Hindi and “Urdu” share a common grammar, so from a linguistic point of view they are one language. Our program teaches the Hindi (Devanagari) script at the beginning of the elementary class, and the Urdu script in the spring semester of the elementary class, so everybody ends up having two “languages” for almost the price of one. In terms of vocabulary, we try to emphasize common core vocabulary rather than extremely Sanskritized or Persianized words.

You probably belong in the Hindi or Urdu for Heritage Speakers’ class.

Then you probably belong in either “Readings in Hindi Literature” or “Readings in Urdu Literature.” Both are taught every semester, and are repeatable since the content changes every semester. To be eligible for these courses, you must either successfully complete the intermediate class, or obtain the consent of the instructor.