Language Learning In Cyberspace Teaching Hindi and Urdu

Language Learning In Cyberspace: Teaching Hindi and Urdu on the Web Afroz Taj Professor of Hindi-Urdu Language and Literature University of North Carolina, USA

Why Hindi and Urdu Online? Revolutions in technology Revolutions in pedagogy The North Carolina Center for South Asia Studies Out-of-date materials Post-9/11 World and Critical Languages

Revolutions in Technology Internet Email and discussion groups Media-based learning tools Broadband connections I-pods and pod-casting Teleconferencing Webcasting

Revolutions in Pedagogy Cultural fluency Student autonomy Interactive learning environment Authentic learning objects Proficiency versus translation De-emphasis of text

Background Established the Hindi-Urdu programs at NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill (1995) Taught five years through live teleconferencing Demonstrated demand justified new faculty lines Incorporated film clips, songs, and Internet Began to develop distance learning materials “A Door Into Hindi” began production in 1999 The Post 9/11 World

Course Conception Comprehensive elementary language courses Major grants from US Dept. of Education IEPS (Title VI) Urdu and Hindi Collaboration with other Urdu teachers Beta-testing in multiple universities Open to all, free of charge

ﺩﺭﻭﺍﺯہ Design Media-intensive learning: objects Filming in India and Pakistan Emphasis on cultural proficiency Grammar in context Scripted and non-scripted material Multiple layers and flexibility Classroom v. independent learners Humor and play Compatibility with Distance Education Design for the Web Generation

ﺩﺭﻭﺍﺯہ : Design Dialog Script Lesson Vocab Grammar Topics Lesson Film Exercises and Tests Culture Notes

ﺩﺭﻭﺍﺯہ : Objectives Comprehension Activation Aural Listening Speaking Written Reading Writing Cultural Observation Interaction

ﺩﺭﻭﺍﺯہ : Technology Issues Nastaliq font display, Unicode Video delivery Hosting Technical support Accessibility Future technologies Assessment

Demonstration

Where to Find Us A Door Into Hindi: http: //taj. chass. ncsu. edu Darvazah: A Door Into Urdu: http: //taj. chass. ncsu. edu/urdu

Recent Comments from Learners “I have learned Hindi by myself since last year. The website "A Door into Hindi" is the main document for me to study Hindi language. ” (Zhang Hua, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore) “Without the Teach Yourself method by Rupert Snell and A Door Into Hindi I would never have made progress!” (Lisa Kumar, SOAS, London) “The music and humor in the video clips really makes it really fun and enjoyable. Kya baat hai!” (Naresh, Texas) “I have been using your "A Door into Hindi" in the oral section of my second-year Hindi class here at the University of Virginia. My students are enjoying your films. Many thanks. ” (Holly Donahue, Instructor, Intermediate Hindi, University of Virginia) “I'd just like to congratulate you on your website. I think it's a very useful resource for those learning Hindi. ” (Neha, Australia) “Hi, I've really enjoyed your site, and I expect it to be an important part in my learning of Hindi. ” (Tim, Brazil)

“While trying to teach myself Hindi, found your website A Door Into Hindi. The videos are really great, I feel they teach language that I am really going to need in everyday situations, and I especially love the jokes which make learning Hindi on your web page very enjoyable. ” (Amelia Neumann-Samek, American University, Paris, France) “Thank you very much for making this interactive multimedia Hindi course available. I would like to use it for my introductory Hindi course, which I am going to be teaching at York University. ” (Shobna Nijhawan, Assistant Professor of Hindi, York University, Canada) “I love the Door to Hindi site. What a wonderful resource! Dhanyavaad!” (Tiernan Ray, Germany) “The dialogues are useful. The films are interesting and funny. Furthermore, they show us a glimpse of India. ” (Pauline, France) “I stumbled upon your door into hindi and I just wanted to thank you so much! I love it! It's definitely the best instruction on the web. ” (Maria, New York City) “The Wider. Net Project would like to ask your permission to include this web content in the e. Granary Digital Library. ” (Georgeanna Williams, University of Iowa)