Hindi-Urdu Language (HIUR) - HIUR101 - Introduction to Hindi-Urdu Language and Culture I

Oct 1, 2026

Uploaded by Sarah

Hindi-Urdu Language (HIUR) course sequence introduces the modern standard form of Hindi-Urdu and its cultural and historical context. Students study both writing systems, Devanagari and Nastaliq, while building core grammatical structures, vocabulary, and sociocultural norms. HIUR101 develops foundational grammar and communication skills through contextualized practice, including language structures drawn from contemporary media such as Bollywood songs.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

HIUR101 Introduction to Hindi-Urdu Language and Culture I

Course goals and learning outcomes

Writing systems and cultural context

HIUR102 Introduction to Hindi-Urdu Language and Culture II

Skills progression and communicative ability

Predictable everyday topics and formulaic forms

Hindi-Urdu Language (HIUR) 1 HINDI-URDU LANGUAGE (HIUR) HIUR101 Introduction to Hindi-Urdu Language and Culture I This course is an introduction to the modern standard form of Hindi-Urdu, the most widely spoken language in South Asia, with its manifestation in deeply rooted cultural contexts. Students are introduced to both writing systems: the Devanagari script of Hindi and the Nastaliq script of Urdu. The basic grammatical structures are presented and reinforced, and students are also exposed to the cultural and historical context in which Hindi-Urdu has existed over several centuries. The course also draws from the modern medium of film (in particular recent Bollywood songs) to reinforce structures and vocabulary. The goal of this course is to provide students with a solid foundation in HindiUrdu grammar and vocabulary, as well as the cultural awareness and practical experience necessary for basic, yet accurate and appropriate, communication in spoken and written Hindi-Urdu. This course is designed to develop students'ability in the four skills of language learning. Students will learn to confidently navigate a range of common social and "survival" situations in Hindi-Urdu target cultures. Upon completing this course, students will have mastered the core constructions of Hindi-Urdu grammar and a large body of vocabulary and cultural knowledge necessary for many real-world interactions with Hindi-Urdu speakers. Core objectives include: the development of communicative and interactional abilities in Hindi-Urdu on familiar topics related to daily activities; the development of analytical competence (analysis of language, critical thinking, etc. ) and learner autonomy through linguistic analysis and reflection; and the development of sociocultural/intercultural awareness governing language use according to the appropriate target cultural norms. Offering: Crosslisting Grading: A-F Credits: 1.00 Gen Ed Area: HA-CGST Identical With: GSAS101 Prereq: None HIUR102 Introduction to Hindi-Urdu Language and Culture II This course is a continuation of Introduction to Hindi-Urdu Language and Culture I. It offers a balanced treatment of speaking, listening comprehension, reading, writing skills, and desi culture. Through scaffolding techniques, students will reach their potential zone of proximal development (ZPD), which is Novice-High, from their current ZPD, which is Novice-Mid. At the end of the course, students will be able to communicate short, culturally appropriate messages on highly predictable, everyday topics that affect them directly. They will be able to produce lists and notes, primarily by writing words and phrases. They can provide limited formulaic information on simple forms and documents. These writers can reproduce practiced material to convey the simplest messages. In addition, they can transcribe familiar words or phrases, copy letters of the alphabet or syllables of a syllabary, or reproduce basic characters with some accuracy. Students will get level-appropriate knowledge of the target culture, which is an essential ingredient of the course. All the material and activities will be presented through contextualized material. Students can understand key words, true aural cognates, and formulaic expressions that are highly contextualized and highly predictable, such as those found in introductions and basic courtesies. They will be able to understand words and phrases from simple questions, statements, and high-frequency commands. Upon completing this course, students will have mastered the core constructions of Hindi-Urdu grammar and a large body of vocabulary and cultural knowledge necessary for many real-world interactions with Hindi-Urdu speakers. Offering: Crosslisting Grading: A-F Credits: 1.00 Gen Ed Area: HA-CGST Identical With: GSAS102 Prereq: None HIUR103 Elementary Hindi I This course is an introduction to the modern standard form of Hindi, the most widely spoken

FAQs

What writing systems are taught in HIUR101?

HIUR101 introduces the Devanagari script of Hindi and the Nastaliq script of Urdu, alongside basic grammatical structures and contextual learning.

What is the main goal of the HIUR course sequence?

The goal is to provide a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary, plus cultural awareness and practical experience for accurate, appropriate communication in spoken and written Hindi-Urdu.

What skills and communication situations do students work on?

Students develop the four language-learning skills and learn to handle common social and “survival” situations through culturally appropriate, predictable communication tasks.

Oct 1, 2026

Uploaded by Sarah