks to the british, english is widely spoken in india.
foreigners have other problems, the last of which is
language!
Hinduism is a religion, there is no language called Hindu,
so I am confused by your post. Do you speak Christian or
Jewish or agnostic?
English is widely spoken, but knowing Hindi (or travelling
with someone who does) makes the trip much more fun. Makes
for easier travel, especially in rural areas. If you're
interested in traveling in the region north of Delhi
(Rishikesh, Haridwar, etc.), I know a 33 year old Indian
woman who is a lot of fun, a great guide, and as a
well-educated local, knows English as well as she knows her
native Hindi. Email me if you want more info. Happy to
hook you up with her. (I met her last year and we travelled
for several weeks together. Just got back a few weeks ago
from a trip I took with her through Rajastan.)
Even picking up a few of the most basic Hindi words and
phrases will add quite a lot to your trip to India. While
asking "What is the cost?" in Hindi will 9 out of 10 times
get you a responce in English, the locals do appreciate
it(and often begin the bargaining at a lower rate). Indians
are rightly proud of their language and culture and your
attempt to participate in it through language will be
appreciated.
The little Hindi Phrase book that LP produces is a damn good
start.
Just a tip. When using English stick with standard formal
English. It might make you feel like a character from a
1950s English movie but its what the locals deal with best.
If you want something, tell them so in clear and simple
terms.
You are an Idiot.
Do not make any comments about India when you don't know
Jhat.
Chuckles are you suggesting that people not even attempt to
communicate in Hindi until they have achieved the competency
of a native speaker? Shit, that would cut out half the
population of Delhi with their heavy punjabi accents.
As to the local's mirth at ones stumbling attempts at Hindi.
Surely making a fool of yourself at least once a day and
taking in your stride, is half the fun of the place!
One thing about learning HIndi grammer, is that it becomes
clear that there are very few hard and fast rules. What is
completely wrong in East UP, is the common way in Delhi,
etc.. Similarly with pronounciation -- with so many
lingusitic backgrounds trying to speak the same language,
very few Indians will not be able to understand simple Hindi
sentences spoken by westerners.
Yarra's right that people really do appreciate the attempt,
and it breaks the ice as well. I have pretty well mastered
Delhi Hindi by now, but years ago I always learned (and
still do) how to say hello, and goodbye and please and thank
you and how much and where's this or that. I'm sure I
murdered the pronounciation, still do in many cases, but I
KNOW people appreciated it. If I can amuse, I'm blessed.
It's also true that straight plain English is important.
"Man, I'm really like weirded out about this" doesn't really
do it. "And I was like, wow, y'know what I'm saying?" No,
people won't know what you're saying, and why should they.
India has taken English in its own very wonderful direction,
conservint expressions, adding interesting new ones. "Doing
the needful" is one of my favorites. It's not archaic-- it's
a living and progressing language of its own.
So learn some phrases, speak clearly, and try to learn a
little Indian English too.
Dear everyone:
Your posts are very interesting and knowledgeable to me.
Well, I am looking for the very 'standard' hindi(as
'standard' as francaise Parisienne or BBC)learning audio
and/or visual instruction materials. If any of you can
procure me the sources of supply for such materials...or can
recommend any universities (usa preferred) that provide the
std hindi, I'll be much appreciated for your help. Thank
you.
Universities of Chicago, Wisconsin (Madison), Michigan (Ann
Arbour), UC Berkeley, Texas (Austin), Washington (Seattle)
all have big HIndi depts. and should be able to help you.
....I personally recommend 'Teach Yourself Hindi',
Hodder & Stoughton 1992 ISBN 0-340-42464-8 for a good
start. The grammar is explained well and it is a well
designed course. I am a little confused by the posting
above saying that Hindi grammar is very irregular. Au
contraire! Have you tried learning French, mate?! What
a relief Hindi verbs are in comparison!
Also you could try this website:
members.tripod.com/hindi_language