This last week Houser and I have started to study Hindi with a tutor. We've both picked up some from living here and travelling around to different parts, but mostly only short phrases and some vocabulary. In the beginning it's always intimidating to do something new, and it feels a bit overwhelming, but it has already been really helpful. Our tutor, Poonam, is from U.P, North India, and she is very kind and patient. She has a little daughter that is also learning how to read and write Hindi right now and she often entertains us by coming in and singing and laughing.
We're starting by learning the alphabet and by practicing conversations. We will meet with her nearly every day (Mon-Fri) for about an hour or so. Our goal is that one day we will be able to fluently read, write and speak Hindi. It is the common language of India, although there are supposedly 16 official languages here. The hardest part is that the city we live in, Shillong, is full of many different tribes, dialects, and launguages. The place where the most Hindi is spoken consistently is in the market.
It has been exciting to start learning because it has made something that once seemed impossible and unattainable, practical and possible. Now maybe I can learn how to play the guitar too.
