Slideshows
Topic-Specific Language: Ahimsa
Dr. Shankar tackles a fascinating topic in this exploration of the language of non-violence, अहिंसा. The presentation is framed as a detailed walk-through the famous story, Siddartha and the Swan. The presentation concludes with two longer video clips related to ahimsa. The first video is a humorous clip from the Bollywood comedy about modern-day Gandhi-giri Lage… Read More
Grammar: Degrees of Compulsion
We return to grammar with this look at degrees of compulsion in Hindi. The presentation provides real-world examples (from Hindi news clippings) of how to होना (normal need), चाहिये (moral compulsion), and पड़ना (external compulsion). The presentation ends with a video from the class Bollywood film Taj Mahal. You can view the presentation online, or download it… Read More
Topic-Specific Language: Economics 2 – The Price of Coke
Dr. Shankar produces one of his best presentations yet with a line-by-line breakdown of a hilarious Coke television commercial. The video features a heroic Aamir Khan (of Bollywood fame) and some hilarious “local” dialect. You can view the presentation online, or download it as PDF or a Powerpoint presentation.
Topic-Specific Language: Economics 1 – Economic Issues & Vocabulary
We turn now to a brief series on Hindi in economic contexts. The presentation begins with a few questions which guide you through an extensive look at economics-related advertisements and news articles. You can view the presentation online, or download it as a PDF or a Powerpoint presentation.
Grammar: Conditionals and Counterfactuals
We return to grammatical concerns with this look at conditionals and counterfactuals (aka the past subjunctive). The presentation begins with a famous Ghalib couplet that features a counterfactual construction, it then provides a comprehensive breakdown of grammatical rules, and concludes with a series of useful drills. You can view the presentation online, or download it as PDF or a Powerpoint presentation.
Topic-Specific Language: Environment 5 – Bat & Bird: A Film
Dr. Shankar’s look at environmental Hindi ends with a flourish: a line-by-line breakdown of a quirky, environment-themed cartoon dubbed in Hindi. Great practice for beginners! You can view the presentation online, or download it as PDF or a Powerpoint presentation.
Topic-Specific Language: Environment 4 – Recycling Paper
Our exploration of Hindi in environmental contexts continues with this look at recycling paper in India. The presentation begins with some questions which guide you through a look at an in-depth government-sponsored recycling advertisement. The presentation concludes with a translation exercise. You can view the presentation online, or download it as a PDF or a Powerpoint presentation.
Topic-Specific Language: Environment 3 – Saving Delhi’s Environment
We continue our exploration of Hindi in environmental contexts with this look at saving Delhi’s environment. The presentation begins with some questions which guide you through a subsequent tour of newspaper and advertisement clippings. The presentation concludes with some comprehension questions. You can view the presentation online, or download it as PDF or a Powerpoint presentation.
Topic-Specific Language: Environment 2 – Saving Water
Dr. Shankar continues our exploration of Hindi in environmental contexts with this look at water conservation. The presentation begins with some questions which guide you through a subsequent tour of newspaper and advertisement clippings. The presentation concludes with some comprehension questions. You can view the presentation online, or download it as PDF or a Powerpoint presentation.
Topic-Specific Language: Environment 1 – World Environment Day
We begin an in-depth look at how Hindi is used to discuss environmental concerns with this look at World Environment Day in India. The presentation begins with some questions which guide you through a subsequent tour of newspaper and advertisement clippings. The presentation concludes with some comprehension questions. You can view the presentation online, or download… Read More