Sunday, April 15, 2012

Saying Hello


नमस्ते Namaste.  Hello.

No. I didn’t accidentally turn on the symbols key on the computer keyboard.  LOL.  It’s how you write and say “hello” in Hindi.  I began Hindi language classes three weeks ago with a private tutor.  I love my teacher!!  She is the best!  After one week of study, I could distinguish Hindi from the other script languages.  It no longer looked like Chinese, Greek or Arabic.  After two weeks of study, I could write part of the Hindi alphabet.  Now, I can translate some of the letters to form words.  I don’t know what the words mean, but I can spell them. LOL.

Learning a new language is a HUGE challenge for me with my hearing loss.  I cannot hear all sounds, thus making it difficult to learn audibly, which is how the majority of foreign language courses are taught.  My teacher’s primary focus is teaching me to read and write Hindi; speaking and hearing the language are secondary skills.  This works so well for me.  (See, I told you she was a good teacher.)  I am having fun watching the preschool videos where they sing the alphabets and write the scripts in Hindi.

She is not only teaching me the language, she is also instructing me on the Indian culture.  I love this aspect of our studies together.  I am learning so much from her!  In the process, we have developed a genuine friendship.  She is a special person.  I LOVE and adore my Hindi teacher!